Rosé wines under $25 earn praise from sommeliers for quality and value across the United States
Rosé wine continues to be a favorite choice for American wine drinkers, especially during the warmer months. With its light, crisp character and range of flavors, rosé is both versatile and approachable. Sommeliers across the United States have identified a number of standout bottles under $25 that deliver quality and value, making it easier than ever to enjoy top-tier rosé without overspending.
One of the most recognized names in the category is Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans in Provence, France. This wine is widely available at major retailers and is praised by sommeliers for its silky texture, dry finish, and notes of red berries and citrus. Marcie Van Mol, a Nashville-based sommelier, describes it as “the most ubiquitous choice for rosé season for a reason,” highlighting its balance between fruitiness and refreshment. It pairs well with seafood, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own.
… recommended by U.S.-based sommeliers or wine experts who emphasize their quality relative to price.
Abu Dhabi: Queen of the Emirates A Symphony of Serenity and Splendour
By Sarah Morgan
There are destinations that whisper their secrets. There are others that sing them aloud in a blend of tradition and modernity. Abu Dhabi is the latter; a city where golden sands meet the turquoise sea, and where every moment feels both timeless and surprisingly new. This is not simply the capital of the UAE, this is the self-appointed Queen of the Emirates. Graceful, stately, and quietly self-assured. As the largest and wealthiest of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s prosperity was born from oil but now flourishing in tourism and culture. It is the architect of its own future—creating a destination that caters to so many tastes while holding true to its roots.
My journey began in Etihad Airways’ Business Class, cocooned in soft leather and stillness. Spoilt with Armani Casa accessories, curated menus and seamless service, the flight felt like a prelude rather than a commute. Upon arrival, I was swept into the quiet luxury of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Access to Executive Floor 54 of this iconic skyscraper included a daily ritual of hors d’oeuvres and chilled champagne, savoured high above a beautifully dystopian cityscape, where I watched the Arabian Gulf shifted through shades of silver and sapphire.
The following morning, I stepped into silence at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the eighth largest in the world. With 82 domes, over 1,000 pillars, four minarets and a central chandelier weighing 12 tonnes, it welcomes over 30,000 worshippers during its height at Eid. It’s a place that stills you, offering a potent reminder that beauty and faith can coexist in space and stone.
Then came the Louvre Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat, the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi and home to no shortage of creative projects. Its French floating dome casts filtered light like lace across centuries of art and artefact, and with 12 chapters depicting the growth and development of humanity, it tells a fitting narrative: how travel and tourism have ignited a new chapter for Abu Dhabi, reflecting the needs and desires of the international traveller. It’s also the location of the Michelin-starred Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, where Parisian elegance meets Arabian light. I lingered over perfectly grilled sea bass and crisp Burgundy along the Louvre’s promenade.
The days spent as a guest of the city unfolded with no shortage of delights. A particular highlight was kayaking through the mangroves of Jubail Island, drifting between salt-loving roots and mirrored waters. You can also kayak under the domed brilliance of The Louvre, where Jean Nouvel’s architecture can be appreciated from a wholly new perspective – definitely first on my list for our next visit.
At the mesmerising Al Hosn Festival, I found a vivid celebration of Emirati heritage with craftspeople, poetry, pearl divers and falconers gathered around the city’s oldest structure, the Al Hosn Fort. The air was thick with the scent of oud, and for an afternoon, I felt part of something older and wiser. The prized falcon, still used to hunt, holds deep symbolic value here. A month is all it takes to train these erudite birds of prey, yet some sell for upwards of $275,000—a reflection of their speed, grace, and cultural legacy.
Of course, no trip is complete without a visit to Qasr Al Watan. The UAE’s Royal Palace is a living institution; it’s where global diplomacy meets regional pride. Walking through the mirrored halls beneath a dome soaring 37 metres above, one senses that this isn’t just a place, it’s a statement. Power and poetry, balanced in limestone and light. The iconic Corniche was another key point to visit. The famous eight kilometre stretch along the city’s edge acts as both the spine of Abu Dhabi and a visual thread between its 200 islands. It showcases public art installations and provides a living, breathing promenade of community, creativity, and skyline vistas.
