It has happened again: You’ve been invited to a last-minute get-together with friends, and you’re in charge of bringing a bottle of wine. Now, you’re standing in front of the selection at the liquor store, trying to decide what to buy. Do you choose the label with the clever play on words or the cute caricatured forest creatures? Whatever you decide, you know there must be a better way to choose the best wine for a dinner party.

The rules around wine drinking have relaxed over the last few years. We’re no longer bound by guidelines that say red wine is for beef dishes, white is for chicken and seafood, and rosé is only for the summer. Nowadays, bottles (or cans) of red, white, and rosé wines go with everything and anything. Don’t be afraid to mix things up or put ice in your drink *gasp.* 

Ready to skip the tasting notes and sample something wonderful? Pull out your best wine glasses and enjoy our guide of vintages perfect for family dinners, intimate gatherings with friends, or kicking back solo on the patio. Don’t forget to bring the ice.

1. Nottingham Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

A bouquet of flowers, white peach, green apple, pineapple, and ripe Italian melon burst out of the glass, welcoming the onslaught of racy, tart, and tropical flavors on the palate. A bright, refreshing opening leads to a slow finish that leaves you always wanting more. Enjoy paired with your favorite meal or simply chilled on its own on a hot summer day!

$25.99

2. Gruet Sparkling Wine Demi-Sec 750ml

Feeling bubbly? With a fresh and toasty bouquet, this Demi-Sec blooms with the fresh aroma of apples, pears, and peaches. Upon the first sip, those scents transfer to the palate that transitions to a well-balanced and exotic finish of honeysuckle and pineapple. Perfect as a dessert wine or a refreshing tipple for those with a sweet taste.

$20.99

3. Saved Red 750ml

Can’t make up your mind? This gorgeous red blend from California’s wine region mixes Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Zinfandel, and small amounts of other red varietals, designed to create a robust, powerful wine with a big personality. Its bright aroma of fig and vanilla will draw you in and lead you to intense flavors of blackberry and spice with a deliciously drawn-out and generous finish.

$23.49

4. Wyndridge Vines Rose 4pk 12oz Can 7.0% ABV

Wine in a can? Why not? Windridge selects only the best fruits to make refreshing beverages that you can take anywhere. This sparkling rosé begins with a floral nose that leads to an off-dry finish. A light, effervescent mouthfeel bursts with the delicate flavors of citrus, grape, and melon that combine for a sweet, approachable, and satisfying finish.

$12.49

5. Gerard Bertrand Hedo Rose 750ml

This is a full-bodied, well-balanced rosé wine imported from Languedoc, France. Its bouquet offers mouthwatering aromas of summer fruits, cassis, and red currant, complemented by the flirtatious addition of rose and grapefruit scents. Vibrant red berry flavors arrive on the first sip, then mellow to a subtle combination of mint, pink grapefruit, strawberries, and lemon verbena, for a light, lingering finish.

$17.99

6. Yellow Tail Pure Bright Chardonnay 750ml

The classic Australian vintage, Yellow Tail Pure Bright Chardonnay, delivers the bright notes of fresh peach and melon and a hint of vanilla for a refreshing, light-bodied, full-flavor white wine with a silky smooth finish. It’s the perfect complement to a delicious summer meal of roast chicken and veggies or lobster and garlic butter.

$8.99

7. Willamette Valley Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 750 ml

Start with the fresh scents of pear, pineapple, grapefruit, and honeysuckle. Then, add Meyer lemon’s juicy flavor and aromas to honeydew melon and jasmine. It’s a combination that gives Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot Gris a bright acidity that leads to a clean and lingering finish. This wine is the perfect addition to an alfresco meal of seafood, pesto-baked chicken, or Thai lettuce wraps.

$19.99

8. Creta Roble Tempranillo 750ml

Direct from sunny Spain, this inky red wine arrives with the aromas of espresso, incense, and black cherry. Flavor layers of concentrated red fruit and aromatic flowers craft a well-structured wine. Thanks to a delicious lift from the spicy addition of oak and sweet tannins, it avoids a heavy finish. Enjoy its complex flavor with grilled meats, Mexican food, and tomato-based sauces.

