Heading to the fireworks? Hosting a BBQ? Chilling on your couch? However you plan to commemorate Independence Day, you’ll want to do so with a celebratory beverage. We asked 10 wine professionals nationwide for their picks for the holiday. From Margaritas to rosé all day, here’s how to do July 4 like a pro.
“Fourth of July calls for something crushable. A crisp, sparkling rosé from Illinois Sparkling Co. is affordable and delicious. Italian Sauvignon Blanc such as Venica & Venica Ronco delle Mele. For a red, Abbazia di Novacella Schiava is a wonderful light, fruit-driven red that is perfect on a slight chill — great for a hot beach or barbecue!” — DeAnn Wong, wine director, Momotaro, Chicago, IL
“As I’m sure I’ll spend most of the day outside, I’ll be drinking Domaine Chavy-Chouet 2017 Les Enseignères. This vineyard, and specifically Chavy-Chouet’s holdings, butt right up to the Grand Cru vineyard Bâtard-Montrachet — like drinking baby Bâtard-Montrachet for a fraction of the price!” — Sam Rethmeier, wine director, République, Los Angeles, CA
“Fourth of July is rosé all day. I like Mas de Gourgonier Les Baux-Provence Rouge … I love all rosés, but this one takes the cake.” — Dayna Barnes, general manager, GT Fish & Oyster, Chicago, IL
“Fourth of July I will be drinking 2017 Rosé of Syrah from Domaine Leonine ‘Que Pasa’ from the Languedoc. The wine has violets and brambly berries on the nose, with rose petal, tobacco leaf and cranberry on the palate. This is one of my favorite rosés to drink on a hot day because it’s bright, refreshing, and extremely complex on the palate.” — Jordan Young, beverage director, Atrium, Los Angeles, CA
“While I’d normally recommend an American wine for Fourth of July, a great alternative would be a sparkling rosé, Amalia Brut by Tselepos. This Agiorgitiko-based wine with its fine bubbles combines minerality, fruit, and brightness to enjoy with salad, burgers, hot dogs, and all the classic Fourth of July fare.” — Dimitris Zafeiropoulos, sommelier, estiatorio Milos, New York, NY
“Adding to the cacophony of fireworks I’ll be popping open Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie L’éClipse Méthode Traditionnelle from Muscadet. It’s a fully organic méthode traditionnelle from the Loire that is absolutely delicious. Made in an artisanal style from Melon de Bourgogne, it boasts the salinity and minerality of the region with great acidity and a creamy finish.” — Terry Quire, bar manager, Couvant, New Orleans, LA
“Margaritas are de rigueur for this fun holiday. The only thing I’m really picky about is the tequila. Patron Reposado is nice and maybe a little Ilegal Mezcal thrown in to smoke it up a notch.” — Rebecca Banks, beverage director, Augustine, New York, NY
“Nothing is more refreshing than a rosé. This Fourth, I plan on drinking the Una Lou rosé of Pinot Noir from Scribe, best described for showing bright citrus, ruby red grapefruit, ripe strawberry with a touch of sea salt, and a clean finish. An added bonus, it comes in 375-milliliter cans, perfect for that can koozie you’ve been wanting to break out!” — Josh Perlman, general manager and beverage director, Giant, Chicago, IL
“The hot long days of July call for a clean crisp beer. There’s so many great local options here in NYC; Threes Brewing, Five Boroughs Brewing Co., and Montauk! All of them have great can options to pack in a cooler and go for an adventure or just sit on your roof and watch the fireworks.” — Nikki Ledbetter, beverage manager, Upland, New York, NY
“Los Angeles is hot in July, so I’ll be drinking domestic sparkling wine on America’s birthday, specifically a bottle of Blancs de Blancs from Ultramarine which is made by the great winemaker Michael Cruse. Perfect with the most American of foods, fried chicken.” — Rick Arline, sommelier, auburn, Los Angeles, CA
