IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Burger bash? Hiking? Cheap wines for summer fun

Andrea Robinson is currently one of just 17 female master sommeliers in the world. Here, she shares delicious wines under $10 perfect for various summer scenarios.A burger bash (outdoor grilling): Massimo Rioja (Spain) $9; Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz (Australia) $10When you're grilling beef you want a bold red because the flavors of the grill (char, smokiness) are intense. In Spain, food is coo

Andrea Robinson is currently one of just 17 female master sommeliers in the world. Here, she shares delicious wines under $10 perfect for various summer scenarios.

A burger bash (outdoor grilling): 

  • Massimo Rioja (Spain) $9;
  • Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz (Australia) $10

When you're grilling beef you want a bold red because the flavors of the grill (char, smokiness) are intense. In Spain, food is cooked over a wood fire, and rioja is naturally suited to that.

A beach party lobster or clambake:

  • McWilliams Hanwood Estate Chardonnay (Australia)- $10 
  • Cellar No. 8 Chardonnay (CA), both $10

 Drink this with shellfish and sweet corn. The chardonnay will pick up the buttery elements of the meal.

Performance in the park:

  • Segura Viudas Cava Rose (Spain) $10,
  • Woodbridge Brut Sparkling (California), $9.99

Bubbles make it festive and elegant. When outdoors, serve wine in clear plastic wine glasses with stems, or just clear cups. 

Hike/camp-out:   

  • Bandit Chardonnay Tetra Pak ($8.99 for 1L);
  • The Climber Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99 1.5L)

You don't need a corkscrew and it's lighter to carry than a bottle. No need to think wine in a tetra pak is second class. It's great for nature lovers because it's 30% reduction in the packaging carbon footprint, and it's less weight. And it's good wine. It's just more convenient and greener... and, it doesn't spoil!