TRENDS

Sun’s Out, (French) Wines Out: The Best Outdoor Drinks for British Summer

With the warmer days finally upon us, it can mean only one thing: it’s picnic season again in the UK! So pack a blanket, your sunglasses, send a few texts to your friends, and grab some perfect summer wines. Whether you're heading for a park gathering, the countryside, a beach day celebration, or just soaking up the rays in your garden, these French sips are sunshine in a glass, a can or even a box — let's think creatively this season!

Nice Drinks - Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc

If you’re after simple, straightforward wines, UK-based indie company Nice offers just that. Crisp and dry, their French Sauvignon Blanc comes in a box and will easily fuel your unfussy meetup in the sun. Forget complicated food pairings — just bring along that green asparagus quiche you’ve made following our easy-peasy recipe here. Both are perfect for sharing.

£24 (equivalent to £8 per bottle), Nice Drinks

Amie Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Rosé

Looking for a low-key, alcohol-free option that still has a chic touch? Courtesy of London wine bar, shop, and art gallery Amie, this refreshing dry rosé is your go-to. Made in the South of France from French Grenache grapes, it’s best served chilled. You can pop it open anywhere — no corkscrew needed! And if you’re ready to go the extra mile, put together our rainbow carrot & mango spring rolls to nibble on!

£15, Ocado

Mad Med Le Rouge Dry Red Wine

Wild yeasts, unfined, unfiltered — cheers to this new-gen natural wine, made in France and presented in a beautifully designed can. Bottled by Domaine de la Mongestine in Provence, it is packed with red and white organic grapes from the sun-drenched local vineyards (Grenache, Syrah, and a dash of Vermentino). This funky Vin de France red bursts with red fruits and silky tannins, making it the perfect laid-back companion to BBQs — just like these grilled lemon and thyme chicken kebabs.

£6.60 for a 250 ml can, Forest Wines

La Vieille Ferme Rosé

The viral sensation from last summer, La Vieille Ferme’s “Chicken Wine” owes its nickname to the rooster on its label. This unfussy number is made by the Perrin Family, based in the Rhône Valley for generations. Easygoing, La Vieille Ferme wines are a great approachable option for a laid-back vibe — even more so when they come in a can! Light and bright, their Vin de France Rosé is full of flavour. Perfect with that classic Niçoise salad you should be rustling up this summer.

£2.75 for 200ml can, Tesco

Moillard-Thomas, Bourgogne Aligoté

Following the lead of The Guardian’s new wine writer Hannah Crosbie, it’s time to taste Burgundy’s best-kept secret to affordable white: Aligoté white grape variety. Fresh, zesty, and very picnic basket-friendly, the Bourgogne Aligoté from Moillard-Thomas wine merchant will give that crisp, mineral French elegance without breaking the bank. A great match to our spinach and goat’s cheese pie if you want to try your hand at it.

From £13 a bottle, Majestic Wine

🥂 Wherever the great outdoors may take you this summer, these French wines will make every sunny sip count. Santé to the bright days ahead!