10 tips for summer vacation


Since summer is here, windy and abnormaly hot, all that is needed is a little break also known  as… vacations! How can we combine our favourite wines with warm

weather?


Let’s dive into it together and explore 10+1 lifesaver tips and tricks:


1. Prefer white and rose wines: These wines are ideal for summer, since they  are lighter and more refreshing, and they also pair nicely with the vast majority of

summer foods, even with meat. (More about pairing white wine with meat see  here in detail)


2. Give a try to sparkling wines: Sparkling wines, like Prosecco and Champagne,  are extremely refreshing and "festive", they can be drunk cooler than most

whites, so they fight hot weather better, and of course the bubbles can also wash  away the fat of the dishes for an overall great summer result.


3. Give reds a chance: Don’t be mistaken and exclude reds from your options, only because it is summer. Just choose wines that are not barrel aged, or at least with very kind oak treatment, very fruity and with soft tannins.


4. And since we are talking about serving temperatures, in general try the wines chilled: Ideal temperature for white, rose and sparkling wines is between 8-12°C, and for (light) reds at 12-14°C and you are safe even with your … steak. Place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, and take them to the table a little cooler than necessary, since after serving and within a couple of minutes they will have reached the desired temperature.


5. Prefer lower alcohol wines: Low alcohol wines (9-12%) are lighter and more refreshing for hot days. Give Moschofilero or Roditis a chance and you won't miss out!


6. Is it really hot outside? Are you under medication? Is anyone pregnant? Are you on a diet? Well, then alcohol-free wines are the solution.


7. Glasses: huge chapter! Just hold them by the stem so you don't heat them up  with your hand and you're good to go. Are you in Mykonos or another windy place and it has 9 Beaufort? Make sure to get a stemless glass in a small but necessary compromise. For those who want to indulge more in the glasses, see our detailed article here.


8. Use coolers or ice buckets: To keep your wines cool during the day, use  coolers that you will have in the freezer and dress the bottle a few minutes before serving. They are doing a great job! Alternatively, a champagne decanter that you fill with ice, and then necessarily with water up to 3/4 full (and a little salt for the ultimate) will do the job perfectly.


9. Have you considered the solution of carrying the wine in a thermos when you want to move and it's 40 degrees outside? Yes you will lose a bit of the magic

and the Instagram aproach of the affair, but you will achieve your goal of drinking wine at the right temperature.


10. Wine ice cubes: Don't be dogmatic and make some ice cubes from the rest of the wine you didn't consume. You can add them to your glass to maintain the temperature without altering the taste. Bingo!


11. Bonus tip: Try wine-based cocktails: A well-made Sangria but also one of the many spritzes out there, are perfect for summer and can be made with a variety of  (fruity) wines.




Happy summer with good wines because ... we deserve it!

Stavros Moustakas Oktapodas DipWSET




About the Editor:


Stavros Moustakas-Oktapodas DipWSET has worked as a wine consultant for a large Greek import company and in addition, in strategic and communication positions for Greek wineries.


He holds the WSET Diploma, which he completed with honors, with two international scholarships (best overall performance and best performance in the blind taste exams for the academic years 2016 and 2017).


He has been a judge at the Thessaloniki International Wine Competition, the largest European competition Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and he is Oinochoos magazine columnist.