9 Chillable Red Wines from Temecula Valley to Liven Up Your Summer Sipping
Sure, you’ve reached for a bottle of crisp white wine, rosé, bubbly, or even a cold beer when temperatures rise. But if you’re a wine lover, you haven’t lived until you’ve sipped on a chilled red. In Southern California, the Temecula Valley is a vibrant wine region that boasts an exciting wine scene, perfect for warm weather sipping—year-round! As things heat up outdoors, our taste buds crave refreshing wines, and Temecula Valley’s unique climate and diverse terroir deliver these in spades, not to mention the perfect setting in which to sip these selections.
The concept of chilling a red wine may be unfamiliar to some, but certain red varieties, when slightly cooled, reveal enhanced fruit flavors, bright acidity, and an even juicier finish, making them ideal for summer. Temecula’s passionate winemakers have embraced this trend, producing an impressive array of chillable red wines that blend juicy fruit flavors and hints of earthiness, perfect for those warm, lackadaisical afternoons.
In this round-up, we’ll explore some of the standout chillable red wines from Temecula Valley that pair perfectly with warm weather. From light and fruity, to full-bodied and hearty, to slightly sweet and juicy, these selections are not only refreshing but also versatile, matching beautifully with a variety of summer dishes. Join us as we delve into the unique profiles of these delightful wines, each offering a taste of Temecula’s sun-kissed vineyards and the passionate craftsmanship of its winemakers. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, these chillable reds are sure to enhance your summer moments with their lively and irresistible charm.
Churon Winery Sweet Ruby, $43
Introducing Sweet Ruby from Churon Winery, a delightful red that redefines summer refreshment. Crafted with care, this sweet, port-like wine offers a harmonious blend of honey and currant flavors, a light body, and a tasty tootsie roll finish. Dani Thomas, a tasting room server at Churon Winery, recommends enjoying this wine chilled to fully appreciate its sweet and refreshing character, perfect for hot summer days.
Sweet Ruby pairs wonderfully with your favorite dark chocolate, enhancing its rich flavors and creating a decadent summer treat. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a warm evening on the patio, this chillable red wine promises a refreshing and indulgent experience.
Learn more about Churon Sweet Ruby here.
Wiens Cellars Dolcetto, $38
This Dolcetto is a Temecula Valley gem and perfect for summer enjoyment. Composed of 100% Waxman Vineyard Dolcetto, the wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of American and French oak, 25% of which is new. With a modest alcohol content of 13.6% and just a touch of residual sugar (0.2%), Dolcetto offers a delightful balance of flavors, like red candy and cardamom, with balanced acidity, and a hint of cinnamon bark on the finish.
Dolcetto is a fantastic chillable red. Pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes to let its fruit and violet notes shine, creating a refreshing and vibrant drink for warm days. Pair it with pizza, pasta, mushrooms, or grilled meats for an effortlessly cool summer meal.
Learn more about Wiens Cellars Dolcetto here.
This 100% Estate Grenache embodies the essence of summer refreshment. Crafted by winemaker Dakota Denton, Hesperus features bright cranberry and fresh berry flavors, complemented by a hint of plum. Its vibrant fruit profile and light body make it an exceptionally easy-drinking red, perfect for warm—or cool—weather enjoyment.
Hesperus shines when chilled, bringing out its fresh fruit notes. Pair this delightful wine with country music and a swimming pool for some laid-back summer fun or enjoy it alongside a nice sheep’s milk cheese for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Learn more about Gershon Bachus Hesperus here.
Europa Village En Vie Red Blend, $46
This is a bold and luxurious red that’s perfect for summer. A blend of classic Rhône Valley grapes Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, this full-bodied wine has a deep color and flavors of plum and blackberry, with hints of black pepper and huckleberry.
