Rosé season doesn't really start and end — but there's a certain kind of light in June that makes you reach for a chilled glass and feel completely justified about it. If you've been drinking the same bottle every summer, consider this your friendly nudge to explore a little.

This guide is built around honest picks: the kind of rosés that people actually remember, recommend to friends, and order by the case. From Provence classics to a Canadian gem most people haven't heard of, here's what to drink this summer.

The Classics You Already Know

Whispering Angel — Provence, France

If you've spent any time near a wine shop in the last decade, you've seen this bottle. Château d'Esclans' Whispering Angel is the rosé that turned a lot of people into rosé people — and for good reason.

Pale salmon in the glass, dry and light-bodied, with delicate notes of peach, grapefruit, and white flowers. There's nothing aggressive about it. It's effortlessly elegant, which is why it works everywhere: a terrace in Nice, a rooftop in Brooklyn, a dock in Muskoka.

Food pairing: Grilled sea bass with lemon and capers, niçoise salad, or a simple cheese board with fresh fruit. Anything where you want the wine to complement rather than compete.

Who it's for: The person who's done experimenting and found their bottle. Confidence in a glass.

Miraval Rosé — Provence, France

Another Provence benchmark, this one from Brad Pitt and the Perrin family (the team behind Château Beaucastel). But forget the celebrity angle — Miraval earns its reputation on its own.

It's slightly fuller than Whispering Angel, with more structure and a longer finish. Think fresh strawberry, white peach, and a mineral quality that reminds you it came from serious land. The 2025 vintage is particularly good.

Food pairing: Roasted chicken with herbs, seafood risotto, or a mezze spread. It holds up to food better than most light rosés.

Who it's for: The wine lover who wants Provence rosé with a little more depth — something to linger over.

A Canadian Surprise: Peller Estates Ice Cuvée Rosé

Most people don't think of Canada when they think of great rosé. That's their loss.

Peller Estates' Ice Cuvée Rosé, from Niagara-on-the-Lake, is made with ice wine blended into sparkling wine — which sounds like a gimmick until you taste it. It's lightly effervescent, gently sweet (but not cloying), with beautiful notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of citrus. Think champagne energy with Niagara roots.

The texture is what gets you: silky, with bubbles fine enough that you almost forget it's sparkling. It's dangerously easy to finish.

Food pairing: Fruit-forward desserts, a cheese and charcuterie board, or honestly — on its own at golden hour. No food required.

Who it's for: The adventurous sipper who wants something luxe and a little unexpected. Also: a genuinely impressive host gift that nobody else will show up with.

Canadian rosé wine doesn't get enough credit on the world stage. This bottle is a strong argument that it should.

England, Quietly Winning: Chapel Down Rosé

English wine used to be a punchline. Not anymore.

Chapel Down's rosé, made in Kent, has quietly become one of the most interesting bottles in the category. It's crisp and refined — somewhere between a Loire valley rosé and something you'd find in cooler coastal Provence. Expect notes of redcurrant, rose petals, and a lovely citrus backbone.

The bottle surprises people. They don't expect it. They always remember it.

Food pairing: Smoked salmon, soft goat cheese, or strawberries and cream (very fitting, given the provenance).

Who it's for: The person who likes to bring something to a dinner party that starts a conversation. Points are scored.

The Italian Wildcard: Proprietà Sperino Uvaggio

This is the one that catches people off guard.

From Piedmont — the region better known for Barolo and Barbaresco — Proprietà Sperino's Uvaggio rosé is a reminder that Italian winemakers can do anything beautifully. Made primarily from Nebbiolo and local varietals, it's more structured and savoury than your typical summer sipper. Dried rose petals, blood orange, fresh herbs, and something almost earthy underneath.

It doesn't stay in one lane. That's exactly the point.

Food pairing: Grilled lamb, mushroom pasta, or a rich antipasto spread. This one likes food.

Who it's for: The wine drinker who's bored with the predictable and wants something to think about.

How to Choose Your Rosé This Summer

Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Want something classic and reliable? Whispering Angel or Miraval.

• Want to impress without overthinking it? Chapel Down.

• Want something celebratory and a little unexpected? Peller Estates Ice Cuvée.

• Want to surprise a wine lover? Sperino Uvaggio.

The best rosé is the one that fits the moment. And the moment, frankly, is always now.

The Right Bottle, the Right Tee

There's something about summer drinking culture that's as much about how you show up as what's in your glass. Whether you're pouring on a patio in Niagara, at a rooftop in New York, or somewhere with a view you earned — the vibe matters.

Love discovering new rosés? Bring that same enthusiasm beyond the glass with the  Rosé All Day T-shirt  rom Gourmandee Tees. For even more rosé-inspired apparel, browse the Rosé Season Collection featuring hats and tees inspired by rosé wine season.

Because your rosé — and your outfit — should both be doing the talking.

