From Rosé to Reds | Best Wines for Early Fall

Early fall is that magical in-between moment. Sunny afternoons still hint at summer, while the evenings cool down just enough to make you reach for a sweater (and maybe a richer glass of wine)! Just like your wardrobe starts to shift, so should your wine choices. It's the perfect time to transition from those crisp, chilled rosés you sipped all summer to something a little deeper and cozier. Think of it as a seasonal spectrum, starting with bright, fruity pours and easing into bold, comforting reds that match the mood of falling leaves and harvest dinners!

Why Early Fall is a Unique Wine Season

The weather during early fall is in transition. It's warm during the day and cool at night, which means your wine choices should reflect that balance. Meals are also starting to shift, think heartier ingredients and richer flavors, but not quite full-on comfort food just yet. This makes it the ideal time to reach for versatile wines that bridge the gap between summer freshness and fall depth, offering something that feels just right for the season.

Still Sippin’ Summer: Early Fall Rosés to Try

Just because the calendar says fall doesn’t mean you have to put away the rosé glasses. Early autumn is the perfect time to keep that summer sparkle in your sip, especially with bottles that pair beautifully with the season’s first harvest dishes. A dry Provence Rosé like Juliette la Sanglière Provence 2020 is crisp, refreshing, and just structured enough to handle roasted squash, grilled salmon, or a cozy cheese board. If you’re looking for something feather-light and endlessly drinkable, the Château d’Esclans 2021 Rosé delivers delicate fruit notes with a silky finish. These wines are perfect for those warm afternoons that still feel like summer, even as the leaves start to turn!

Pinot Noir: The Perfect Chillable Red for Crisp Fall Evenings

As the days grow shorter and the air turns refreshingly crisp, Pinot Noir steps into the spotlight as the ultimate chillable red. Light enough to enjoy with a slight chill on those lingering warm afternoons, yet complex and earthy enough to cozy up with at night, it’s the perfect bridge between summer sipping and fall comfort. The Companion Wines Los Carneros Pinot Noir 2019 dazzles with bright cherry and a whisper of spice, ideal for grilled salmon or mushroom risotto. The Lincourt Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir 2018 offers a richer, more robust profile that pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables or pork dishes. For something vibrant and elegant, the Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2022 delivers balance, freshness, and a silky finish that makes it as enjoyable on a sunny patio as it is by the firepit!

Bolder Reds as the Nights Get Cozier

When the evenings turn chilly and the blankets come out, it’s time to pour a glass of something bold, rich, and soul-warming. Cabernet Sauvignon is the ultimate fireside companion with bold and full-bodied layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and a velvety finish. Our Companion Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Reserve Cabernet, and Ominous Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 are all show-stopping choices for pairing with grilled steak or hearty roasts! If you’re craving something plush and juicy, Malbec delivers with ripe plum, blackberry, and cocoa notes that shine alongside barbecue, roasted vegetables, or mushroom risotto. Try the Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Valle de Uco Barrel Select Malbec 2020 or the Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Mendoza Malbec 2019 to pair perfectly. For a taste of rustic Spanish charm, Tempranillo brings earthy spice, leather, and dried cherry to the table. Pairing beautifully with tapas, chorizo, or stews, especially when paired with the Quinta Sardonia Sardon 2019. These are the bottles that make chilly nights feel like an invitation to slow down, savor, and sip!

Raise a Glass to the Changing Seasons

Early fall is the season of balance! Warm afternoons, cool evenings, and flavors that fall somewhere between light and hearty. The same goes for your wine! Picture refreshing rosés that still sparkle with summer energy to bold reds that feel like a cozy blanket in a glass, these bottles are the perfect way to savor the season. Whether you’re hosting a harvest dinner, relaxing by the firepit, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, the right wine makes every moment richer.

Want to keep your glass filled with seasonal favorites? Join our Wine Club and enjoy handpicked selections delivered right to your door, so you’ll always have the perfect pour for every fall occasion. Cheers to sipping your way through the season!