$16.99

9. Tyku Junmai Ginjo Sake 330 ml

Looking for something different? Why not give rich sake a try? Tyku Junmai offers a smooth flavor profile with peach on the nose and a subtle hint of spice underneath. Soft and creamy with deep viscosity that coats the palate and produces a delightfully long, crisp finish. This wine has depth and body that pairs well with lighter Western fare but is delicate enough to complement Asian cuisine.

$18.99

10. Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 375ml

Caymus Cabernet delivers a Cabernet Sauvignon with layered, lush aromas and flavors that include hints of cocoa, cassis, and ripe dark berries. This delicious California red wine is rich and ripe, thanks to its velvety tannins that give it youthful approachability. It’s the perfect wine for an indulgent prime rib meal with all the fixings.

$55.99

11. Secret Squirrel GSM Columbia Valley 750ml

Crafted from the juices of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre grape varieties, this wonderfully complex red wine delivers aromatic florals, rich fruits, spice, and redolent woods. Its flavor is vibrant and fresh on the palate, with a plush and fleshy finish that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a romantic picnic of fresh bread, rich cheeses, and juicy berries.

$31.99

12. Babe 100 Wine Variety 6pk 8.4oz Can 6.9% ABV

Sometimes, you just can’t decide. And that’s okay. Babe understands. Introducing the BABE 100 Variety Pack — serving you delicious bubbly rosé, white, and red wines. It’s your favorite assortment of go-anywhere, lower-calorie wines perfect for sharing. One can equals a full glass of wine, so you always know where you stand.

$12.99

13. Barefoot Malbec 750 ml

Take the time and enjoy the Barefoot life. Barefoot Malbec is a luscious and juicy red wine from the Sunshine State. This medium-bodied red combines the bolder flavors of blackberry and currant with subtle notes of vanilla to create a smooth and dry-finishing experience. The addition of toasted oak makes this the perfect accompaniment to barbecued steak, spicy pulled pork, or pizza.

$11.99

14. Dark Star Zinfandel 750ml

A robust combination of grapes from Paso Robles in California, Dark Star serves up a glass of crisp red wine that balances its less jammy flavor with its acidity. Delicious floral notes blend with the distinctive taste of red-fleshed fruit, peppercorns, and spice to create a complex wine that’ll satisfy even the pickiest palates. Serve it with meals boasting rich sauces and portobello mushrooms.

$34.99

15. Carlo Rossi Moscato Sangria 4 L

For nights when you need more of everything, this sweet and fruity white Sangria is a fun and fizzy combination of Moscato wine with hints of orange, peach, and apple flavors. Best served chilled, or over ice, it’s the perfect addition to any social gathering. Enjoy it slowly, paired with your favorite fruits, cheeses, and mildly sweet desserts. 

$14.99

FAQ

What is the most popular wine?

Wine preference is deeply personal. A popular choice among sommeliers may hit all the wrong notes for you. But, since you asked, here are some of our favorites.

Best Red Wine: Saved Red has a great body that isn’t overpowered by tannins. 

Best White Wine: You can’t beat Down Under’s delicious Yellow Tail Pure Bright Chardonnay for a bright, clean, and refreshing drink.

Best Sweet Wine: Fruit and wine come together in Wyndridge Vines Rosé for a light, sweet beverage that everyone can enjoy.

Best Sparkling Wine: Enjoy some anytime bubbles that aren’t too sweet with Gruet’s light and fruity Demi-sec Sparkling Wine.

Best Break from the Usual: Shake things up a bit with Tyku Junmai Ginjo Sake, a delicious Japanese sake (rice wine).

What are the 7 types of wine?

You’re probably already familiar with the three primary varieties of wine, red, white, and rosé, but let’s get to know the other four.

RED WINE:

Red wine gets its color by fermenting black grapes with their skin. The skins give the wine its rich hue, ranging from light ruby red to deep oxblood. The tannins are responsible for its dry, astringent mouthfeel, especially characteristic of bold reds. 

Light body, few tannins, low alcohol: Pinot noir, Gamay

Medium body, moderate tannins, and alcohol: Grenache, Chianti, Cabernet Franc, Côtes du Rhône, Merlot

Full body, high alcohol, bold tannins: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Bordeaux, Malbec, SyrahRecommended food pairings: A good rule of thumb is the bolder the flavor, the heartier the food. So a light pinot noir would be great with pasta or pizza, while a more full-bodied Malbec would pair with roast meats and heavier sauces.

