One can have too much sunshine, I find.
The continuing heat is beginning to grind some of us down, while others seem perfectly happy basking in Mediterranean temperatures and worshipping the sun at every opportunity. Whichever camp you fall into, there's one thing that's hard to argue with: sharing a good bottle of rosé in the garden with friends remains one of life's great pleasures.
Here at The Wine Rooms, our rosés have been flying off the shelves this summer. We pour countless glasses every week, and it's been wonderful to see more and more people discovering just how versatile and enjoyable these wines can be.
It's also pleasing to report that the old idea of rosé being "just for the ladies" has finally been put to bed. More and more men are confidently ordering a glass, as they should. Rosé pairs rather well with linen shirts, smart shorts and vintage sunglasses. If you choose to hold your little finger aloft while drinking it, that's entirely your own business.
Rosé Isn't as Simple as It Looks
Great rosé is surprisingly difficult to make well.
While there are several methods, the two most respected are Direct Pressing and Short Maceration. Both involve carefully extracting just the right amount of colour and flavour from the skins of red grapes, before fermenting the wine at cooler temperatures, much like a white wine. The result is a wine that retains freshness, bright fruit flavours and remarkable elegance.
Many people naturally gravitate towards the pale Provençal style, and with good reason. They're beautifully delicate and wonderfully refreshing. That said, don't overlook rosés with a little more colour and texture. Wines such as those from Tavel in the Southern Rhône can be richer, more structured and every bit as enjoyable. We don't stock one... yet.
There's Still Plenty of Rosé Season Left
Despite what the calendar might say, I think there's still another month or two left in the rosé tank.
Garden parties are still happening. Long lunches haven't disappeared. Friends still drop round unexpectedly. Rosé deserves to remain firmly on the teamsheet for a while yet.
To encourage exactly that, we're offering 20% off all rosé wines throughout the rest of August and September 2026 when you buy six bottles or more.
A Few of My Picks
Maison Boutinot Édalise Provence Rosé
Our bestselling rosé of the summer, and with good reason. Elegant, beautifully balanced and instantly recognisable in its striking fluted bottle.
Usually £16.99
Now £13.60 per bottle when you buy six or more.
Minuty Prestige
One of Provence's most respected producers. Prestige is made using fruit from Minuty's finest vineyard sites, producing a refined, stylish rosé that never disappoints.
Usually £23.50
Now £18.85 per bottle when you buy six or more.
AIX Provence Rosé
Our latest addition and one I've been very impressed with. Unlike many Provence rosés, this isn't blended with white wine, giving it a little more fruit and texture while remaining crisp, dry and wonderfully elegant.
Usually £18.99
Now £15.25 per bottle when you buy six or more.
Château Roubine "Lion & Dragon" Cru Classé Provence Rosé
A genuine treat. Provence has only a handful of Cru Classé estates, recognised for producing some of the region's finest wines. This is beautifully complex, deliciously elegant and comes in one of the smartest bottles you'll find anywhere.
Usually £26.50
Now £21.20 per bottle when you buy six or more.
Alongside these, we also have a superb Granatus Rosé from Greece, a delightful Chiaretto di Bardolino from Italy, and, perhaps most excitingly, our wonderfully local Sutton Ridge Rosé, produced just down the road near Blagdon Lake.
Whether you're already devoted to rosé or simply looking to discover what all the fuss is about, we'd love to help you find your next favourite bottle.
Pop into The Wine Rooms for a chat, or browse our full rosé collection online. Summer isn't over just yet.