What makes En Vie perfect for summer is how flexible it can be, depending on how you serve it and with what. Chill it down to soften the powerful flavors, making it a refreshing and sophisticated option for warm evenings. “This is full bodied and powerful enough to pair with red meats and game,” says Matt Rice, director of winery operations at Europa Village. “But chilling it brings out a softer, more gentle feel to the fruit that further increases its versatility.” When chilled, pair it with chilled steak tartare; when serving it cellar temperature, try it with beef brisket for an unforgettable meal.
Learn more about Europa Village En Vie here.
Bel Vino Dolce, $27
Fans of a hint of sweetness in their wines will love Bel Vino’s Dolce Semi-Sweet Red. This decadent wine is bursting with ripe cherry, plum, and chocolate flavors, accented by vanilla and spice notes. We love this wine chilled for a touch of summer indulgence.
Dolce Semi-Sweet Red is a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Pair it with chocolate-covered strawberries for a delightful combination that will elevate any summer gathering.
Learn more about Bel Vino Dolce Semi-Sweet Red here.
Say hello to your new Temecula Valley summer favorite. Crafted by winemaker Tim Kramer, this Cinsaut is blended with just a touch of Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah for oomph. This wine is all about fun and refreshment. It’s bursting with bright red cherry notes, lively acidity, and a super soft finish, making it the perfect light red wine to chill and enjoy on those hot summer days.
Pop it in the fridge for a bit before serving and let the flavors come alive. Pair it with smoked honey BBQ pulled pork and blue cheese coleslaw sandwiches on toasted Hawaiian rolls for a mouthwatering summer feast.
Learn more about Leoness Cellars Cinsaut here.
South Coast Winery Romanza, $20
This is the ultimate chillable red for your summer adventures. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson has crafted a fun and funky blend of 65% Merlot, 17% Touriga Nacional, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Zinfandel, 4% Mourvèdre, and 2% Muscat Canelli. This wine is a vibrant medley of blackberry, strawberry, and blueberry flavors, accented by delicate floral and spice notes. Lightly sweet and pleasantly tart, Romanza is perfect over ice, with sliced fruit, or on its own.
What makes Romanza an exceptional summer choice is its low tannin expression and big fruit aromas, which become incredibly refreshing when chilled. Whether you’re grilling hamburgers, enjoying carne asada, digging into pizza, savoring BBQ chicken, or having a steak salad, Romanza is the perfect pairing for your summer meals.
Learn more about South Coast Winery Romanza here.
Peltzer Farm & Winery Rustik Red, $53
Meet Rustik Red from Peltzer Farm & Winery, a vibrant choice for your summer sipping. Crafted with care, this easy-drinking red features notes of dried cranberry, cacao nibs, and red plum flavors, with Barbera and Zinfandel taking center stage. Front of house manager Danae Wilson recommends enjoying this red wine slightly chilled, making it perfect for a relaxing hot-tub night.
With 22 months of aging and an alcohol content of 14.9%, Rustik Red is also big and bold and powerful enough to pair with smoked short ribs or classic Texas-style BBQ beer brisket.
Learn more about Peltzer Rustik Red here.
Wilson Creek Winery VS Cabernet Sauvignon-Zinfandel, $45
A summer in Temecula Valley wouldn’t be complete without at least a few bottles of Wilson Creek’s VS Cabernet-Zinfandel blend. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Zinfandel, this wine somehow manages to be at once full-bodied, fruit-forward, and light on its feet. It’s packed with jammy dark berries and soft tannins from the Zin, backed by the robust structure of Cabernet, and rounded out with vanilla and spice notes from 15 months in American oak, resulting in a delicious balance of flavors.
The VS Cabernet-Zinfandel is an ideal chillable red for summer. By slightly delaying the harvest to increase grape ripeness, some natural grape sweetness is retained, making the wine as easy-drinking as it gets. When chilled, the concentrated flavors become even more refreshing, perfect for warm summer days. Pair this versatile wine with Texas-style barbecue brisket for an unbeatable outdoor feast.
Learn more about Wilson Creek VS Cabernet/Zinfandel here.