Urban explorations completed, it was time to venture into the second-largest desert on Earth after the Sahara. Dune bashing in a Toyota Land Cruiser gave way to visits with camels and tastings of their highly revered milk, celebrated for its health benefits. Lunch was served light and local, inside an authentic Bedouin tent. This was the oldest of the eight desert camp experiences, and its heritage was made clear in all its soulful simplicity.
When the sun finally sank behind the dunes, supper at Hakkasan awaited. Situated within the palatial grandeur of Emirates Palace, the restaurant delivered not only phenomenal views and uncompromising ambience but an unforgettable dining experience too. We began with delicate scallops and exceptional dim sum, each bite precise and refined, and raised glasses of chilled Whispering Angel. After dinner, we were invited to contribute to a quiet ritual – adding our hopes to a discreet orchard of wishing trees, their slender branches already heavy with handwritten dreams from former guests.
Our final afternoon was spent at the iconic Saadiyat Beach Club, often referred to as the Maldives of Abu Dhabi, and with good reason. Uber-cool and effortlessly refined, it sits on the longest, whitest beach in the UAE, a stretch of pristine coastline kissed by turquoise waves. Dolphins and dunes were there to greet us, as if nature itself had decided to join the celebration. Saadiyat Island gives Mother Nature’s stamp of approval to this man-made paradise, proof that contemporary urban elegance and ecology can coexist. Poolside dining blurred into barefoot luxury as we reclined into loungers with a sea breeze and the sun slipping westward – it became the perfect place to process all we had experienced in this diverse and dynamic destination—art, adventure, faith, food, and the future, all wrapped in Arabian light.
As a city set amid spectacular surroundings, this destination felt safe, humble and gracious. There truly is something for everyone, and Abu Dhabi’s vision to offer peace, culture, adventure and activities, wrapped in the chicest manner, is well on track. If anything, I’d love to see even more of its deep-rooted history and Emirati culture woven into everyday experiences, so that travellers not only see the splendour, but understand where the heartbeat of the Queen of the Emirates truly originates.
Sant Ffraed House Hosts Iconic First-Ever ‘Summer Soirée’
Luxury wedding venue Sant Ffraed House by the Oldwalls Collection made its mark on the Welsh social calendar last week with the launch of its first-ever Summer Soirée. A standout event that brought together 24 influential women in Wales for a one-off day of style and celebration
Held on Thursday the 17th of July, the exclusive invitation-only event took place at the grand countryside venue and marked Sant Ffraed House’s debut into the influencer event space. Designed to showcase the venue’s idyllic setting, gorgeous décor and elevated hospitality, the Summer Soirée blended laid-back luxury with curated glamour.
Guests arrived to a warm welcome, signature champagne spritzes and seasonal canapés in the Kitchen Bar and Courtyard while exploring the estate’s stunning gardens. The afternoon continued with a lavish long-table 5 course lunch accompanied by a live acoustic pianist.
A highlight of the day was the arrival of a 9 litre Salmanazar bottle of Whispering Angel which continued to flow into the evening. Followed by golden hour cocktails on the K room terrace and grazing boards as the sun set over Sugar Loaf Mountain.
The dress code Summer Glam was embraced wholeheartedly, as guests delivered looks and content moments throughout the day. The Soirée was a celebration not only of the spectacular Sant Ffraed House, but also of the women attending.
The event marks a bold new chapter for Sant Ffraed House, which is set to become a leading UK destination not just for weddings, but for luxury events too.
