The Perfect Wines for Summer’s Last Pour and Early Fall’s First Toast
Updated: Sep 6
Written by Duane Pemberton
There is something special about the transition from summer to early fall. The days can still feel unmistakably warm, but the evenings begin to hint at what is coming. That change makes this one of the most enjoyable times of year for wine.
Summer tends to favor wines that are bright, chilled and refreshing. Early fall brings a natural desire for wines with more body, texture and warmth. The good news is that you do not have to choose between the two.
This collection of wines sits comfortably between those seasons. There are crisp whites and refreshing rosés for lingering afternoons. There are lighter reds that can be served with a slight chill. There are also structured Cabernets, Syrahs and Malbecs ready for the first cool evenings.
The key to this time of year is versatility.
A wine like the 2024 B&G Côtes de Provence “Tourmaline” still feels perfectly suited to summer. Its bright fruit, crisp acidity and dry finish make it ideal for an afternoon outdoors. The 2024 B&G Beaujolais-Villages “Grand Bouquet” takes that same approach in red form. Fresh red fruit, lively acidity and soft tannins make it particularly appealing when temperatures remain high.
The 2024 Quartz Creek Chardonnay offers another bridge between seasons. Its combination of orchard fruit, citrus and mineral freshness keeps it refreshing. At the same time, its creamy texture gives it enough substance for early fall meals.
As the sun goes down earlier, richer wines start to make more sense. The 2021 St. Francis Reserve Zinfandel brings ripe California fruit, baking spice and a generous texture. It is exactly the kind of wine that works with grilled foods while summer is still hanging around.
The 2021 Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah takes things a step further. Blackberry, violet, pepper and savory spice create a wine with plenty of depth. Yet its balance keeps it from feeling overly heavy. It is equally comfortable alongside a late-summer barbecue or an early-fall roast.
Cabernet lovers have plenty to choose from in this group. The 2020 Lot C91 Cabernet Sauvignon combines cassis, blackberry, cedar and cocoa with firm tannins. It has the structure associated with fall but retains enough fruit and freshness to remain approachable.
Washington's reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon is well represented here. The 2023 J. Bookwalter Volume 13 is a particularly appealing example, combining expressive blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum with layers of cedar, cocoa, vanilla and sweet spice. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit and bittersweet chocolate are balanced by substantial but polished tannins and enough acidity to keep the wine focused. It is the kind of Cabernet that brings plenty of richness to the table without becoming cumbersome, making it a natural fit for the transition into cooler weather.
The Abeja Cabernets provide another look at Washington's ability to produce structured, expressive reds. The 2023 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon emphasizes ripe fruit and savory herbs. The 2022 Heather Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon takes a more restrained and serious approach, with graphite, cedar, tobacco and fine-grained tannins.
The 2023 Pepper Bridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon offers yet another interpretation of Washington Cabernet, with concentrated blackberry, cassis and dark cherry backed by polished tannins, cedar, cocoa and subtle mineral character. Its combination of depth and freshness makes it particularly well suited to the first substantial meals of fall. Pepper Bridge's 2023 Merlot provides a softer counterpoint, bringing ripe plum, black cherry and blueberry together with supple tannins, while the 2023 Trine delivers a more layered and structured profile built around dark fruit, tobacco, cocoa, herbs and mineral notes.
The Long Shadows wines offer some of the collection's most compelling choices for cooler evenings. The 2021 Chester-Kidder Red Wine is powerful and dark, with blackberry, cassis, espresso and cocoa. The 2021 Pedestal Merlot offers a softer alternative, combining plush fruit with enough tannic structure to complement heartier food.
Not every early-fall wine needs to be big, however.
The 2024 Long Shadows Poet's Leap remains bright and refreshing, making it an excellent choice when summer temperatures refuse to disappear. Its citrus, green apple and mineral character provide the kind of freshness that works throughout the entire season.
The same principle applies to Pinot Noir. The 2024 Craggy Range “Te Muna Road” offers vibrant raspberry, cherry and cranberry with bright acidity and fine tannins. It has enough structure for cooler weather but remains light enough for a warm evening.
Burgundy's 2020 Maison Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin takes Pinot Noir in a more savory direction. Its combination of ripe fruit, earth, spice and fine tannins makes it especially appealing as the season moves toward fall.
