Craft & Cork >> Winemaking

Nothing pairs better with warm weather than a refreshing glass of fruit-flavoured wine. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply unwinding on the patio, these light-hearted and delicious  – and completely unpretentious – wines offer an easy, breezy way to embrace the carefree vibes of summer.

The countdown to the warm weather is also officially on this month as we mark the official start of Spring, so we think the timing is ideal to choose your next wine-making project. To help, we’re focusing on four key reasons why we believe fruit-flavoured wines should top your summer sipping list.

1. Fruit-flavoured wines suit the laid-back, sunshine-loving season

Summer is all about enjoying light, refreshing, and fruity flavours that mirror what’s growing in nature and in orchards. ’Tis the season of popsicles and Freezies too, after all! Those flavours are also extra crave-worthy if you’re curious about what’s trending (and delicious) in the way of fruit profiles making waves in the beverage world.

• Orchard Breezin’ Peach Perfection is an ideal example of a quintessential summer flavour, offering the juicy, sun-kissed sweetness of ripe peaches – one of the most beloved Canadian summer fruits.
• Orchard Breezin’ Very Black Cherry delivers the essence of deep, bold cherry, a popular trend flavouring the beverage world in everything from craft cocktails to hard seltzers.

2. Lower-alcohol wines are a go-to for health-conscious consumers

More and more consumers are looking for lower-alcohol options that fit into a balanced, wellness-minded lifestyle. Fruit-flavoured wines, typically measuring under 10% ABV – the RJS Orchard Breezin’ wines sit at 7.6% ABV – and are a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy a glass (or two!) without the heaviness or affects of higher-alcohol wines.

• Orchard Breezin’ Tropical Lime offers a zesty, citrusy kick with a crisp and light profile – perfect for after an afternoon of garden work.
• Acai Raspberry Rapture combines superfruit acai berries with raspberries, aligning with today’s health-conscious trends while delivering big, juicy flavour.

3. Fruity wines make a perfect base for wine cocktails

Fruit-flavoured wines also make an excellent base for refreshing summer cocktails like sangrias. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, these wines offer a built-in fruit component, making them a convenient and flavourful option.

• Seville Orange Sangria is tailor-made for a traditional Spanish-style sangria, bursting with citrus notes that pair perfectly with sliced oranges, berries, and a splash of brandy.

4. Fruit-flavoured wines… because frosé is always a good idea!

Few things scream summer like a frozen wine cocktail. Fruit-flavoured wines blend effortlessly into ice-cold slushies, adding both sweetness and complexity to frozen treats like frosé.

• Rocking Raspberry Rosé makes a fantastic frosé base with its bright berry flavours, perfect when blended with ice and a touch of fresh fruit.
• Wild Watermelon screams summer refreshment and is a natural fit for blending into frozen wine cocktails—just add ice and enjoy!

Time to choose your summer-wine kit!

Whether you’re looking for a light, easy-drinking wine to enjoy on its own or a fun base for creative summer cocktails, fruit-flavoured wines are the ultimate warm-weather companion. With their refreshing taste, lower-alcohol content, and versatility, they’re a must-try for anyone looking to capture the best of the season in a glass!