While I personally have never been to the Kentucky Derby, every spring I stumble across the lavish outfits and parties seen throughout the derby days. Dramatic hats, floral patterned dresses, seersucker suits, bowties, and pastel everything is the quintessential vibe of the Kentucky Derby. The outfits are elegant and chic, but they still know how to party. The Mint Julep has taken over as the iconic drink, but a real party deserves a toast with some bubbly and glasses of fresh, crisp wine. Here are the perfect derby wines to celebrate in style. Cheers! 

Rosé

A rosé from France is the perfect derby drink as it is light, refreshing, and great for day drinking. The Kentucky Derby is warm and sunny, so a cool, crisp glass of wine is essential. Known for its crisp acidity, low tannins, and bursting with refreshing notes of citrus and berries, these rosés keep guests hydrated and happy. Delicate and delicious, it is easy to sip all day. It is also the perfect pink accessory for any Derby outfit.  

AIX Rosé

• Made in the heart of Provence in Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, this is a hypnotizing salmon pink color Rosé with notes of strawberry, watermelon, peach, and subtle floral hints. Discover its minerality in its long and precise finish. 

Château La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes du Rhône Rosé

• Produced in Tavel, the heart of the Rhône Valley’s rosé production, this Côtes du Rhône rosé is crafted from 30+ year old vineyards planted in rich soils. Pale pink with bluish hints, this rosé has aromas of strawberry and lemon with floral notes. On the palate, the wine is balanced and crisp with generous fruit notes of redcurrant and peach and a long finish. 

Maison Saleya Rosé

• A classic dry Provence Rosé blending Grenache and Cinsault from vineyards influenced by the sea, sunshine and granite-schist soils. Beautiful light rose-salmon color with aromas of ripe tropical fruit, revealing accents of tangerine and hints of ginger. The palate is broad and rich, with well-spiced flavors of raspberry, currant, and dark cherry. The finish is long and rich. Serve chilled, and enjoy. 

Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty with mouth-watering acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect wine to quench your thirst at the Derby. Known for its bright herbaceous, fruity flavors, Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and zippy, which is perfect to keep cool in the Kentucky heat. I also believe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best wines to pair with a variety of foods. Southern food staples are known for being rich, so a wine with punchy acidity is necessary to balance all the deliciousness.  

Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 

• Founded in 1998, Craggy Range exclusively crafts single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines and is a benchmark ambassador for the high quality of New Zealand’s wines. On the nose there are ripe Sauvignon Blanc aromatics with notes of white stone fruit, passionfruit pulp and kaffir lime. The palate is lively with deep concentration and a salinic acidity. 

Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc

• The North Coast Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from vineyards in Napa Valley, including, from south to north, Estate ranches in Carneros, Suscol Springs, Rutherford and Calistoga and top vineyard throughout the North Coast. Aromas of fresh sweet citrus, grapefruit, and vibrant melon lead to complex notes of green pear, freshly cut hay, and stony minerality. Light bodied and elegant on the palate, this wine beautifully balances bright, citrusy acidity with lively flavors of ripe melon, grapefruit, and citrus zest before a smooth, refreshing finish. 

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is perfect for day drinking. It is light, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious, which makes it easy to sip all day long. Served well chilled, it has a clean, cooling quality that feels especially welcome in the Southern heat, even when you are wearing a big statement hat. 

Pighin Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC

• From Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, this is a pure expression of Pinot Grigio. The nose is expressive and inviting, offering a fruity and floral bouquet with notes of ripe banana, pineapple, and wisteria blossoms. On the palate, it is dry, full-bodied, and well-balanced, delivering a harmonious structure and a smooth, satisfying finish. 

Bollini Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 

• From Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy, nestled in the Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a uniquely alpine climate, this Pinot Grigio is an electric and fruity expression of the varietal. Pale straw yellow in color, it opens with delicate aromas of acacia flowers, pear, and light mineral notes. Fresh, natural acidity supports its aromatic richness, leading to a palate that is elegant, structured, round, and beautifully persistent. 

Ready to Drink Wine Cocktail

If you want a low ABV, peachy, and fizzy Bellini that is ready to drink, this is the perfect bottle for you. Bonus points because the bottle matches the derby aesthetic perfectly.  

Caposaldo Bellini 

• Peachy, fizzy & ready to drink! The Caposaldo Bellini showcases a golden hue with aromas of peach candy, honeysuckle, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with flavors of ripe white peaches and meringue, finishing with a silky, long, fruity elegance.