The collection also ventures beyond the traditional California and French choices. The 2020 Alta Vista Single Vineyard Malbec “Alizarin” delivers Argentine richness with velvety tannins and dark fruit. The 2022 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere brings Chilean Carmenere to the table with impressive concentration, cocoa, spice and structure.
Then there is Champagne. The 2026 Taittinger Brut Réserve FIFA Limited Edition is a reminder that sparkling wine does not belong exclusively to summer celebrations. Its citrus, orchard fruit, brioche and mineral character can transition effortlessly from a warm afternoon into an evening gathering.
Ultimately, the best wines for this time of year are not defined by a particular grape or region. They are defined by balance. You want freshness without sacrificing flavor, richness without excessive weight and enough versatility to work with the changing menu.
That is what makes this collection so appealing. It offers something for the final days of summer while providing plenty of options for the first cool nights of fall.
The season may be changing, but there is no reason the wine should stop flowing.
2021 St. Francis Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley — $50 MSRP
Nose: Ripe blackberry, black cherry and raspberry lead into aromas of vanilla, baking spice and cracked pepper.
Palate: Rich and expressive, with layers of dark fruit and a generous texture. Gentle tannins provide structure, while vanilla, spice and pepper add complexity to the finish. Full-bodied, polished and distinctly California.
2021 Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah — $107 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, blueberry and violet are joined by cracked black pepper, dark spice and subtle savory notes.
Palate: Concentrated yet beautifully balanced, with dark fruit, savory spice and subtle oak. Firm tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. Cocoa, herbs and pepper linger through the long finish.
2020 Alta Vista Single Vineyard Malbec “Alizarin” — $65 MSRP
Nose: Ripe plum, blackberry and black cherry mingle with violet, dark spice and subtle earthy aromas.
Palate: Full-bodied and smooth, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in velvety tannins. Black cherry and plum dominate, followed by hints of chocolate, spice and earth on the finish.
2024 Quartz Creek Chardonnay — $55 MSRP
Nose: Green apple, pear and citrus are accented by white flowers and a subtle mineral character.
Palate: Crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity balancing ripe orchard fruit and a lightly creamy texture. Clean citrus and mineral notes carry through the finish.
2020 Lot C91 Cabernet Sauvignon — $120 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, cassis and dark cherry lead into cedar, tobacco and subtle cocoa.
Palate: Rich and layered, with concentrated dark fruit supported by firm but refined tannins. Hints of tobacco, cedar and cocoa add depth, while the finish is long, dry and savory.
2024 B&G Beaujolais-Villages “Grand Bouquet” — $15 MSRP
Nose: Fresh strawberry, raspberry and red cherry are accompanied by floral notes and a subtle peppery character.
Palate: Light-bodied, juicy and refreshing, with vibrant red fruit and lively acidity. Soft tannins provide gentle structure, while a subtle earthy quality carries into the finish.
2024 B&G Côtes de Provence “Tourmaline” — $22 MSRP
Nose: Fresh strawberry, watermelon, peach and citrus combine with delicate floral aromas.
Palate: Bright and refreshing, with delicate red fruit, peach and citrus supported by vibrant acidity. A subtle mineral quality adds length to the clean, dry finish.
2023 J. Bookwalter Volume 13 — $125 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum are layered with vanilla, cedar, cocoa and sweet spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and dense without becoming cumbersome. Dark cherry and cassis lead into blackberry and bittersweet chocolate. Polished tannins and balanced acidity keep the wine moving through a spicy, cocoa-tinged finish.
2024 J. Bookwalter Double Plot Chardonnay — $48 MSRP
Nose: Lemon peel, green apple and pear combine with wet stone, vanilla and lightly toasted oak.
Palate: Bright and clean initially, becoming increasingly creamy through the middle. Meyer lemon, pear and melon mingle with subtle buttery richness. Lively acidity provides energy, while mineral and citrus notes linger.
2022 J. Bookwalter Chapter 13 — $125 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry and black raspberry lead into cedar, dried herbs, leather and dark chocolate.
Palate: Rich and supple, with concentrated dark berries followed by black cherry, cassis, cocoa and savory herbs. Firm but smooth tannins give the wine shape and carry through the finish.
