When the temperature rises in Western New York, your wine choices should shift too. Heavy reds give way to crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and sparkling options that are perfect for patios, lake days, and backyard cookouts. Here are our top picks for summer drinking — all available at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines or for local delivery across Buffalo.
Rosé All Day (Seriously)
Rosé has moved far beyond the sweet, blush wines of decades past. Today's best rosés are dry, mineral-driven, and incredibly food-friendly. They pair with practically everything — grilled shrimp, salads, charcuterie, or just a warm sunset on the porch.
Browse our full rosé collection →
Crisp Whites That Refresh
When you need something ice-cold and thirst-quenching, these white wines deliver:
- Sauvignon Blanc — Look for bottles from New Zealand like Kim Crawford ($17.99) or Oyster Bay ($14.99) for zesty grapefruit, lime, and green apple flavors. Unbeatable with seafood.
- Pinot Grigio — Light, clean, and easy to drink. Italian Pinot Grigios are especially food-friendly — perfect with grilled fish, Caesar salads, or appetizers.
- Riesling — Don't let the reputation fool you. Dry Rieslings from the Finger Lakes or Germany are some of the most refreshing wines on the planet.
Sparkling Wines for Celebration (or Tuesday)
You don't need a special occasion to pop a bottle of sparkling wine. Sparkling wines are some of the most versatile food wines — the bubbles and acidity cut through rich, fried, and salty foods beautifully.
Staff pick: La Marca Prosecco at $6.99 is our best-selling sparkling wine for a reason. Light, fruity, and perfect for Aperol Spritzes or just sipping in the sun.
Light Reds That Work in Warm Weather
If you can't give up red wine entirely, try serving lighter reds slightly chilled (about 30 minutes in the fridge):
Meiomi Pinot Noir ($21.99) served cool is a revelation in summer — it's light enough for warm weather but still has great depth of flavor.
Summer Entertaining Cheat Sheet
🔥 BBQ: Serve rosé and Sauvignon Blanc — they pair with everything from burgers to grilled veggies
🏊 Pool party: Keep it simple with Prosecco and a bowl of ice
🍽️ Dinner party: Start with sparkling, move to white with appetizers, finish with a light Pinot Noir for the main
Delivery Across Buffalo
Hosting a last-minute get-together? We deliver to 18+ neighborhoods across the Buffalo area. Free delivery on orders over $49 — order online and your wines will be at your door in time for the party.
Need help picking the perfect summer lineup? Call us at (716) 770-1230 or visit us at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223.
Wine guides from Buffalo House
Honest, no-jargon guides written by our staff in Tonawanda. Free same-day delivery on $49+ across the Buffalo metro.
- The Complete Moscato Wine Guide — 5 styles, top picks under $20, food pairings, and easy Moscato cocktails. Our most-read wine guide.
- The Best Moscato Wines for Sweet Wine Lovers in Buffalo
- Bella Rosa Wine in Buffalo — Buyer's Guide
- Best Rosé Wines for Every Season
- Red Wine for Beginners — 6 Styles to Try
- Best Wines for Summer Sipping in Buffalo
- Italian White Wines Beyond Pinot Grigio
- Champagne & Sparkling Wine Guide
- Wine & Food Pairing Made Simple
