The arrival of summer brings with it the perfect excuse to indulge in a glass of rosé. As temperatures rise, Hollywood’s wine enthusiasts and celebrities are reaching for their favorite bottles of this refreshing pink wine. From small-production gems to boutique tasting room finds, the choices are as diverse as they are delightful.
We’ve gathered insights from Hollywood’s wine connoisseurs to bring you a curated list of the season’s most sought-after rosé wines. These experts, who have tasted the finest vintages, share their top recommendations for the perfect summer sip.
California’s Hidden Gems
California is renowned for its exceptional rosé wines, and the Golden State’s small-production rosés are particularly coveted. Adam Hopkinssommelier for the Toscana Group’s S.Y. Kitchen, highlights Demetria’s 100 percent Grenache Rosé as a standout choice. “It’s fresh, nuanced, and endlessly drinkable,” Hopkins raves. Meanwhile, Roblar’s rosécrafted with Syrah, Grenache, and Petite Syrah, is praised for its fresh berry notes.
At Taste of Santa Rita Hills in Los Olivos, serious wine enthusiasts, including multi-hyphenates Charlie Hunnam and Justin Hartleygather to sample rare bottles. Owners Michael Robinson and his wife, Marlenehave a discerning eye for quality. “We only select certain rosés that are made with really great care,” Michael Robinson explains, noting that these wines command a higher price point due to their superior craftsmanship.
Boutique Favorites
The Robinsons have a particular fondness for Paul Lato’s Rosé of Pinot Noirdescribing it as “one of the best ones out there.” They also recommend Moretti’s 100 percent Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignonmade with fruit from the prized Crown Point vineyard. “It’s light and lean but has backbone,” Robinson adds. Another favorite is Lieu Dit’s rosé from Justin Willett of Tyler Wines, known for its translucent and lively character with a touch of salinity.
Versatility and Depth
While rosé is often associated with warm weather, it can also offer depth and complexity. Marty Sullivanwine director of Layla at MacArthur Place, emphasizes the wine’s versatility. “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,” Sullivan notes. This adaptability makes rosé a favorite among Hollywood’s culinary elite.
Sommelier Rebecca Phillipswho has worked with recording artist Niall Horan and Love Island USA host Ariana Madixpoints to Storm Wines’ Grenache Rosé as a standout choice. “Refreshing and vibrant, Ernst Storm’s wines have a beautiful minerality, nuance, and tension; they’re sophisticated in an old-world style,” Phillips explains. She also recommends Alma Rosa’s Vin Gris and Jessica Gasca’s Story of Soil Rosé of Pinot Noirpraising their purity and soulfulness.
Celebrity Endorsements
Future Perfect’s roséa favorite of Hollywood art-world heavyweight Jeffrey Deitchhas garnered a devoted following. Actress and winemaker Sunny Doench Stricker describes it as “crafted in a light, French-inspired style” with bright acidity and lower alcohol levels. “It’s my version of a spring and summer water, and you can glug-glug-glug it all day,” Stricker says.
Sparkling Delights
For those seeking a sparkling option, Kathryn Cokerwine director at Rustic Canyon and its family of restaurants, recommends the newest sparkling rosé from James Sparks’ Kings Carey. This all-Pinot Noir sparkler, often sourced from the highly regarded Spear Vineyards, is described as “dry and crisp with body and super refreshing.” It has found a fan in film producer Jeffrey Chernov.
At the celebrated one-Michelin-starred restaurant Morihirowhere Gwyneth Paltrow has dined, general manager Tim Lin is particularly enthusiastic about the rosé from Xander Soren. “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,” Lin explains.
Napa’s Finest
Looking to the north, Marty Sullivan highlights a trio of standouts from Napa. “I have yet to meet a wine from Benovia Winery that I have not liked,” Sullivan says. Their rosé of Pinot Noir is praised for its vibrant flavors and refined character. Sullivan also recommends Bouchaine’s Vin Gris of Pinot Noir and Chateau St. Jean’s Rosé of Pinot Noirnoting their juicy watermelon and fresh strawberry flavors.
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,” Sullivan adds. Some of his top picks include Las Jaras Superbloom unfiltered rosé and Kivelstadt Cellars ‘Wondering’ Sparkling Brut Rosé.