2023 J. Bookwalter Baby Face — $149 MSRP
Nose: Bright cherry, raspberry and blackberry are accented by vanilla, baking spice and cocoa.
Palate: Juicy and approachable, with ripe berry flavors leading into black cherry, chocolate and spice. Soft tannins make this an easy-drinking red with a smooth, inviting finish.
2024 Long Shadows Poet's Leap — $20 MSRP
Nose: Lime zest, white peach, pear and white flowers are complemented by a faint stony character.
Palate: Light and refreshing, with citrus and green apple followed by peach and pear. Lively acidity keeps the wine mouthwatering, while a clean mineral quality extends the finish.
2021 Long Shadows Chester-Kidder Red Wine — $70 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, blackcurrant and plum combine with graphite, roasted coffee and dark chocolate. A subtle smoky quality develops with air.
Palate: Powerful but polished, with cassis, blackberry and plum leading into espresso, cocoa and savory spice. Firm tannins provide structure, while the concentrated fruit carries through a long, dark finish.
2021 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot — $75 MSRP
Nose: Black cherry, blackberry and plum mingle with cedar, violet and baking spice. Cocoa and dried herbs emerge with air.
Palate: Plush and concentrated, with dark cherry and blueberry wrapped in a silky texture. Firm tannins emerge toward the finish, carrying flavors of dark chocolate, spice and herbs.
2024 Abeja Washington State Chardonnay — $48 MSRP
Nose: Lemon curd, white peach and pear are joined by floral notes and subtle vanilla.
Palate: Creamy without becoming heavy, with citrus and peach leading into melon and pear. Bright acidity keeps the wine lively, while a gentle pastry-like richness complements the fresh lemon finish.
2023 Abeja Columbia Valley Merlot — $55 MSRP
Nose: Strawberry, blackberry and plum are accented by cocoa, cardamom and dried tea leaves.
Palate: Medium- to full-bodied, with a smooth, rounded texture. Red and black berries dominate before giving way to cocoa and savory tea. Fine tannins provide structure without overpowering the fruit.
2023 Abeja Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — $75 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, plum and black cherry are joined by cedar, sage and warm spice.
Palate: Rich and generous, with dark plum and black cherry at the core. Savory herbs, spice and firm tannins provide balance, while dark fruit and cedar linger through the finish.
2022 Abeja Heather Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon — $95 MSRP
Nose: Cassis, blackberry and black cherry are layered with violet, graphite, cedar and subtle tobacco.
Palate: Concentrated and structured, with blackcurrant and dark cherry framed by graphite, cedar and dark chocolate. Fine-grained tannins provide considerable length, creating a more restrained and age-worthy Cabernet.
2024 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Chardonnay — $85 MSRP
Nose: Lemon, green apple and white peach combine with white flowers, wet stone and lightly toasted grain.
Palate: Lean and energetic, with fresh citrus and orchard fruit followed by a lightly creamy texture. Bright acidity keeps the wine focused, while a stony, almost saline quality adds length. The finish is crisp and persistent.
2020 Heitz Cellar Lot C-91 Cabernet Sauvignon — $120 MSRP
Nose: Dark cherry, blackberry, cassis and plum are joined by cedar, dried herbs, graphite and baking spice.
Palate: Refined rather than massive, with red and black fruit supported by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Dark plum, cocoa, spice and subtle herbs build toward a savory, persistent finish.
2024 B&G Beaujolais-Villages “Grand Bouquet” — $15 MSRP
Nose: Fresh cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry are accented by floral aromas and a light peppery note.
Palate: Light- to medium-bodied, juicy and refreshing. Red cherry and raspberry dominate, followed by subtle earth and licorice. Lively acidity and gentle tannins keep the finish fresh and slightly spicy.
2024 B&G Côtes de Provence “Tourmaline” — $22 MSRP
Nose: Peach, apricot and crisp red berries mingle with raspberry, pomegranate and delicate floral notes.
Palate: Bright and clean, with peach and apricot followed by raspberry and citrus. Lively acidity gives the wine a crisp edge, while the finish is dry, refreshing and subtly mineral.
2021 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage “Domaine de Thalabert” — $60 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, black plum and cracked black pepper lead the way, followed by violet, olive tapenade, smoke and a subtle savory meatiness.
