8 trends that will define rosé this summer
From pink fizz and oversized bottles to Côte d’Azur-inspired entertaining and the rise of English rosé, producers are predicting a more premium, versatile and experience-led future for the category. db asked leading rosé brands to reveal the trends set to shape summer 2026.
1. Pink fizz sparkles into summer
Sparkling rosés are set to soar this summer, with consumers increasingly opting for wines that are both high-quality and fresh; authentic yet easy-drinking. “Sparkling rosés perfectly respond to this demand, bringing together the conviviality of bubbles with the elegance and fruit-forward character of rosé,” says Gérard Bertrand, founder of the eponymous winery. “More broadly, consumers are embracing wines that fit naturally into relaxed social occasions, from rooftop gatherings and beachside moments to casual celebrations with friends.” Bubbles tap into this trend by offering “a sense of celebration without formality”, while also catering to the growing appeal of approachable premium products.
2. The Côte d’Azur effect
Rosé’s enduring appeal is intrinsically linked to the sun-drenched French Riviera, where the iconic Provence pours are produced. In light of this, the main rosé trend Maison Mirabeau co-founder Jeany Cronk predicts for summer 2026 has little to do with what’s actually in the bottle. Instead, it centres on the far-reaching influence of the region’s coastal culture and cuisine. Cronk notes that consumers are increasingly bringing a “touch of the Côte d’Azur to weekend lunches” through stylish Mediterranean tablescapes, colourful sharing dishes and a laid-back approach that is all about “minimising hosting stress and maximising the joy of being together”. Filming for HBO’s iconic TV drama The White Lotus is currently underway in the region, which is likely to propel Provence’s appeal to even greater heights. “We can already feel the buzz building,” she adds. “Consider us just a little ahead of the curve.”
3. Bigger bottles take centre stage
According to Maison Saint Aix social media manager Louise Koehler, big bottles continue to steal the show year after year. Whether it’s a magnum on a sun-drenched terrace or a jeroboam at the centre of a long summer dinner, she believes there is “something undeniably joyful about a large-format bottle arriving at the table”. These bottles aren’t simply vessels for the liquid inside, but are able to transform the entire dining experience. “They invite people to linger, to refill each other’s glasses, to make an occasion out of an ordinary evening,” tapping into a genuine appetite for “long, unhurried moments shared with the people who matter most”. In a world that “often moves too fast, and where so much of our social life has become fragmented”, this sense of connection is a welcome balm. Maison Saint Aix has seen demand for larger formats grow consistently across markets. “The momentum is stronger than ever,” Koehler adds.
4. Bolder, deeper pours
Expect to see a move towards bolder, deeper pink wines with more structure and presence this summer, predicts Laurent-Perrier brand director Daniel Brennan. The trend plays in favour of the Maison’s deep salmon-pink Cuvée Rosé, the best-selling grand marque rosé Champagne in the UK on-trade. At the same time, pink wine drinkers are increasingly seeking lower-dosage sparkling wines, favouring Brut expressions, where drier, crisper styles allow the fruit and terroir to shine.
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5. Authenticity comes first
“While consumers still look for freshness and enjoyment, they are increasingly seeking authenticity, regional typicity and brands they can genuinely connect with,” says Edward Vellacott, managing director at Bijou. “This shift is creating space for more diverse and unconventional styles, resulting in a more nuanced and compelling category than in previous years.” Historically, success in rosé was broadly defined by a familiar formula: pale Provençal styling and a recognisable flavour profile. “While that classic southern French style remains hugely popular, modern drinkers are more open-minded to discovery,” adds Vellacott. “They are actively exploring different grape varieties, regions and structural expressions, from cool-climate Pinot Noir and premium sparkling rosés to complex, gastronomic styles.” This shift can partly be attributed to social media platforms reshaping how wine is discovered. “The industry has moved beyond a phase of prioritising purely ‘Instagrammable’ packaging,” explains Vellacott. “While presentation remains vital, there is a renewed focus on quality, sustainability and authenticity, with consumers looking beyond the social media hype.”
6. Looking beyond summer
Ironically, for some, the defining rosé trend of summer 2026 is to look beyond summer altogether. “Rosé is no longer seen only as a light summer wine,” says Nuria Vives, communications manager at Juvé & Camps. “Consumers are increasingly looking for wines that feel refined and versatile — wines that work beautifully as an aperitif but also at the table. “Pale colour still communicates freshness and elegance, but today there is a growing appreciation for rosés that have balance, persistence and a pure expression of fruit and origin.” Maison Pommery’s Julien Lonneux is also seeing the category evolve from a “purely seasonal drink” into a more “premium and lifestyle-driven category”. It is all part of a broader evolution that is making rosé more versatile than ever – equally at home in fine dining, aperitif occasions and premium casual settings.
7. Frozé, spritzes and new serves
This summer, Roseblood d’Estoublon believes one of the biggest rosé trends will be the emergence of new ways to enjoy pink wine, as consumers seek more elevated drinking experiences. “This reflects a broader shift in the drinks market,” says Vérane Trachino, marketing and communications director at Roseblood d’Estoublon. “Rosé has become a lifestyle category.” Sparkling rosé is expected to become a major player, while spritz-style serves, cocktails, frozé, gastronomic food pairings and celebratory occasions are all forecast to flourish as the category moves beyond a single consumption moment.
8. English rosé comes of age
Demand for English rosé continues to grow, according to Bolney Estate winemaker Miguel Symington, as consumers look beyond traditional rosé-producing regions and become more confident exploring new styles. “Cool-climate rosés are particularly well placed to meet current preferences for fresher, lighter wines, often with naturally lower alcohol levels,” says Symington. Consumers are “more adventurous than ever” when it comes to exploring new types of the wine. “The rapid growth and rising profile of English wine has played a significant role in this shift, with greater awareness and recognition encouraging consumers to discover what English producers can offer beyond sparkling wine,” Symington adds.
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