While our Northern hemisphere friends might prefer a mellow glass of red wine to make winter bearable, in the Southern hemisphere, summers are hot and we usually prefer refreshing white wines such as fruity Chenins or crispy Sauvignon Blancs. But, bar those mad 40-something-degree days there is a wonderful way to enjoy red wine in summer. Good news for those of us who prefer red over white, but also great news for anyone who like to try something different. 

Winemaker Renier van Deventer says you should forget about the temperature of the day and focus on the temperature of the wine. Lightbulb moment!! 

If you believe in serving wine at room temperature, you have a big problem! This tradition refers to Europe where temperatures used to be much milder and wines were probably even kept in a cellar. Red wine is generally at its best between 12° and 18°C, so imagine how far from that you'll be when you open a bottle on an average February day in the Cape Winelands! Pop your red wine in the fridge for 30 minutes and you'll have a lovely experience.

But... it's not all about temperature. It's also about style. The weight of the wine, so to speak. Some reds are better than others for this summertime job and they should usually be served slightly chilled. Lighter styles are the way to go. Our ultimate favourite is our Culinaria Pinot Noir. Even its colour tells you it is ready for summer. A delicate red like a summer's dress, it makes for a beautiful and food-friendly option - sometimes even lighter than some heavier styles of white wine. Leopard's Leap Merlot is also a good option as its mellow smoothness is quite accommodating to some chill - almost like ice cream... There are many others, Granache, Cinsaut, Mourvedre... but you can also use the serious reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on a hot day - especially if you mix them into one of our irresistible wine cocktails... Just click here for some RED hot wine cocktail recipes!