The heatwave is back again, and the thermometer often reads 30°C (86°F) or higher. On such days, there’s nothing better than a light, refreshing glass of wine to cool down and lift your spirits during the summer. But did you know that the temperature at which you drink your wine can make a big difference in how enjoyable it is? The Match the Wine team has gathered the best tips to help you get the perfect taste experience even in the scorching heat.

Light White Wines – 8-12°C (46-54°F)

Light, reductive white wines are especially enjoyable in the heat, with their refreshing acidity and crisp fruitiness. They should be served between 8-12°C, and even chilled down to 8-9°C if you’re drinking them outdoors, for example on a terrace. Remember, the wine bottle or glass can warm up quickly, so serving them a bit colder ensures they stay refreshingly cool from the first sip to the last.

Rosé Wines – 8-10°C (46-50°F)

Rosé wine is a true summer favorite, and its crisp, fruity flavors shine best between 8-10°C. This temperature range enhances the wine’s refreshing and cooling qualities, making it perfect for hot days. It also makes a fantastic base for a spritzer (fröccs), so if you want a really refreshing drink, a rosé spritzer is a great choice.

Fruity, Light Red Wines – 12-14°C (54-57°F)

Red wines are not off-limits in the summer! Fruity, light, reductive reds are best served slightly cooler than room temperature—around 12-14°C. This cooler temperature preserves their fruitiness and lightness, so enjoying red wine on a hot day doesn’t feel heavy.

Sparkling and Semi-Sparkling Wines – 6-8°C (43-46°F)

The ultimate summer refreshers are sparkling and semi-sparkling wines. They should be served well chilled, at 6-8°C, to fully enjoy their lively bubbles and refreshing character. A perfectly chilled glass of bubbly is a real delight on a hot day, whether for a celebration or just relaxing.

Alcohol-Free Wines and Sparkling Wines – 6-8°C (43-46°F)

Alcohol-free wines and sparkling wines, especially the slightly sweet varieties, are also excellent choices for summer. Serving them chilled at 6-8°C highlights their freshness and fruitiness while preserving their subtle sweetness—all with zero alcohol content.

A Few Extra Tips for Perfect Summer Wine Enjoyment

• Fröccs (spritzers) for everyone! A fröccs made with chilled light white or rosé wine and soda water is one of the best thirst-quenchers in the heat.
• Chill a bit more! Since glasses warm up quickly in hot weather, take your wine out of the fridge 1-2°C colder than the ideal serving temperature to keep it cool longer.
• Don’t let the bottle warm up! If your glass is empty between pours, pop the bottle back in the fridge for a few minutes so the next glass stays fresh and refreshing.
• Stay hydrated! Remember to drink plenty of water alongside your wine to stay hydrated and make your wine drinking truly refreshing.

Drinking wine at the right temperature not only improves its taste but also makes the experience much more enjoyable during the heatwave. Browse the Match the Wine webshop and pick your perfect summer wines to fully enjoy every moment of the season: