By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Some Summer surprises - a visit from the ice cream truck, SPF that isn’t too sticky, an icy cold shower after a sweltering hot day - are welcome.
Others, like the realisation that you have invited a self-appointed wine snob - you know the type: sniffing, swirling, muttering about screw cap - are ideally avoided. The truth is, Summer is for sunshine…and not taking your wine too seriously.
So, pop a bottle, grab a friend and forget the rules. To help us separate fact from fiction, Alex Beckett, Director of Wine at Marnong Estate, busts the most common Summer wine myths.
Myth 1: Rosé is Only for Women
"In my experience, I actually don’t find this to be the case. I know both men and women who enjoy a glass of rosé, with this variety rising in popularity with many wine drinkers in recent years,” says Alex.
He points out that old-fashioned marketing may have unfairly branded rosé as feminine. Today’s Australian rosés, including Marnong Estate’s 2025 Estate Rosé, offer lifted guava and cherry notes balanced by a savoury finish.
"When guests taste our rosé, they’re often pleased by how dynamic it is, especially with light Summer dishes like charcuterie or grilled seafood.” Verdict: rosé is for everyone.
Myth 2: White Wine Must Always Be Ice-cold
Many Summer hosts panic at the thought of slightly ‘warm’ whites. Alex advises, "I don’t personally pay too much attention to temperature, I just try to follow a guide of whites out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving and reds in the fridge 15 minutes before unless it’s a chilly day!”
Over-chilling whites dulls aromatics and masks subtle textures, so let them breathe a little and your guests will notice the difference.
Myth 3: Ice in Wine is a Crime
Whether it’s a scorching Summer day or a casual garden gathering, Alex says: "Wine should absolutely be enjoyed however people like it, one of my favourite Summer drinks from travelling through Germany is called a Weinschorle, effectively a soda water Spritz with aromatic off-dry wine. Delicious.”
A few cubes won’t hurt; it might just make your Summer sips even more refreshing.
Myth 4: Red Wine is Too Heavy for Hot Weather
"Not all reds are a big, oaky Shiraz,” Alex points out. Marnong Estate’s lighter reds, like Pinot Noir and Sangiovese, shine in Summer. Slightly chilled - about 15 minutes in the fridge - they’re perfect with barbequed vegetables, charcuterie, or Mediterranean-style dishes. Who said reds had to hibernate until Winter?
Myth 5: Screw Caps Mean Cheap Wine
"The screw cap myth is a hard one to shake,” Alex admits. "In Australia, we’ve been leading the way in proving how effective they are.” Screw caps preserve freshness, prevent faults and make outdoor entertaining a breeze. Let’s be honest: pricey doesn’t always mean better. "There are fantastic wines under $30 that overdeliver.”
Myth 6: White Wine Only with Fish, Red Only with Meat
"It’s a useful rule of thumb, but not a hard rule,” says Alex. Balance matters more than tradition - match the wine’s weight and intensity to the dish. Grilled salmon? Try a Pinot Noir. Barbequed lamb? A full-bodied Chardonnay can be unexpectedly brilliant. Summer is all about breaking the rules in style.
Myth 7: Sweet Wines Are Outdated
Off-dry Rieslings and Moscatos are having a moment, especially when paired with Summer food. Their bright, fruity character and refreshing acidity make them a natural partner for spicy dishes, seafood, or citrus-heavy salads. Don’t write off sweet wines - they’re back and better than ever for sunny afternoons.
Myth 8: Presentation Doesn’t Matter
Alex emphasises that how you serve your wine is as important as what’s in the glass. "A big, beautiful ice bucket on the table not only keeps bottles cool but adds to the atmosphere.” Temperature and variety are key - a mix of sparkling, white, rosé and lighter reds ensures everyone finds something they love.
One pairing Alex can’t get enough of is yellowfin tuna crudo with stracciatella and the 2025 Estate Rosé. "Acidity cutting through the fatty richness and the flavours so complementary,” he says.
Myth 9: Older Wine is Always Better
Finally, if there’s one myth Alex would banish forever, it’s the idea that wine improves simply by ageing. "Drink them young for vibrancy and fresh fruit deliciousness. Drink them old for savoury and earthy complexity. The world of wine is open for all.”
Whether hosting a sunset gathering or a weekend brunch, the right wine is the one that brings joy in the moment.
