Summer By The Glass

Our curated picks for Good, Better, Best sipping this season

Whether you’re toasting a casual weekend brunch, celebrating a milestone, or simply enjoying long summer evenings, the right wine makes all the difference. Over the holiday season, nothing beats a beautifully chilled sparkling or a crisp Rosé. Good, Better, Best’s curated picks pair value and quality across sparkling and rosé, so you know when to save, when to splurge and how to match each bottle to the perfect moment. Discover the Good, Better, Best display in all good wine stores.

ROSÉ ALL DAY

Sip your way through summer with three rosés that deliver flavour, freshness and fun.

GOOD Jam Shed Rosé, $15.99

Rosé offers the best of both worlds for easy summer drinking. Jam Shed Rosé is a bright pink, fruit-forward drop from South Eastern Australia, full of juicy summer berries with a soft, rounded mouthfeel. Serve it well chilled to enhance its fresh, red berry flavours.

Perfect for: Beach days, park picnics, backyard barbecues, or any relaxed alfresco hangout. Ideal for casual get-togethers or weekend drinks when you want something fun, unfussy and instantly likeable.

Why it’s worth it: Approachable and playful, Jam Shed Rosé tastes like summer berries and cream in a glass, full of flavour without the cost.

Made from Pinot Noir grown in Marlborough’s prized Rapaura subregion, this rosé’s salmon colour hints at the vibrancy inside. Notes of strawberry, cherry and plum lead into a juicy, softly textured palate with fresh berry flavours and gentle acidity. It’s crisp, refreshing and effortlessly summery.

Perfect for: Pour it well-chilled alongside an afternoon platter, pre-dinner snacks or those leisurely moments that call for a light, delicious sip. A natural choice for easy, relaxed hosting.

Why it’s worth it: Sourced from well-tended Marlborough vineyards, this rosé offers vibrant flavour and real regional character at a price that makes it easy to enjoy often.

BEST Bijou Eminence Rosé, $27.99

Think of this wine as the South of France in a glass. Bijou’s coastal vineyards in the Languedoc region, between the River Orb and the Thau Basin, give the wine its crisp, refreshing finish. It tastes like raspberries and redcurrants with a hint of oak to keep things interesting. It’s elegant, yet wonderfully easy to drink.

Perfect for: Long leisurely lunches, showing off to friends, weekend treats, or any moment that deserves something a little bit fancy.

Why it’s worth it: A hint of oak and carefully chosen fruit give this rosé depth and charm, elevating it above everyday bottles.

A SPARKLING LINE-UP

GOOD Canti Prosecco DOC, $19.99

Did someone say pass the Prosecco? This classic dry style from Northern Italy is lively and crisp, floral and fruity with hints of pear and peach and an extra dry finish. Easy-going and food-friendly, Canti is an ideal summer sipper.

Perfect for: Any occasion, big or small. Enjoy on its own, as a spritz, or pair it with an endless array of flavours, from fresh seafood to creamy cheeses and fruity sorbet. Great for casual celebrations, brunch, or drinks with friends.

Why it’s worth it: Canti is big on flavour, but light on cost, for an authentic Italian Prosecco experience at an accessible price.

BETTER Allan Scott Cecilia Marlborough Brut, $26.99

Pop the cork on this vibrant Marlborough Brut for a hit of blossom, crisp apple, juicy pear and ripe red berries. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this bubbly is clean, bright and invigorating with a bit of zesty lemon and subtle appley complexity.

Perfect for: Enjoy anytime, whether for a casual get-together, a glass with friends before a meal, or a small celebration. Its versatility makes it a great choice for both everyday indulgence and special moments. Plus, it’s never met a wheel of brie it didn’t like.

Why it’s worth it: A fine example of New Zealand bubbles, this crisp Marlborough Brut combines fresh, bright fruit with finesse, thanks to careful vineyard management and traditional winemaking, all at an approachable price. Its gold-foil label adds a touch of sparkle to any festive table, too.

BEST Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut, $79.99

When only the finest will do, Piper-Heidsieck is a classic Champagne filled with the bright, fresh flavours of green apple and pear, lifted by zesty citrus and gentle floral hints. On the palate, it’s lively and elegant, with a crisp, clean finish and a touch of toasty richness from time spent aging on the lees.

Perfect for: Toasting at a New Year’s Eve party, or any occasion worth celebrating, from milestone moments to dinner parties where you want to impress.

Why it’s worth it: Prestige and finesse in every sip, crafted using time-honoured méthode champenoise by one of Champagne’s most storied houses. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut elevates any gathering.

SEASONAL SPRITZ

Easy Ways to Make Your Wine Shine

Discover quick, chic spritz recipes that turn your favourite wine into the ultimate summer refreshment.

Mango & Citrus Spritz

Bring a tropical twist to your glass with this sparkling, fruity fizz that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or elevating any celebration.

3 parts Sparkling Wine

2 parts De Kuyper Mango Liqueur

1 part Fever-Tree Lime & Yuzu Soda

Method

Passionfruit & Grapefruit Rosé Spritz

Bright, bubbly, and full of tropical charm, this Passionfruit & Grapefruit Rosé Spritz is a crowd-pleaser for brunches, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of summer in a glass.

3 parts Rosé Wine

2 parts De Kuyper Passionfruit Liqueur

1 part Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda

Method

Hosting Tip: Both cocktails are perfect for batching. Simply multiply the ratios and mix in a jug or pitcher for effortless summer entertaining.

*Discover the Good Better Best selection of wines at all good bottle stores nationwide.