California Rosé: Made for More Than Just Summer

Rosé isn’t just for summer. This is a versatile, approachable, year-round crowd-pleaser. Typically dry and bright, California rosés highlight fresh fruit flavors without overwhelming sweetness, making them perfect for casual sipping or pairing with meals.

Tasting Notes

California rosé usually features:

• Strawberry and watermelon

• Raspberry

• Citrus zest

• Subtle floral notes

Its vibrant acidity keeps the wine refreshing, while the fruit-forward character ensures it pairs easily with a variety of dishes.

The Many Styles of California Rosé

Winemakers throughout the state produce rosés from a wide range of grape varieties, including Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel and more. Depending on the grapes used and where they’re grown, a California rosé can be light and crisp with bright citrus notes, bursting with fresh strawberry and watermelon flavors, or more complex with floral, herbal and spice characteristics. Some are bone dry and refreshing, while others offer a richer texture and deeper fruit expression. This diversity means there’s a California rosé for nearly every palate, occasion and food pairing.

How Rosé Gets Its Pink Color

Despite its rosy hue, most rosé is not made by blending red and white wine. Instead, rosé begins with red wine grapes. After the grapes are crushed, the juice is left in contact with the grape skins for a short period of time, typically just a few hours to a couple of days. Because the color of red grapes is found in the skins, this brief contact gives rosé its signature shades of pink while preserving its fresh, vibrant character. Once the desired color and flavor are achieved, the skins are removed and the juice is fermented much like a white wine. The result is a wine that combines some of the fruit and complexity of red wine with the brightness and refreshment of white wine.

Food Pairing Ideas

• Charcuterie boards and cheese plates

• Tacos and grilled vegetables

• Sushi and poke bowls

• Picnics and casual gatherings

Whether you’re relaxing on the patio or hosting friends, California rosé is approachable, stylish and endlessly enjoyable.