WHITE WINE:

White wine uses green or black grapes fermented without the skin. The result is a pale wine low in tannins that can taste crisp or buttery, depending on the vintage. 

Light-body, crisp, and acidic: Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Vinho Verde

Full-body, creamy, and bold: Chardonnay, Viognier, Sémillon

Recommended food pairings: The general rule is to pair white wine with poultry or seafood and fish. But really, it’s appropriate for every meal.

ROSÉ WINE:

Rosé wine starts like red wine, using black grapes, but the skins are removed after a short time, giving the vintage fewer tannins and a blushing pink color. 

Provence-style: Very pale pink, with a zesty fruit flavorSpanish-style: Also called rosado, deeper pink with a light, fresh tasteItalian-style: Labelled Rosato, the flavor ranges from delicate to bold, depending on where it was vinted

Recommended food pairings: Depending on its style, rosé pairs well with just about anything, but a crisp vintage goes best with spicy or salty foods, while a juicer wine pairs well with pasta or poultry.

ORANGE WINE:

This variety of wine is probably new to most people. It’s made from green grapes fermented in their skin for a short while, like a rosé. The wine has more tannins but retains traditional white wine's crisp, clean characteristics.  Tasting notes: Depending on its country of origin, orange wine tends to be drier than white wine, and can incorporate notes of honey, bruised apple, sourdough bread, and even wood varnish into its flavor profile.

Recommended food pairings: Its hearty and nutty flavor makes these vintages the ideal pairing for wild poultry and game, pork, and beef dishes.

SPARKLING WINE:

Sparkling wine has carbonated bubbles formed during the distillation process. It can come in any color, although the most common is white. You’re probably most familiar with French champagne, and while all champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wines are champagne.

Cava: Sparkling white wine from Spain

Prosecco: Sparkling white Italian wine

Lambrusco: Sparkling red wine from Italy

Recommended food pairings: Because the bubbles scrub your palate, sparkling wines are recommended for fatty and spicy foods or cheese, seafood, fresh fruit, and salad.

Additional notes: To experience peak carbonation, serve sparkling wines cold. The wine holds onto more carbonation, and the bottle’s less likely to explode. Safety first!

DESSERT WINE:

These wines have a higher amount of sugar, either from late harvest grapes or the addition of honey during the fermentation process.

Moscato: Low-acidity wine crafted in Italy from Muscat grapes

Sauternes: French sweet wine made from white grapes affected by noble rot, a fungus that concentrates the grape sugars

Tokaji: Hungarian sweet wine made from grapes affected by noble rot

Ice wine: Canadian innovation that uses grapes harvested after they’ve frozen on the vine. Freezing concentrates the sugars, resulting in a thicker, sweeter wine

Recommended food pairings: You guessed it — this wine best suits sweet desserts, fruits, and creamy cheeses.

FORTIFIED WINES:

These wines have spirits, typically brandy added to them. They’re higher in alcohol and sugar and are often served after a meal.

Port & Sherry: Fortified wines produced in Portugal and Spain, respectively

Madeira: Wine from Portugal that’s gone through an oxidizing process during production

Marsala: Fortified wine from the Italian city of Marsala, Sicily

Vermouth: Wine fortified with botanicals like bark, roots, flowers, herbs, and spices. Often served as an aperitif or used as an ingredient in cocktails.

Recommended food pairings: Fortified wines aren’t served with meals, but if you’re doing a tasting, you can pair them with chocolate, cheese, nuts, and other dessert foods.

Is wine good for your health?

We’re all aware of the harmful effects too much wine has on your health. But what about the benefits? 

It depends on the type of wine you drink. Studies have shown that drinking red wine is healthier than drinking white. A glass of red a day provides a good dose of cancer-fighting antioxidants. It can protect against heart disease and damaging inflammation. And it can even help you live longer overall.But before you reach for a bottle of Malbec, it’s important to remember that wine isn’t a healthy choice for everyone. In fact, you can reap some of the same benefits by increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

As always, moderation is key. If you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor or dietitian.