🍂 Seasonal Finds: Mushrooms & Cultured Butter

One of the joys of visiting the farmers market this time of year is watching the shift from summer abundance to fall comforts. Recently I picked up some gorgeous oyster mushrooms oyster, that I’ve never seen before. They were pink! I also discovered cultured butter and using them together made a delicious side dish for dinner.

If you’ve only ever seen the beige or grey oyster mushrooms at the store, the bright coral-pink ones at the farmers’ market can feel like a delight. Pink oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus djamor) are actually a variety of oyster mushroom but they grow in warmer weather and have a striking rosy hue that fades when cooked. Compared to regular oyster mushrooms, they’re a bit more delicate and have a subtle seafood-like flavour (but I have confirmed they do not trigger anyone with a seafood/shellfish allergy). They’re best eaten fresh and sautéed quickly since they don’t store as long as their more common cousins. These mushrooms are a seasonal treat and not something you usually find at the grocery store, which makes spotting them at a local farmer’s market a special treat.

Pink Oyster Mushrooms

Cultured Butters

My next delicious find was cultured butter and it’s definitely not your everyday stick of butter. It’s made with cream that’s left to ferment with live cultures (just like yogurt), then churned into something tangy, rich, and incredibly creamy. The result is butter with more depth of flavour and a higher fat content, which means it melts like a dream and holds up beautifully in cooking. I am officially in love with the ginger miso butter that I picked up. This one has that umami, salty tangy goodness that I love. It can be used on fresh bread but I used this one to sauté these lovely oyster mushrooms. I’m going to start using this butter on fish, with my scrambled eggs and it would probably enhance my sauces. I may even try it on popcorn!

Wine lovers - something fun for fall!

I’m really excited to share that the “I Love Local Wine” tees are now available in both long and short sleeves (hello, layering season!). Its a redesign with some new colours. Some of these tees shout out famous wine regions: Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Napa, Sonoma, Okanagan, Niagara and Rioja - so you can show off your favourite place to sip. But I also have options for those of us who just love supporting local wine, no matter what region you call home or you love to drink.

I Love Local Wine Long Sleeve T-shirt

I Love Local Wine Bordeaux T-shirt

I Love Local Wine Short Sleeve T-shirt

So, if you enjoy discovering new bottles, traveling to wine regions or hitting up local wineries or bars, there’s something here for you. They’re super soft, easy to throw on, and always a conversation starter. Discover the Collection!

Hope you find something delicious and inspiring this fall on your plate, your glass and in your closet.

Wear Your Taste!
Gourmandee

 gourmandeetees.com @gourmandee_tees

I’m a sucker for a pretty Christmas tree!

Most holiday traditions revolve around family and food. Christmas in particular is one of my favourite foodie holidays. I love planning what I’ll be eating, the hustle and bustle of shopping at the market and the delicious smells in the kitchen from all the cooking. It gives me such a warm and satisfying feeling that I try to keep it until after new years by continuing to cook and eat.

This Christmas, I am looking forward to my sister’s jerked turkey. I’ve never been a fan of turkey to be honest but ever since my sister introduced me to this juicy and flavourful way to prepare this bird, it’s the only turkey I want to eat. I think every time she makes it for family dinners, she shows us how much she loves us and I hope she knows that when we clean our plates and are fighting over leftovers we are loving her back.

For this season, I hope you eat something that gives you the feeling of warmth and happiness plus a full belly!

If you’re still searching for the perfect gift for the host, hostess, or foodie in your life, check out Gourmandee’s gift ideas for inspiration.  

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

Bonifanti Panettone

They may even be something you want to buy for yourself. 😉

Happy holidays and happy eating & drinking from Gourmandee!

Have you ever thought about dining at the airport? I mean having the time to sit down, enjoy a meal and linger over drinks and conversation? For the first time ever, I had a meal comparable to dining out in the city and it was amazing!

I fly to and through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport a few times a year. But it's usually early in the morning or late in the evening and I'm focused it getting to my gate on time. Last month, I was heading home from one of my visits to Atlanta.

Chardonnay Bae Short Sleeve T-shirt

Sparkling & Sober Tee

I decided to drop off my rental car early in order to spend some time in the largest airport in the United States. I had been told there was a dine-in restaurant that was nominated twice for a James Beard Award and the restaurant had great reviews. As a foodie, I wanted to check it out, so I headed directly to Concourse E in search of a kick-ass lunch.One Flew South is the creation of two Atlanta based businesses…continue reading

What’s cooking?

There are times when I feel challenged on what to make for dinner or what to make for guests when they come over. I want them to feel cared for my the dish I choose to make. Chicken wings may seem ho hum but this is one of my favourite was to make wings for dinner that presents well and tastes great. Check out the recipe!

Greek Chicken Wings

Until next time, stay deliciously inspired! Feel free to share this with a friend who enjoys good food and wine!

With culinary love, Gourmandee!