Pink season is here. The first day of summer is the perfect excuse to reach for a rosé. The only question is which one? The Hollywood Reporter asked Hollywood wine insiders for their top picks.
“Rosé is the very embodiment of having summer in your glass,” says Marty Sullivan, wine director of Layla at MacArthur Place, where Nobody Wants This creator and executive producer Erin Foster and actress Hannah Simone have been spotted. “On a hot day, there is nothing more thirst quenching than a chilled glass of rosé bursting with the flavors of all my favorite summer fruits of watermelon, strawberries and nectarines.”
California is home to an abundance of coveted, small-production rosés. Adam Hopkins, sommelier for Hollywood-frequented Toscana Group’s S.Y. Kitchen, a staple among Emmy-winning casting director Nikki Valko, Universal Music Group’s JJ Corsini, and Alecia Moore, aka P!nk (which is almost too perfect here), describes Demetria’s 100 percent Grenache Rosé as “fresh, nuanced, and endlessly drinkable.” Meanwhile, Roblar’s rosé — crafted with Syrah, Grenache and Petite Syrah — bursts with fresh berry notes.
At Taste of Santa Rita Hills, a boutique tasting room in Los Olivos, multi-hyphenates Charlie Hunnam and Justin Hartley mingle with serious wine enthusiasts seeking rare bottles from some of the region’s most acclaimed producers. Owners Michael Robinson and his wife, Marlene, have strong opinions about what earns a place on their shelves. “We only select certain rosés that are made with really great care, and these are at a higher price point [over $40], because consumers are so accustomed to the market that’s been flooded with lesser-priced bottles.”
One of the Robinsons’ preferred pours is by Paul Lato. “Their Rosé of Pinot Noir from a well-farmed single vineyard is one of the best ones out there. It’s rich with a deep salmon hue and bite at the finish.” His other recommendations are the 100 percent Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon by Moretti, their house label, made with fruit from Crown Point, Santa Ynez Valley’s prized Cab producer. “It’s light and lean but has backbone.” He’s also enamored with Lieu Dit’s (lyoo-dee) rosé from Justin Willett of Tyler Wines. “It’s very translucent and lively with salinity — the perfect hot day drinking wine.”
While it’s often the go-to wine for warm weather, rosé can also offer depth and complexity, shaped by the character and structure of its red-grape origins. “It is one of the most adaptive wines that mirrors the best qualities of each season and is also one of the most versatile to pair with food,” adds Sullivan.
Sommelier Rebecca Phillips, who has worked with recording artist and The Voice’s three-time winning coach Niall Horan and Love Island USA host Ariana Madix, points to the Grenache Rosé from Storm Wines, a pour of choice for Barbie producer Robbie Brenner. “Refreshing and vibrant, Ernst Storm’s wines have a beautiful minerality, nuance and tension; they’re sophisticated in an old-world style.” She’s also a fan of Alma Rosa’s Vin Gris. “Delicate and pretty on the nose with a palate that’s linear and clean, it’s so good.” Another standout is Jessica Gasca’s Story of Soil Rosé of Pinot Noir. “Her wines are pure, honest and soulful, and on top of that, they’re just delicious.”
Future Perfect’s rosé, which also ranks among Phillips’ must-try bottles, has attracted a devoted following that includes Hollywood art-world heavyweight Jeffrey Deitch. “I’m impressed with all the wines actress and winemaker Sunny Doench Stricker is making,” says Stricker. “She adds so much value and color with the energy she puts into her work, and it shows. Crafted in a light, French-inspired style, it’s made from Grenache grapes that are harvested early to preserve bright acidity and keep alcohol levels lower. “It’s my version of a spring and summer water, and you can glug-glug-glug it all day.”
At Rustic Canyon and its family of restaurants, Tinseltown dining institutions, wine director Kathryn Coker is especially excited about the newest sparkling rosé from James Sparks’ Kings Carey, whose wines have found a fan in film producerJeffrey Chernov. The all–Pinot Noir sparkler, made with fruit often sourced from the highly regarded Spear Vineyards, is “dry and crisp with body and super refreshing — this one’s always a favorite,” says Coker.
Sullivan highlights a trio of standouts from farther north in Napa: “I have yet to meet a wine from Benovia Winery that I have not liked,” he says. “Their rosé of Pinot Noir is a beautiful example of the vibrant flavors that Russian River can deliver, yet in a refined and ever so rejuvenating way that makes this a perfect picnic wine.” He’s also a fan of Bouchaine’s Vin Gris of Pinot Noir. “The Carneros AVA climate effects lend these wines vibrant fruit-forward flavors but with a racing acidity.”
Chateau St. Jean’s Rosé of Pinot Noir rounds out his exceptional sips. “One of my top rosés to enjoy during the summer, day or night. It’s bursting with flavors of juicy watermelon and fresh strawberries and the perfect companion to a fully loaded hot dog by the grill!”
As temperatures climb, it’s the perfect time to reach for wines with modest alcohol levels built for easy drinking refreshment during long summer afternoons. “They tend to demonstrate brighter acidity, and being fruit driven and lower in alcohol, you can enjoy more than one bottle,” adds Sullivan. “Some that have captured my attention are Las Jaras Superbloom unfiltered rosé and Kivelstadt Cellars ‘Wondering’ Sparkling Brut Rosé.”
At Morihiro, the celebrated one-Michelin-starred restaurant whereGwyneth Paltrowhas dined, general manager Tim Lin is particularly enthusiastic about the rosé from Xander Soren, whose two-decade tenure at Apple preceded his move into winemaking. “It complements everything from seasonal carpaccio and chilled nanbanzuke to richer dishes like gomadare tofu — and its lower ABV makes it an approachable way to start a meal.”