Summer drinks guide

From chilled rosés to long cool cocktails, say ‘cheers’ to the golden weather with our round-up of easy summer drinking.

Church Road
The delicate and refreshing Church Road Gwen Rosé takes its inspiration from the popular rosés of Provence, while retaining an unmistakeable Hawke’s Bay vibrancy, the wine has been crafted and named in honour of Gwen, the wife of pioneering winemaker Tom McDonald. Dry and finely textured with subtle light berry, guava and floral notes and savoury undertones, the Gwen Rosé is perfect for an aperitif or as a versatile food wine. 

Floxtail at Huami
Head to Huami restaurant's bar to drink a piece of art; the Floxtail cocktail. This drink is inspired by the native bird artwork that decorates the bar, by local artist Flox. Aside from this signature cocktail, Huami offers an exclusive range of spirits and specially-developed cocktails. They also have the largest range of Maotai (Baiju) in the country.

Daniel Le Brun
Daniel Le Brun Méthode Traditionelle Rosé has fresh and vibrant aromas of strawberries complemented by a creamy, biscuity complexity. The fine delicate mousse provides a soft, creamy mouthfeel, with an appealing richness, giving the wine excellent approachability. Perfect as an aperitif or served alongside prosciutto, raspberries or white chocolate.

Wither Hills Single Vineyard Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc
The wines of the Wither Hills Single Vineyards – Rarangi, Ben Morven and Taylor River – test the senses and demonstrate the superb synergy between region, vineyard site, variety and the winemaker. These vineyards define our unique sense of place. Rarangi presents fresh, vibrant aromatics of citrus and lemongrass, accentuated by a bone dry mineral purity. “Our Rarangi vineyard is a uniquely special place – a vineyard so close to the beach where you can smell the salt in the air. The wine it produces is uniquely special too – where minerality and citrus combine to make a wine that is refreshingly satisfying,” says winemaker Matt Large.

Ngatarawa Wines
Now there is reason for us all to celebrate, because it’s rare to find a gold medal wine of this quality, at such an affordable price. With a textured palate of ripe pear and gorgeous tropical fruit flavours, Stables Pinot Gris is the perfect drop for the summer. Serve lightly chilled with seafood, fresh salads and almost anything off the barbecue.

Brown Brothers
Brown Brothers have teamed up with artist George Rose to create the bold labelling for their Summer Limited Edition Prosecco range. The design is inspired by Rose’s trademark pops of colour and disruptive brush strokes. Vibrant and light, the wines are the perfect summer sip. From New World, Pak n Save and other Retail Liquor outlets.

Toi Toi wines
Toi Toi Wines have launched their first low-alcohol wine, in a can. With notes of gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus, it’s the taste of summer. Aptly named, the Toi Toi 8.5 is only 8.5 per cent alcohol. Light, refreshing and portable – these recyclable cans are perfect for picnics and barbecues alike. For more information visit their website.