From Rosé to Rioja: The Great Summer-to-Autumn Switch

Andi Healey
Web Manager

There’s something surreal about late summer this year. Your neighbour is still swilling down the Pimm’s, yet the garden’s looking suspiciously autumnal.

While it's still hot in many parts of the UK, tree leaves are turning yellow, and the brambles are so ripe in the hedges that they're tasting alcoholic. Nature itself seems confused about the seasons, with classic autumn fruits like blackberries and apples, normally ready in September, hanging off the branches in what's shaping up to be one of the warmest summers since records began in 1884.

And somehow, despite the lingering heat, that bottle of rosé is starting to lose its appeal and the Rioja on your wine rack is looking increasingly tempting, even though you're still eating dinner outside.

The Tell-Tale Signs You're Making the Switch

Week 1: You find yourself browsing a bit longer in the red wine aisle, "just looking." (Even though it's still 25°C outside and the weather app insists it's summer.)

Week 2: That Burgundy starts looking a bit more appealing than your usual Albariño. You notice the blackberries in your local park are ready… in August.

Week 3: You actually buy a bottle of Pinot Noir. For the weekend, you tell yourself. Maybe with dinner on Sunday. The trees outside your window are dropping autmnal, yellow leaves despite the month.

Week 4: The rosé is still in the fridge, but somehow a glass of Côtes du Rhône has appeared in your hand. We’re all as confused as Mother Nature about what season we're in.

Congratulations – you've officially made the switch, and you're in excellent synchronicity with the natural world itself.

Why This Season's Switch Feels Extra Special

This confused season is perfect timing for English wine lovers. The record-breaking harvest of 21.6 million bottles, two years ago, means there are exceptional English wines available right now; and they're ideal for this strange summer-autumn limbo we're all experiencing.

While 2024's harvest faced challenges, those excellent 2023 wines are hitting their stride just as our palates are shifting toward richer, more complex flavours.

It's the perfect excuse to discover how brilliantly a Kent Chardonnay complements those August apples, or how brilliantly English Pinot Noir pairs with those hearty autumn dishes you're craving – even if you're eating them in 25°C heat with the windows wide open.

The Supporting Cast: Seasonal Foods That Demand Better Glasses

As the mercury drops, our palates naturally gravitate toward richer, more complex flavours. And those gorgeous autumn ingredients? They're absolutely crying out for wines that can stand up to their earthy, robust personalities, served in glasses that let both the wine and food shine, of course.

Game Season Glory

Wild venison with juniper, rich duck confit, or even a game pie; these hearty dishes laugh in the face of light summer wines. They want something with structure, maybe a hint of spice, and definitely some tannins to cut through that richness.

The perfect match? A bold Malbec in a classic Bordeaux glass. The generous bowl gives those complex aromas room to breathe, while the slightly tapered rim concentrates all that gorgeous intensity. Your duck à l'orange will thank you.

Mushroom Madness

There's something magical about the first wild mushrooms of the season. Earthy chanterelles, meaty porcini, delicate girolles, they bring an umami depth that summer vegetables simply can't match.

These woodland treasures deserve wines with similar earthiness and complexity.

Try this: A mature Burgundy with your mushroom risotto, or better yet, explore one of those exceptional English Pinot Noirs from 2023's record harvest.

The Riedel Pinot Noir glass showcases those delicate forest floor notes beautifully, creating a harmony between earth and vine that's pure autumn poetry.

Squash & Root Vegetable Renaissance

Butternut squash soup, honey-roasted parsnips, caramelised pumpkin – these sweet, nutty flavours bridge the gap between summer's brightness and winter's richness perfectly. They play beautifully with wines that have both fruit and substance.

The secret weapon? A glass of Viognier in a Chardonnay glass with your spiced pumpkin tart. The bowl lets those honeyed, spiced notes bloom, while the wine's texture complements the creamy, sweet elements perfectly.

The Glass Swap: Why Your Summer Stems Need a Rest

Just as your wine preferences shift with the seasons, so should your glassware choices. Those delicate, narrow bowls that kept your Sancerre perfectly chilled and bright? They're going to do your new autumn wines absolutely no favours.

Out: Skinny bowls for Sauvignon Blanc and rosé.
In: Generous bowls that give Pinot and Rioja room to breathe.

Think of it as seasonal wardrobe planning, but for your glass cabinet. Your glasses should evolve with your drinking preferences, not work against them.

The Perfect Autumn Arsenal

For Your New Red Romance

Whether you're exploring elegant Pinot Noirs or diving into structured Syrahs, the classic Burgundy and Bordeaux glasses are your best friends. The generous bowls give tannins space to soften and allows subtle aromatics to collect and concentrate.

For Richer Whites

As you graduate from crisp Albariño to more textured Chardonnays and Rhône whites, consider glasses with a bit more volume. The wider bowl enhances the wine's natural richness without losing that essential freshness.

A general rule of thumb is, the darker the white wine, the larger the bowl you need. If you’re drinking a buttery, yellow oaked Chardonnay, you need a huge, round glass to do it justice.

Embracing the Change

The beautiful thing about the summer-to-autumn wine switch is that it's not just about changing your drinking habits; it's about embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons. As the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, we instinctively reach for wines that offer comfort, complexity, and warmth.

So go ahead, push that rosé to the back of the rack (it'll keep until next spring, I promise).

Dust off those bigger glasses, decant something special, and raise a toast to the changing seasons, even if you are doing it while wearing shorts and wondering why the blackberries taste like they've been to a very good party.

Nature might be confused, but your wine choice doesn't have to be - especially if it’s in the right glass!

P.S. What's making the switch in your glass this season? I'd love to hear about your autumn wine discoveries, and which glasses are bringing out their best qualities.