Palate: Medium-bodied and nicely structured, with juicy dark fruit, peppery spice and earthy undertones. Grippy tannins provide structure without overpowering the fruit. The finish is long, savory and distinctly Rhône in character.
2020 Agricola Punica “Barrua” — $65 MSRP
Nose: Ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum mingle with dried herbs, licorice, cedar and a subtle balsamic note.
Palate: Rich and supple, with concentrated dark fruit balanced by polished tannins. Notes of black cherry, dark chocolate and spice develop across the palate, leading to a warm, savory finish.
2022 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere — $130 MSRP
Nose: Blackberry, blueberry and black cherry are layered with dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla and baking spice. A subtle herbal note adds complexity.
Palate: Dense, powerful and velvety, delivering layers of ripe dark fruit and cocoa. Well-integrated oak and firm but polished tannins provide structure, while a touch of green pepper adds classic Carmenere character. The finish is long and luxurious.
2026 Taittinger Brut Réserve FIFA Limited Edition — $75 SRP
Nose: Fresh green apple, lemon zest, pear and white peach combine with delicate aromas of brioche, almond and freshly baked bread.
Palate: Crisp and lively, with fine bubbles carrying flavors of citrus, green apple and ripe pear. A creamy texture gives way to subtle toast and almond notes, finishing clean, fresh and mineral-driven.
2024 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc — $65 MSRP
Nose: Ripe pear, white peach and melon are joined by honeysuckle, citrus peel and subtle Mediterranean herbs.
Palate: Rich and textured, with generous orchard fruit and a creamy midpalate. Bright acidity keeps the wine fresh, while hints of citrus, almond and stone add complexity to the finish.
2020 Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent “Grand Carquelin” — $55 MSRP
Nose: Dark cherry, raspberry and plum are accompanied by violet, dried flowers, earthy minerals and subtle forest-floor aromas.
Palate: Surprisingly structured, with vibrant dark-red fruit supported by firm, polished tannins. Savory earth, spice and mineral notes emerge with air, giving the wine impressive depth and persistence.
2023 Zind-Humbrecht “Zind” — $55 MSRP
Nose: Green apple, pear and lemon mingle with white flowers, citrus peel and a subtle wet-stone character.
Palate: Fresh and energetic, with crisp citrus and orchard fruit balanced by a lightly creamy texture. Bright acidity provides lift, while mineral and floral notes linger through the clean, refreshing finish.
2020 Maison Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin — $75 MSRP
Nose: Ripe black cherry, raspberry and red plum mingle with violet, dried herbs, forest floor and subtle baking spice.
Palate: Silky and medium-bodied, with concentrated red and dark fruit supported by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Earth, savory spice and dark tea emerge as it opens, adding depth to the generous fruit. The finish is elegant, persistent and distinctly Burgundian.
2024 Craggy Range Pinot Noir “Te Muna Road” — $55 MSRP
Nose: Fresh raspberry, red cherry and cranberry lead into aromas of violet, dried herbs, subtle spice and damp forest floor.
Palate: Silky and energetic, with vibrant red fruit balanced by bright acidity and fine tannins. Savory spice and earthy notes develop toward the finish, giving the wine complexity without sacrificing its freshness.
2025 Pepper Bridge Winery Sauvignon Blanc — $38 MSRP
Nose: White peach, lemon zest and green apple lead into aromas of lemongrass, white flowers and a subtle stony minerality. A delicate creamy note adds richness beneath the bright fruit.
Palate: Fresh and lively, with flavors of lemon curd, ripe peach, pear and a touch of tropical fruit. Bright acidity provides plenty of lift, while a subtle creamy texture gives the wine added depth. Mineral notes carry through the clean, refreshing finish.
2023 Pepper Bridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $75 MSRP
Nose: Deep and expressive, opening with blackberry, cassis and black cherry, followed by blueberry, graphite, cedar and a touch of baking spice. Subtle tobacco and earthy notes add savory complexity beneath the ripe fruit.
Palate: Concentrated and firmly structured, with dark cherry, cassis and blackberry carrying through from the nose. Polished tannins provide a solid framework, while notes of cocoa, cedar, black licorice and earth add depth. Bright acidity keeps the wine focused, leading to a long, dry finish with lingering dark fruit, spice and savory character.
