Your 5-Bottle Guide to Sipping & Sharing Italy

Italy knows how to party. Whether it’s a backyard bash, a beachside picnic, or a long-table dinner under the stars, Italian wines bring the sparkle, the flavour, and the dolce vita lifestyle to any gathering. With a glass of Prosecco Rosé in hand and a platter of antipasti nearby, you’ve basically got yourself a passport to summer magic.

Here’s a short and swift tour through some of Italy’s entertaining and food friendly wines that you might not know about plus what to pair them with, where they come from, and why they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasers.  

Prosecco Rosé: The Life of the Party

Bubbly, blush-pink, and impossible not to love, Prosecco Rosé is Italy’s answer to sparkling summer fun. Paired with aperitivo hour with your chicest friends and a playlist full of Italian disco Prosecco Rosé is a recent addition to the official DOC lineup, this lively sparkler blends Glera (the traditional Prosecco grape) with a splash of Pinot Nero (aka Pinot Noir), giving it soft berry notes and a light floral aroma.

Tastes like: Strawberries, white peaches, light flowers and summer feelingsPairs with: Shrimp cocktail, sushi, smoked salmon blinis—or just salty potato chips and sunshine. Think pink when it comes to pairings with Rosé

SWG Recommendation: La Gioiosa Floreal Prosecco DOC Rosé (coming soon to LCBO) but feel free to try any Prosecco Rosé - I'm sure you'll fall in love!

Pinot Grigio: The Crisp Crowd-Pleaser

Forget everything you think you know about Pinot Grigio. The best bottles from Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia are zesty, mineral-driven, and oh-so-refreshing. This is your go-to wine for hot days and casual hangs. Stocking up on this type of wine if you’re a white wine drinker is a no-brainer as the bottles are usually empty fairly fast!

Tastes like: Lemon zest, green apple, alpine breeze. 

Pairs with: Caprese salad, grilled chicken skewers, fresh oysters.

SWG Recommendation: Lavis Pinot Grigio

Gavi: The Sleek Sophisticate

Made from the Cortese grape in Piemonte, Gavi is crisp, floral, and a bit under-the-radar—aka your secret weapon for impressing guests. With a steely backbone and elegant citrus notes, it brings finesse to any table. A white wine with so much personality 

Tastes like: Pear, white flowers, and a squeeze of lime. 

Pairs with: Lobster rolls, grilled zucchini, or pasta primavera.

SWG Recommendation: Villa Sparina Gavi DOCG 

Garganega (Soave): The Golden Gem

If you haven’t met Garganega yet, allow us to introduce your new favorite white grape. Grown in the Veneto region, it’s the star of Soave—a light, lemony wine with a subtle almond note and a whisper of volcanic minerality.

Tastes like: Meyer lemon, chamomile, and quiet confidence. 

Pairs with: Fried calamari, pesto pasta, or peach salad with burrata.

SWG Recommendation: Anselmi San Vincenzo

Cannonau di Sardegna: The Island Hero

Red wine lovers, this one’s for you. Cannonau (Grenache’s Italian twin) hails from sunny Sardinia and is known for its soft tannins, juicy red fruit, and subtle earthy spice. It’s bold without being heavy—perfect for summer BBQs and sunset sipping.

Tastes like: Ripe cherries, rosemary, and a hint of Mediterranean sun. 

Pairs with: Grilled lamb chops, roastedd eggplant, or sausage-stuffed peppers.

SWG Recommendation: Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannanau di Sardegna

 

Italy in Every Sip

From bubbly beginnings to bold endings, Italian wines are made for good food, great company, and unforgettable moments. With their natural elegance, food-friendliness, and regional charm, they don’t just complement your summer entertaining—they elevate it.

So stock up on these Italian stunners, set the table (or the picnic blanket), and let the wine do what it does best—bring people together.

Cin cin to an Italian-style summer. 🍇🇮🇹✨