Best Sweet Red Wines for Summer | Cellars Wine Club

Sweet Red Wines Are Made for Summer

Bold, juicy, and easy to drink — sweet red wines are perfect for summer. Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to a picnic, or looking for a unique wine gift, a chilled bottle of sweet red delivers all the flavor with none of the formality.

In this guide, we’ll share the best sweet red wines to enjoy this season — and how to pair them with classic summer dishes.

Why Sweet Red Wine Works in Warm Weather

Sweet red wines often feature lower alcohol, ripe fruit, and mild tannins, making them a refreshing choice for outdoor dining. They’re especially good when lightly chilled — think blackberry, cherry, plum, and a hint of spice.

And unlike dry reds that demand decanting or perfect temperatures, sweet reds are approachable, forgiving, and food-friendly.

Top Sweet Red Wines to Try This Summer

1. Lambrusco

Taste: Lightly sparkling, red berry, hint of spice
Pair with: BBQ ribs, sausages, grilled vegetables
Lambrusco is a fizzy Italian red that’s slightly sweet and refreshing. Chill it down and serve it with smoky meats for a surprisingly great pairing.

Lambrusco is a fizzy Italian red that’s slightly sweet and refreshing. Chill it down and serve it with smoky meats for a surprisingly great pairing. Want to learn more about this underrated style? Wine Enthusiast offers a great overview of Lambrusco’s comeback. 

These fruit-forward summer reds are designed for casual sipping and outdoor meals.

2. Brachetto d’Acqui

Taste: Rose petal, raspberry, cherry
Pair with: Fresh berries, prosciutto, chocolate-covered fruit
This low-alcohol, slightly sparkling red from Piedmont is summer in a bottle — light, floral, and easy to sip on a hot afternoon.

3. Dornfelder

Taste: Juicy black cherry, plum, mild tannins
Pair with: Burgers, BBQ chicken, brats
Originally from Germany, Dornfelder is smooth, jammy, and delicious chilled. It’s a grill-side secret weapon that pairs with bold, salty flavors.

4. Sweet Red Blends (California)

Taste: Black fruit, vanilla, sweet spice
Pair with: Tri-tip, smoky rubs, barbecue sauce
California’s mass-appeal sweet red blends — think Apothic or Menage à Trois — are great for casual drinkers and gift-giving. Full of flavor and easy to love.

These types of sweet red wines offer a lot of flavor and flexibility — especially when served slightly chilled at your next cookout.

5. Red Moscato

Taste: Candied cherry, strawberry, citrus
Pair with: Grilled shrimp, chipotle tacos, fresh fruit
Red Moscato brings the floral sweetness of white Moscato with added color and body. A chilled glass cuts right through spicy dishes and hot days.

How to Serve Sweet Red Wines in Summer

• Chill Them Slightly: 50–60°F is the sweet spot. Just 20 minutes in the fridge will do.

• Use Glassware That Opens Aromas: Go stemless or a wider red wine glass.

• Don’t Overthink It: Sweet reds are meant to be fun, easy, and shared.

Perfect for Gifting, Too

Sweet red wines make excellent gifts — they’re beginner-friendly, affordable, and perfect for summer birthdays, barbecues, or hostess thank-yous.

Want a done-for-you solution?
Check out our Sweet Wine Club — a curated wine subscription that ships sweet reds, whites, and rosés directly to their door. No guesswork, just great bottles.

Final Pour: Sweet Reds Are the Summer Star

From grilled meats to picnic spreads, sweet red wine is one of the easiest ways to make summer meals more memorable. Whether you’re sipping poolside or sending a gift across the country, these wines deliver bold fruit, smooth sips, and total crowd appeal.

Whether you’re gifting or grilling, these wine styles bring approachability and vibrant flavor to any summer table.

Ready to stock up?
Explore the Sweet Wine Club to get your summer wine lineup handled — for yourself or someone who deserves a little surprise in their mailbox.