2023 Pepper Bridge Winery Merlot — $65 MSRP
Nose: Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry are layered with violet, cocoa and gentle vanilla. Hints of dried herbs and baking spice emerge with time in the glass, giving the wine a more savory edge.
Palate: Rich and supple, with plush dark fruit at the forefront and flavors of black cherry, blueberry and ripe plum. Fine-grained tannins provide structure without overwhelming the wine's generous texture. Subtle notes of dark chocolate, spice and earth develop through the midpalate, leading to a smooth, balanced finish with good persistence.
2021 Palmaz Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon — $205 MSRP
Nose: The wine opens with aromas of ripe black currant, blackberry and dark cherry, layered with cedar, baking spice and a subtle hint of orange zest. As it breathes, notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf and warm vanilla emerge, adding depth to the concentrated fruit.
Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured, with flavors of black cherry, cassis and blackberry at the core. Fine-grained tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, while touches of dark chocolate, tobacco and spice add complexity. The finish is long and polished, leaving lingering dark fruit and subtle oak notes.
2023 Palmaz Vineyards Estate Amalia Chardonnay — $85 MSRP
Nose: Expressive and inviting, with aromas of ripe peach, yellow plum and tropical fruit joined by hints of baked apple and dried banana. Gentle notes of vanilla, toasted oak and warm spice add richness beneath the fruit.
Palate: Round and supple on entry, showing layers of peach, ripe pear and tropical fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. A lightly creamy texture gives the wine weight, while subtle notes of sweet spice, toasted oak and a touch of anise emerge toward the mid-palate. The finish is persistent, polished and pleasantly fruit-driven.
2023 Pepper Bridge Winery Trine — $75 MSRP
Nose: Dark and aromatic, with blackberry, black cherry and cassis followed by floral notes of violet and rose petal. Tobacco, cedar and dark chocolate add richness, while dried herbs and a subtle mineral character bring additional complexity.
Palate: Layered and substantial, balancing ripe dark fruit with vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins. Blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry form the core, with cocoa, tobacco, dried herbs and mineral notes adding dimension as the wine opens. The finish is long and savory, with a firm structure that suggests additional development in the bottle.
The Bottom Line: A Season for Transition
The transition from summer to early fall is one of the best times of year to explore wine. The days may still be warm, but cooler evenings begin changing the way we eat, drink and entertain. That makes this collection particularly appealing. It offers wines that can bridge both seasons without forcing you to choose between freshness and richness.
The whites and rosés are especially well suited to lingering summer temperatures. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and refreshing Provence rosé bring acidity and energy to the table. They work beautifully with grilled seafood, salads, fresh vegetables and lighter preparations. These are wines that can be served slightly chilled and enjoyed outdoors, whether you're hosting a backyard dinner or simply trying to hold onto summer for another few weeks.
The red wines tell a different story. Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other fuller-bodied selections bring more depth as fall approaches. Their darker fruit, spice, earth and tannins make them natural partners for grilled steaks, roasted meats, burgers and heartier dishes.
What's particularly interesting about this group is the range of styles. There are approachable bottles designed for immediate enjoyment, alongside structured wines that reward patience. Some emphasize bright fruit and freshness, while others showcase oak, savory character, minerality and tannin. That variety makes the collection useful well beyond a single season.
There is also a compelling mix of regions represented here. Washington's Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley demonstrate just how expressive the Pacific Northwest can be, while California contributes everything from polished Cabernet Sauvignon to zesty Zinfandel. France brings classic regional characters from Burgundy, the Rhône, Beaujolais, Provence and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wines from Chile, Argentina, Italy, New Zealand and beyond add even more diversity.
Perhaps that's the biggest takeaway from this collection: There is no single definition of a transition-season wine.
The best bottle is the one that fits the moment.
Reach for something crisp and mineral-driven when the afternoon is still warm. Move toward Pinot Noir or Beaujolais when dinner begins. As temperatures drop and the menu gets heartier, Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec and Bordeaux-style blends become increasingly appealing.
In other words, don't think of the end of summer as the end of summer drinking. Think of it as an opportunity to expand your range.
The calendar may be turning toward fall, but there is still plenty of time to raise a glass, fire up the grill and enjoy one more great bottle outside.
