5 Bottles of Rosé (for $10 or Less!) to Pick Up Before Summer Ends, According to Wine Experts

Whether you’re at the beach or on your patio or your couch, sipping a chilled glass of rosé perfectly encapsulates that summer feeling. Its variety of hues, flavors, and finishes means there’s something for everyone.

Because rosé is my favorite type of wine, I’m always searching for new budget-friendly bottles that pair well with a sunny day, but I wondered if some expert advice might be helpful. To find out, I reached out to three wine experts to get their rosé recommendations. These are their top picks — and they’re all $10 or less.

This light, fresh rosé is from one of the most respected winemakers in Portugal. “It’s full of berry flavors, especially strawberry and raspberry, and has great acid, a long finish, and a little effervescence,” says Katie Sutor, assistant wine buyer at Rochester, New York-based Pinnacle Liquor. She recommends breaking out a bottle for summer picnics and backyard dinner parties. “It’s excellent with seafood, especially shrimp; melon and prosciutto; and soft cheeses like Brie and chèvre.” 

Buy: Escudo Real Vinho Verde Rosé, $8.99 for 750 ml at Pinnacle Liquor

When it comes to light summertime sips, Lydia Martin, founder of Liquor Laboratory, likes a floral rosé with a lighter, silvery hue. One of her favorites is Cloud Break Rosé from California. “This very light and dry rosé is best for casual drinking, day or night,” says Martin. “It has concentrated red fruit and orange zest aromas, and floral flavors with a rich texture — so light and elegant!”

Buy: Cloud Break Rosé, $9.99 for 750 ml at Total Wine

For a versatile, crowd-pleasing rosé for the table or poolside, Lonnie Sepe, corporate gifting specialist for Country Wine & Spirits, suggests this California wine. It has a crisp, fresh finish and just a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for sipping on a warm day. Sepe especially enjoys the watermelon, strawberry, and raspberry notes that scream SUMMERTIME.

Buy: Apothic Rosé, $8.50 for 750 ml at BuyWinesOnline.com

If you’re like me, you might prefer a lower-alcohol rosé in the summertime (when it’s this hot out, full-bodied, high-alcohol wines can sometimes feel like too much). For these occasions, Martin recommends the popular Seastone Rosé, which weighs in at 10% ABV. With its soft and balanced finish and a beautifully blush hue, “this low-alcohol content rosé is a perfect choice,” says Martin. “It’s slightly effervescent and citrusy — optimal during the warm months.”

Buy: Seastone Rosé, $8.99 for 750 ml at Total Wine

Alcohol-free wines and mocktails are having a major moment. Sepe recommends Töst Rosé for pink wine fans looking for an alcohol-free bottle. This rosé is a sparkling blend of white tea, ginger, and elderberry. A touch of cranberry gives the drink its rosy hue. It’s perfect for any time of day and is just as delicious and crisp as a glass of chilled wine. 

Buy: Töst Rosé Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Beverage, $10 at Boisson

Have you tried any of these bottles of rosé? Tell us about it in the comments.