Provençal rosé wines set the tone for summer 2025 in fashionable destinations and American outdoor gatherings
Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige lead a trend blending luxury, sustainability, and Mediterranean lifestyle as demand surges nationwide
This summer, rosé wine is taking center stage in the world’s most fashionable destinations, from the sunlit terraces of Saint-Tropez to the rooftops of major cities. Two names are leading this trend: Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige, both from Provence and now considered essential for anyone seeking a stylish and refreshing drink during the warmest months of 2025.
Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige are produced by estates that belong to the Moët Hennessy group, a company known for its luxury beverages. These rosés have become symbols of summer living, offering a balance of elegance, freshness, and sophistication. Their popularity is not just about taste; it’s also about the lifestyle they represent. The wines are often seen at social gatherings by the sea, at picnics with friends, or during outdoor dinners, where their pale color and floral aromas set the mood for long days and lively nights.
Whispering Angel comes from Château d’Esclans, located in La Motte-en-Provence. Since its creation, this wine has helped redefine what luxury rosé means. It is known for its subtle fruit notes, mineral character, and crisp finish. Under the direction of Sacha Lichine, Château d’Esclans has grown to cover more than 240 hectares of vineyards and has become a reference point for high-end rosé worldwide. The estate combines centuries-old traditions with modern winemaking techniques, attracting visitors who want to experience both history and innovation in one place.
Minuty Prestige is produced by Château Minuty, a family-owned winery founded in 1936 in the heart of Provence. Now run by the Matton family’s fourth generation, Minuty has built an international reputation for its fresh and mineral-driven wines. The Prestige label stands out for its notes of peach and apricot with a saline finish, making it a favorite pairing for seafood dishes like ceviche or simply enjoyed chilled on its own. The bottle’s clear design reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle that Minuty represents—a relaxed yet refined approach to enjoying life under the sun.
Both Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige are more than just drinks; they are part of a broader movement toward sustainable winemaking in Provence. The estates use responsible agricultural practices to protect their environment while maintaining high standards of quality. This commitment appeals to consumers who want to enjoy their wine with an awareness of its impact on nature.
The rise of rosé as a summer staple is not new, but this year it has reached new heights. Social media posts featuring glasses of pale pink wine against blue skies have become common sights. Restaurants and bars across the United States report increased demand for these Provençal labels as Americans look for lighter options that suit outdoor dining and casual gatherings.
Château d’Esclans welcomes visitors who want to learn more about its history and production methods. Tours offer insights into how Whispering Angel is made and provide tastings that highlight the unique qualities of Provençal terroir.
Similarly, Château Minuty invites guests to explore its vineyards near Saint-Tropez, where they can see firsthand how tradition and innovation come together in each bottle.
As temperatures rise across the country, retailers are stocking up on Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige to meet growing demand. Wine shops note that customers are increasingly knowledgeable about rosé styles and origins, often asking specifically for these two brands by name.
The appeal of these wines goes beyond their taste or appearance. For many people this summer, choosing Whispering Angel or Minuty Prestige is a way to embrace a certain way of life—one that values pleasure, relaxation, and connection with others. With their roots in Provence but their reach now global, these rosés are shaping how Americans celebrate the season.
Whether enjoyed at home or in one of the country’s many outdoor venues, Whispering Angel and Minuty Prestige are set to define summer drinking habits in 2025. Their story is one of tradition meeting modernity, local heritage finding international acclaim, and simple pleasures becoming moments to remember.
Marlow in a day: A Muddy’s insider guide to the Chilterns’ foodie capital
Behind the Instagram-perfect bunting and Georgian facades, this riverside gem has a bit of everything – from Prosecco bars and boutique haunts to pirate ships (the playground kind). Here’s the on-the-ground, full-fat Muddy guide to squeezing the best out of a day trip to Marlow.
Ah, Marlow. Home of the River Thames, gourmet greats, and more Michelin stars than a Hollywood sidewalk. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Tom Kerridge sauntering down the High Street in his joggers with a bacon bap and a bodyguard (although the “heavies” might just be his rugby mates).
