As summer begins to wind down, the final moments of the season are made even more memorable with the perfect wine in hand. Whether you're hosting a casual BBQ with friends, gathering on a rooftop to catch the last rays of sun, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, you deserve wines that complement the good vibes.

At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’ve curated a collection of wines that offer the best of both worlds: crisp, refreshing whites for the warm evenings, and bold, complex reds to wind down summer in style.

Looking for the best wines in NYC to close out the season? We’ve got you covered. Whether you're looking to pair your wine with fresh seafood, a grill-side feast, or something casual, our selection ensures your end-of-summer gatherings are a hit.

Here are our top picks to make the most of the final summer days:

Riesling: The Perfect End-of-Summer Sipper

If there’s ever a time to reach for Riesling, it’s now. Known for its refreshing acidity and hint of sweetness, Riesling is perfect for warm evenings when you want something that’s crisp yet flavorful. It's a classic that never goes out of style, and it pairs beautifully with light, flavorful dishes.

 

 

Here are our top Riesling picks to savor the last moments of summer:

Spotlight Bottle: Hermann Ludes Mosel Riesling Thornicher Ritsch Kab. Fein. Gackes Oben 2022

Elegant and racy, this Mosel Riesling offers a balance of orchard fruit, slate minerality, and vibrant acidity. It’s the perfect companion for grilled seafood or a fresh summer salad. At $39, this wine brings elegance and refreshment to the table.

Spotlight Bottle: Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling Argetsinger Vyd Finger Lakes 2021

Mineral-driven and vibrant, this Finger Lakes Riesling bursts with citrus, green apple, and racy acidity. At $39, it’s a sophisticated choice for pairing with grilled seafood or light salads, offering a refreshing complexity that captures the last days of summer.

Spotlight Bottle: Carl Graff Mosel Kabinett Riesling 2023

Bright and lively, this Kabinett Riesling offers citrus, green apple, and balanced sweetness. At $21, it’s a perfect match for those lazy afternoon picnics or a light dinner on the balcony.

 

Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and Versatile

When the summer heat is at its peak, reach for a Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that is both bright and herbaceous, perfect for pairing with everything from seafood to green salads. Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of grilled food while offering refreshing citrus flavors to keep you cool.

 

Here are our top Sauvignon Blanc picks to refresh and elevate your summer:

Spotlight Bottle: Tapi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Bursting with passionfruit, lime, and crisp minerality, this organic and vegan Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for a summer seafood feast or a picnic in the park. At $19, it’s a refreshing, affordable pick.

Spotlight Bottle: Echeverria Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2024

Zippy and fresh, this Chilean Sauvignon Blanc features citrus zest, green apple, and herbal notes. At just $14, it’s the perfect wine for a light salad or grilled shrimp, offering refreshing acidity and plenty of character.

Spotlight Bottle:  Alpamanta Breva Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Fresh and lively, this Sauvignon Blanc showcases citrus, tropical fruit, and a crisp minerality that makes it perfect for a summer dinner or sunset gathering. At $34, it’s a refined, delicious option for those looking for a premium yet approachable white wine.

 

Rosé: The Last Call for Pink Wines

As we approach the end of summer, it’s time to indulge in rosé one last time. The easy-drinking, fruit-forward character of rosé is perfect for those last few days of sun-drenched evenings. Whether you’re at a rooftop gathering or a casual dinner on the porch, rosé continues to be the wine that elevates the moment.

 

 

Don’t miss out on these rosé gems that are perfect for closing out the summer in style:

Spotlight Bottle: Ameztoi Txakolina Rubentis Rosé 2024

Bursting with energy, this lightly effervescent rosé from Spain’s Basque Country delivers bright acidity, wild strawberry, and citrus zest. It’s an ideal match for light seafood dishes and sunny days. At $29, this organic gem is a refreshing choice that brings a little sparkle to the end of summer.

Spotlight Bottle: Clos Cibonne Cuvee Tradition Cotes de Provence Cru Classe Rosé 2022

Delicate and expressive, this Provençal rosé bursts with wild strawberries, citrus, and minerality. For those looking to indulge in the final days of summer with a luxurious sip, this Cru Classe rosé is the ultimate choice at $49.

Spotlight Bottle:  Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Rosé Finger Lakes 2024

A new arrival from New York, this Pinot Noir-based rosé offers vibrant red fruit and a refreshing finish. At $23, it’s perfect for summer rooftop parties and pairing with light cheeses or grilled veggies.

Chardonnay: Smooth and Effortless

Chardonnay doesn’t have to be heavy or overly oaky, especially when it’s paired with late-summer meals. Lighter styles of Chardonnay are perfect for grilled fish, light pasta, or even a charcuterie spread. These wines are smooth, with enough fruit character to keep them interesting, but still perfect for warm evenings.

 

Enjoy these refreshing Chardonnay options to make the most of the season's final moments:

Spotlight Bottle: Lockhart Chardonnay 2022

Balanced and expressive, this California Chardonnay offers ripe apple, vanilla, and a creamy finish. At just $14, it’s an approachable yet flavorful choice for everything from grilled fish to light pastas—bringing smooth elegance to your end-of-summer gatherings.

Spotlight Bottle: La Maison Bleue Loire Valley Chardonnay 2023 (Kosher)

This lively and fresh Bourgogne Blanc is packed with citrus, pear, and delicate floral nuances. At $14, it’s a great value for a Kosher Chardonnay that pairs beautifully with seafood or a cheese board.

Spotlight Bottle: Rocamadre Paraje Altamira Blanco Chardonnay 2023

Mineral-driven and fresh, this Argentina Chardonnay balances ripe citrus, white peach, and crisp acidity. At $23, it’s a perfect match for grilled veggies or light seafood, offering refined freshness and depth.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon: For the Last Backyard BBQ

Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed in late summer; especially if you’re firing up the grill for some burgers, ribs, or steaks. Look for a lighter, fresher style of Cabernet that balances its bold, blackberry flavors with smooth tannins, making it perfect for summer BBQs.

 

These Cabernet picks are perfect for your last summer cookout:

Spotlight Bottle: Poppy Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021

Bold and structured, this Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with dark fruit, cocoa, and subtle oak notes. It’s organic, rich in flavor, and perfect for a backyard BBQ. At $19, it brings a California twist to your summer evenings.

Spotlight Bottle: Heartland Wines Cab Sauv Spice Trader Langhorne Creek 2021

This bold and spiced Cabernet blend offers dark berries, a hint of black pepper, and rich tannins that bring depth to every sip. At $17, this Australian gem is perfect for grilled steaks or spicy BBQ dishes.

Spotlight Bottle: Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet 2018

Opulent and refined, this Napa Cabernet delivers dark fruit, cocoa, and structured tannins. At $165, it’s an elegant, indulgent choice for those final moments of summer, ideal for rich grilled steaks or a celebratory dinner.

 

Keeping It Fresh to the End

As the summer winds down, it’s not too late to indulge in the perfect glass of wine that enhances your final moments of the season. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed rooftop evening or savoring a casual dinner, the right wine can elevate every moment. At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’ve curated a selection of the finest wines to make your end-of-summer gatherings unforgettable.

Looking for the best wine store in NYC? Stop by our Manhattan location or shop online to discover our handpicked selection. We ship nationwide, so no matter where you are, we’ll bring the best of New York wines to your doorstep. Sip it while it lasts!