July is all about getting out and about, sunshine (hopefully), festivals, road trips, picnics and long, lazy evenings outdoors. It’s the month where wine becomes less about the dining table and more about where it can go with you.
From al fresco sipping to camping essentials, journeys and festival weekends, here’s our guide to what you should be drinking this July, and how to take it with you.
Al Fresco Drinking
There’s something special about that first glass poured outside, whether it’s your garden, the beach, or a park with friends.
For easy, sunshine-ready sipping, look for wines that are fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated (in the best way). Crisp whites, light reds with a chill, and bright rosés are the order of the day.
A great option is Sancerre Blanc Domaine Jean-Paul Balland 2025, zesty, mineral and made for salads, grilled veg and anything green.
This Sancerre Blanc comes from a mixture of limestone pebbly stones “caillottes” and calcareous-clay “Terres Blanches”. The wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel and undergo regular bâtonnage.
Intense aroma, with scents of anise and mint associated to sweet quince and pineapple. On the palate mild ripe peachy fruits with hints of citrus and fresh herbs. The attack is lively, fresh and floral (honeysuckle, acacia).
Or, if you’re leaning towards something a little more relaxed, chilled reds like Mecanique du Vin Chilly Red 2025 bring juicy red fruit and freshness that work beautifully outdoors.
La Mécanique du Vin tells the story of the intricate winemaking process, from vine to bottle. The name, translating to “the wine mechanics,” nods to the meticulous processes required to craft a wine of this calibre. Combining Old World tradition with New World innovation, *La Mécanique du Vin* is a reflection of both winemaking styles.
A light bodied wine made from Cinsault grapes. Red berries with a soft and silky texture. Serve slightly chilled on it's own or to accompany any tapas, grilled dishes and pasta.
Drinks for Camping
When you’re packing light, practicality matters, but that doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
Opt for:
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Screw caps over corks
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Half bottles for efficient packing
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Versatile wines that go with whatever ends up on the camping stove
Half bottles are perfect for train journeys or evenings when you just want a glass or two without committing to a full bottle, ideal for slipping into a backpack. Some great options are:
Edouard Brun Cuvee Speciale Brut NV 37.5cl - This half-bottle of the Cuvée Speciale captures all the richness and depth of the house style. Brun uses old oak to ferment a portion of its Pinot Noir grapes, leading to softness, roundness and elegant red cherry fruit on the palate. The acidity is clean and crisp, balanced by bright, lively fruit and brioche-and-biscuit lees complexity.
Abeille de Fieuzal Blanc Pessac-Leognan 2019 Half Bottle - Pretty and layered aroma of chamomile, pear and orange peel on the nose, with a subtle flintiness. The palate is silky and very long, refining into a dry and zesty finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Pierre Bourée Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir, AOP Bourgogne 2023 (37.5cl)- In the glass it’s a translucent ruby colour, offering lifted aromas of wild strawberry with a subtle savoury, slightly earthy edge. A versatile food wine, it works beautifully with dishes like coq au vin or roast chicken, and also pairs well with vegetable-based dishes such as pasta bakes or ratatouille.
And don’t forget, our seasonal mixed cases are a brilliant way to stock up before a trip, giving you a ready-made selection that covers all bases.
Festival-Ready Drinks
Festival drinking is all about fun, portability and personality.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
For something that matches the energy (and the engines), we love the playful labels and easy-drinking style of Loud Shirt beers, especially fitting with their bold, car-themed designs. Cold, refreshing and perfect between races.
Loud Shirt Zephyr Hazy Pale Ale 44cl 4.2% - After a couple of iterations and refinements, Loud Shirt have landed on the perfect recipe. It's a soft and juicy pale that punches well above it's weight at a crushable 4.2%! Flavours of white grape and citrus, wrapped in a creamy haze.
Loud Shirt Cuda Pale Ale 44cl 4.2% - Bright and inviting, it opens with aromas of grapefruit and citrus zest. Flavours of green melon and stone fruit follow leading to a pleasantly crisp, dry finish. Light, refreshing and effortlessly drinkable.
Love Supreme Jazz Festival (Glynde, 3rd–5th July)
A more laid-back vibe calls for something a little more expressive and interesting.
Blank Bottle Jaa-Bru!! Malbec 2023 is a brilliant choice here, a wine full of character, creativity and story. Expect juicy dark fruit, spice and a fresh edge that keeps it lively. It’s the kind of bottle that sparks conversation, just like the music.
Cans, Aperitifs & Easy Wins
Sometimes convenience is king, and thankfully, there are more great options than ever:
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Canned beers - easy to chill, easy to carry, no fuss
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Aperitifs - perfect for starting the evening as the sun goes down
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Light, chillable wines - adaptable, refreshing and ideal for sharing
July is about freedom and flexibility, wines that travel well, suit the moment, and don’t demand too much thought.
Whether you’re heading to a festival, pitching a tent, jumping on a train or just sitting outside with friends, the best bottle is the one that fits the occasion.
Pop into the shop and we’ll help you put together the perfect selection, or grab one of our mixed cases and let us do the hard work for you.
Here’s to a summer of great drinks, great places and great company.
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