Rosé wines are perfect for summer sipping. And they can be as eco-friendly as they are refreshing.
Rosé’s climb from overlooked afterthought to luxury staple has been anything but subtle. Once dismissed as a sweet novelty or a summer fling, the rosé wine sector is now a $14.7 billion global category projected to grow steadily through the end of the decade. In the United States alone, the rosé market is on track to hit $2.56 billion by 2030, fueled in part by a shift in consumer preferences toward lighter, more versatile wines with lower alcohol levels and cleaner labels.
While its pale pink hue remains a hallmark of summer drinking, today’s most sought-after rosés are as much about how they’re made as how they taste. Organic farming, biodynamic methods, and low-intervention winemaking have moved from niche to necessary in the eyes of younger, values-driven drinkers. And luxury producers — from longstanding Provençal estates to new-school California labels — are responding. The result is a growing class of rosés that are not only better for the planet but often more expressive in the glass as well.
The best rosé for summer
When looking for a rosé, the first factor to consider is provenance. Rosé styles vary widely depending on where they’re produced, so understanding regional signatures can help guide your choice. Wines from Provence, for example, are typically pale in color, dry, and mineral-driven, with notes of citrus, melon, and herbs.
“Provence produces almost half of the rosé made in France, but represents only 5 percent of the entire world’s production,” Victor Joyeux, winemaker at Roseblood d’Estoublon, told Forbes. “In Provence, vineyards are grown specifically to make rosé. We don’t make rosé to improve red wine quality.”
In contrast, California rosés often lean riper and fruitier, with rounder textures and bolder red berry flavors. Rosés made from Pinot Noir tend to be more delicate, while those using Grenache or Syrah can be more structured and aromatic. Vintage matters, too; rosé is generally best enjoyed young, within a year or two of bottling, to preserve its brightness and freshness.
Equally important is transparency around farming and winemaking. Look for terms like “organic,” “biodynamic,” or “regenerative organic certified” on the label, especially if sustainability is a priority. Seek out wines made with minimal intervention and few to no additives; many top-tier rosés now proudly list what is — and isn’t — in the bottle. Color, while visually appealing, can be misleading; darker pinks do not necessarily mean sweeter wines.
“Color has nothing to do with quality, but definitely a question of style,” Jean-François Ott, managing director at Domaines Ott, told Forbes. “Dark rosés are often short or partial macerations and aromas rounded, sometimes slightly overripe. Light rosés are most often direct-pressed rosés, the most natural way to make fruit juice. They are usually fresh and fruity, and the best ones have delicate aromas and a silky texture.”
Ultimately, the best bottles are those that combine technical precision, ethical production, and a clear expression of terroir. Whether you’re stocking a cellar or chilling something for the weekend, clarity and quality should take precedence over trend.
Below, a selection of standout bottles from producers who are setting a new standard for sustainable rosé — without compromising on character, structure, or style.
Telmont Réserve Rosé
Clear your afternoon schedule. Find a quiet place in the garden or maybe poolside. This sustainably produced cuvée is Champagne Telmont’s most radiant warm-weather pour. The Réserve Rosé — part of the house’s Réserve collection — brings a vibrant mix of red berries, blood orange, and pomegranate, lifted by Telmont’s signature chalky minerality and a clean, invigorating finish. It’s an elegant choice for all your summer celebrations, whether brunch, picnic, or soirée.
Donnafugata Rosa
Donnafugata’s Rosa is a Sicilian rosé crafted in collaboration with the Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana — a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera grapes, offering a bright, juicy, and floral profile with bold red fruit, citrus, peach, and subtle spice notes. The volcanic soils of Sicily contribute to its smoke-edged minerality, making it tangy and refreshing.
Critically acclaimed, the Donnafugata 2023 vintage received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator, described as “a lively, appealing rosé, with candied strawberry and watermelon fruit flavors buoyed by bright acidity and accents of blood orange peel, pickled ginger and stone.” James Suckling also praised it as “a super-salty and savory wine with aromas of strawberries, jasmine, white peaches and broom flowers. It’s light-bodied and silky on the palate, with moderate acidity and strawberry candy flavors.”
Avaline Rosé
Avaline, co-founded by actress Cameron Diaz, is crafted from organic grapes and is free from unnecessary additives. The label’s rosé is described as “very light, fresh, but rich in taste and aroma,” offering a perfect balance for summer sipping. Avaline’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recyclable packaging and partnerships with organizations like WWF France and Surfrider to protect biodiversity.
Bonterra Rosé
Bonterra Rosé is made with 100 percent certified organic grapes and is Regenerative Organic Certified. The wine offers flavors of watermelon, grapefruit, blood orange, and cherry, with a bright acidity to finish. Bonterra’s dedication to organic farming practices and sustainability has earned it recognition as America’s number one organic winery.
Halter Ranch Rosé
Halter Ranch, a fully organic winery in Paso Robles, California, produces a 2023 Rosé that is a blend of Grenache, Picpoul Blanc, and Syrah. The wine features notes of rich and juicy strawberries, pomegranate, cranberry, and watermelon, along with salinity, bright acidity, and minerality. Halter Ranch’s commitment to organic farming ensures a wine that is both delicious and environmentally responsible.
Château Sainte Marguerite en Provence Fantastique
This organic wine from Provence offers gorgeous aromatics of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, and freshly squeezed grapefruit. The palate is crisp and mineral-driven with a slightly creamy note on the finish. Château Sainte Marguerite’s dedication to organic viticulture results in a rosé that is both elegant and sustainable.
Kind of Wild Rosé
Kind of Wild offers a collection of global wine discoveries devoted to rewilding the planet. Its rosé wines are certified organic, zero added sugar, and void of harmful additives. By partnering with top growers around the world, Kind of Wild crafts premium wines that are both delicious and sustainable.
Château La Gordonne La Chapelle Gordonne Rosé
This rosé from a historic Provence estate delivers the classic, light, and mineral-driven French style while still giving pops of fresh white peaches, cherries, and strawberries. Château La Gordonne’s commitment to sustainable viticulture results in a wine that is both traditional and environmentally friendly.
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