Rosé Roundup: Four Rosés to Sip along the Monticello Wine Trail this Summer

One reason for the love affair with Rosé is its versatility. It can range in hue from the palest peach or pink to more vibrant pink and fuchsia hues. It can be dry or slightly off-dry, but is never really sweet and boasts a brightness that inspires endless pairings and the desire to drink it without food.

Rosé can be made via a few methods, but the core process involves reducing the contact that the grape juice has with the skin, hence the paler colors than seen in traditional red wines. Something about the color makes it feel even more drinkable in the summertime.

Almost every winery along the Monticello Wine Trail currently offers rosé during summer months. After being named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with the local offerings. But because there are more than 40 wineries to explore in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, here are four bottles to enjoy on your next visit or to pick up for casual sipping with friends by the pool.

This dry rosé isn’t just a pretty wine, it has plenty of flavor and substance, which is really what we’ve come to expect from Stinson.

Enjoy this option without food or pair with sliders fresh off the grill.

One of the best things about the Brosé is that it is like a bowl of berries on the nose. It’s versatile and also great for wine cocktails or spritzers if you want to experiment a little. This is another one that doesn’t need to be paired with food, but if you desire to, pair it with your favorite hard cheese – think Comté or Manchego.

Notes of peach, citrus, and strawberry make this extremely drinkable and if you have struggled to find a rosé you love, try this one.

Pair this with grilled fish, chicken, and summer salads. Chiswell is a great spot to visit and I highly recommend you enjoy a bottle while visiting the winery and enjoying its wonderful staff.

The Veritas Sparkling Rosé is wedding and celebration appropriate, but also a nice option to have a few bottles on hand for celebrating everyday wins at home or taking to events as gifts during the summer.

Dry, floral, and crisp are three words that easily describe this sparkling option. It has a strawberries and cream feel and taste that translates well into a sparkling wine.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of refreshing rosés to try in our region. Make a plan to visit multiple wineries this season to experience all the Monticello Wine Trail has to offer! Many wineries, including Veritas, Glass House, and Stinson, offer on-site lodging, perfect for the ultimate vineyard vacation. Once you’ve sipped to your heart’s content, venture into town for delicious cuisine, shopping, and vibrant arts and entertainment options.

If you’d like to taste these wines along with me and other wine lovers, check out upcoming events from Black Women Who Wine including our summer kickoff event at Oakencroft Farm & Winery on June 29, 2024.