Light pink is the color of the summer. Think: warm sunsets, fresh strawberries and, of course, Rose wine. Often made by letting red wine grapes rest or blending reds and whites, this light adult beverage’s citrus, floral and sweet or dry flavor profile and Instagrammable color makes Rose our go-to warm weather drink. But with so much variety, it can be hard to find the right one for you. That’s why we ask the experts. So ahead of National Rose Wine Day on June 13, we put together a quick list of some of our favorite local wine spots.
Rocky River Wine Bar
An oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Detroit Avenue, this upscale-yet-casual wine bar has one of our favorite summer patios. Every Wednesday it plays host “Rose All Day” event, where you can sip an array of pink wines such as the sunset-inspired Mont D’Azur "Cloud Chaser” ($7/$28), but this Saturday, the patio is stocked with the pink stuff as it transforms into the “Rose Garden,” where parties of 6-10 can celebrate National Rose Day in style. 1313 Linda St., Rocky River, 440-799-4300, rockyriverwinebar.com
CLE Urban Winery
With casual brewery vibes, this winery’s industrial tasting room has re-opened just in time for Rose drinking season. The in-house Rustbelt Rose Wine ($25/bottle), which is light and fruity and compared to cotton candy and Jolly Ranchers, is a popular pick, especially when the winery turns it into a refreshing wine slushie. 2180B Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com
Flight Cleveland
During quarantine, Flight Cleveland became famous for its virtual workshops, wine talks, tastings and snack pairings. But this spot is a great wine bar and shop first, which means it has a mean selection of Rose wine. Each bottle of Rose, such as the Moulin de Gassac Guilheim Rose ($13), which has notes of peach, strawberry and wildflower, is under $13 and easy to order online or in-person at the Gordon Square shop. 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6867, flightcleveland.com
Ferrante Winery in Geneva
If you’re looking to get out of the city and enjoy some Rose out in the great outdoors, head to Ohio’s wine country for a weekend escape. This Geneva winery has a great collection of blush wines such as the Ohio-grown Pink Catawba ($8.99), which features a sweet and spicy and a bright pink hue. 5585 State Route 307, Geneva, 440-466-8466, ferrantewinery.com
Humble Wine Bar
Nothing goes better with a light Rose than a good slice of pizza. Luckily, this Lakewood bar dishes up 14 different Neapolitan-style pizzas to go with its selection of Rose. This Saturday, indulge in the Rose Sangria, which you can get by the glass ($8) but we’ll take the whole pitcher ($30). 15400 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-767-5977, humblewinebar.com
Toast Wine Bar
With wines ranging from Italy to California, this wine bar and restaurant in Gordon Square features a cozy, quirky interior, a beer-garden-style patio and to-go options. It’s wine selection features a Rose for every occasion, such as the spicy, West Coast-grown Love Rose ($20/bottle), great for a date night, or the canned The Girls In The Vineyard Rose ($4), which features hints of rasperry and spearmint and is perfect for a girls’ night. 1365 W. 65th St., Cleveland, 216-862-8974, toastcleveland.com
Southern Tier Brewing
If your tastes lean more toward beer, ale and bubbles, Southern Tier Brewing in Cleveland has got you covered with some Rose-inspired brews. Visit its location on Prospect Avenue to sip something different such as the fizzy Muse Rose Ale ($6) or the crisp and sweet Rose Hibiscus Cider ($6). 811 Prospect Ave E. Cleveland, 440-484-4045, taprooms.stbcbeer.com
The Wine Spot
This family-owned craft wine shop prides itself in having a large collection of wines from all over the world that will refresh and surprise you. Explore the array of fruity flavors in selections such as the peach-infused GONC Cuvee Anna Rose ($19.99) from Slovenia or the more savory Ruth Lewandowski Natural Rose ($29.99) from Utah. 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-342-3623, the-wine-spot-635708.shoplightspeed.com