CHILL: Because You’ve Earned It
Cinema with Sass
Everyman Cinema takes movie night and gives it a velvet-upholstered glow-up. Waiters bring cocktails, burgers and popcorn right to your seat. Pair a Pixar matinee with a glass of Whispering Angel and call it parenting.
Rosé All Day: A Love Letter To The Côte d’Azur In Three Glasses
By Anuja Gaur
Rosé; The pastel pink vin de table which encapsulates the curvaceous silhouette of a Summer sunset in a glass, swirled with the mellow flavour of floaty flirtation.
There are but merely just a scantily few, symphonious melodies that can be more evocative than the soft plug, of a blush hued rosé hitting chilled pure smooth crystal as it evokes that signature fragrant aura of leisurely alfresco luncheons, and the élan of glitterati Summer soirées all around the luxe realm from the sparkling shores of Portofino, to the glitzy Sunshine State town of Palm Beach.
But rosé is far more than a seasonal dalliance; is a cultivated art form, ancient tradition, and a modern fresh invigorating indulgence poured as freely on the gleaming decks of sun-soaked yachts, as it is in the fragrant botanical gardens of Provençal châteaux.
Light in hue but never in character, rosé today is a genre unto itself: elegant, expressive, and quietly rebellious where I had the golden opportunity to sip and savour on three pastel shades of 2024 sophistication, of the classic Whispering Angel, Minuty Prestige, and G de Galoupet.
Serve at 10°C. Majestic as an aperitif, or to enhance the seafood platter, eggplant Provençal, scallop bites on fruity salsa, or langoustines with lime. Anticipated peak: 2025-2027 Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 40% Rolle Residual sugar: 1.3 g/L – pH: , – TA: , – g/L – Alcohol: 13.5 %
The Polished Classic; Whispering Angel 2024
To dismiss Whispering Angel as merely the most recognisable rosé in the world is like calling Chanel No. 5 just another luxury perfume; To however hail this epicurean soft shell shaded rosé as the poised ambassador of bonny wine elegance dropping with couture credentials, certainly makes for a more befitting testimony.
Inspired by the estate’s chapel adorned with ethereal winged figurines, Whispering Angel was meticulously created and brought to life in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, son of the legendary Alexis Lichine (a Bordeaux baron in his own right), where since its luxe genesis has paraded its radiant stature as the crown jewel of Château d’Esclans, nestled deep in the Var region of Provence. It was here that Sacha Lichine had the invigorating vision of a dry, yet smooth delicate rosé flowing with the powerful sensuality of silk, entwined with the ravishing swagger of a Bond girl which now finds itself chilling away in gleaming silver ice buckets adorning pristine superyacht decks in the billionaire playgrounds of Monte Carlo, and passed around like heady fragrant perfumes atop London’s lofty, pulse-pounding rooftop havens.
A rewarding intense flavour profile from the grapes of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (also known as Vermentino), the dainty yet deep fragrances of white peach and aromatic citrus blossom anchors in harmony with tart sweet crushed strawberries, curled up with the mild “whisper” of spiced pink peppercorn to be savoured with an oceanic helping of meaty rich tuna tartare, or mellow creamed goats cheese cocooned in fluffed golden crisp pastry.
Caves d’Esclans, Rock Angel 2023 Provence, France / Côtes de Provence AOC
As distinguished as it is refined, the Rock Angel cuvée is an exceptional rosé. Produced at Caves d’Esclans, a property built in the 19th century that became the property of Sacha Lichine, who continues to run it even after its acquisition by the Moet Hennessy group in 2019. Vinified with the same care as for the great white wines, this exceptional rosé wine stands out among the prestigious rosés. It is a wine of incredible charm that has the ability to transform any occasion into an event imbued with class and romance. Its extremely pure nose reveals aromas of strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries, peaches, and citrus fruits, all enriched with saline and chalky notes that add an exceptional mineral dimension. Fresh, lively, and incisive, this Rock Angel is certainly a great seducer. 93 POINTS
Serve at 10°C. Majestic as an aperitif, or to enhance the seafood platter, eggplant Provençal, scallop bites on fruity salsa, or langoustines with lime. Anticipated peak: 2025-2027 Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 40% Rolle Residual sugar: 1.3 g/L – pH: , – TA: , – g/L – Alcohol: 13.5 %
Caves d’Esclans, Whispering Angel 2024 Provence, France / Côtes de Provence AOC
Long relegated to the status of a summer wine for carefree terraces, rosé wine has, in recent years, regained its nobility. And among its most eloquent ambassadors, the “Whispering Angel” from Caves d’Esclans stands out for an elegance that whispers in the ear of discerning wine lovers. Château d’Esclans has established itself as the spearhead of the revival of high-end rosé. Under the leadership of Sacha Lichine, the estate has introduced practices worthy of the finest vintages, which have borne fruit. On the nose, it is a subtle waltz of peach, fresh strawberry, lemon zest, and almond blossom. On the palate, the wine is chiseled. The attack is lively and crystalline, driven by just the right acidity, without stiffness. Then come the delicious notes of small red fruits, a salty touch that evokes the nearby sea, and a lingering, almost ethereal finish. Nothing is left to chance: the balance is perfect, the drinkability exemplary, the style assertive. 92 POINTS
Serve at 10 °C. It will accompany Niçoise salad with grilled tuna, fried calamari, grilled fish, tomato and sweet pepper salsa, or grilled chicken with tarragon.
The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 13 recent release Rosé wines with eight members of our wine judging panel. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. Each of the wines were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles and served well chilled. Only ice water and crusty peasant bread were available to cleanse the palate.
The judges wrote down their impressions of each wine on score sheets. The scoring was based on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.
The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The states and countries are identified for each brand.
It’s peak pink drink time — and your blush brand of choice speaks volumes
By Kate Spicer
Rosé sales soar by 150 per cent when the temperature hits 20 degrees
Provençal rosé rarely invites conversations about what time in the morning the grapes are picked, or even what grapes are used. All anyone wants to know is: what colour is it? Any shade of pale pink with a gemlike clarity will do. Basically, is it “nice rosé”?
Exports from Provence — pink makes up 90 per cent of the region’s wine output — have increased 500 per cent in 15 years, and the UK is one of the world’s biggest importers: 12 million bottles in 2022, second only to the US. Last month Waitrose revealed it is mainly drunk at a particular time too — apparently rosé sales soar by 150 per cent when the temperature hits 20 degrees.
Nice rosé is now the accessible luxury statement drink that helps you semaphore who you are while getting gently pissed in the sun. But what does your choice say about you?
Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel
The Manchester United of nice rosé (its cult stretches from Cheshire to Dubai), this was the first to convince men that rosé was manly, hence the nickname “brosé”. Blatant dupes abound, including Lidl’s Breath of Paradise and Asda’s Screaming Devil, while the Whispering Angel brand now includes The Beach for all-day drinking and the richer Rock Angel. (The estate’s premium cru, Garrus, is loved by Lady Beckham.) £22.50, sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk
After the recent heatwave, the skies (at least in Battersea) have decided to water the plants and give us all some respite. So, I have taken this opportunity to gather together a collection of rather lovely rosés that have crossed my tasting bench this year. I am sure there are more to follow, but this is a collection of the very best, and here are my knee-jerk reaction notes! They are listed in price order! P.S. – There are plenty more rosé recommendations on this website!
Rock is another wine that often needs a year to relax into its couture trappings, but this time, the oak nuances are subtle, sublime, and fully integrated into the fruit. This is a first! You can open a bottle of this wine today, secure in the knowledge that it is already up to ramming speed! Layered, luxurious, this is a true big brother to the brilliant 2024 Whispering Angel – see my notes here. But there is more. While this wine was originally designed to be the foodie version of Whispering, it has moved closer to the estate wines (Château, Les Clans and Garrus) than ever before. This is a genuinely great Rock Angel!
