06-05-2025
Tennis Whites—Top White Wines To Enjoy While Playing (and Watching) Tennis This Summer
Strawberries and champagne during Wimbledon tournament getty
A chilled glass of white wine is the perfect pairing for watching tennis, and now is the time to organize a Grand Slam Watch party. Select white wines to drink with your tennis gatherings that celebrate each slam's location—French whites for Roland Garros, English sparkling (yes, they make amazing bubbles) for Wimbledon and American whites for the US Open. The ideal wine for summer tennis sipping will be crisp and juicy but laced with a bit of decadence, here's a shopping list to get things started:
Les Passerelles Sancerre, 2023 The Loire is France's longest river—almost 634 miles to be exact, and it's diverse and varied landscape forms the backbone of this wine region offering everything from exquisitely juicy Sauvignon Blanc to a mineral-driven Chenin Blanc. This Sancerre is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and brings a balanced style to the palate with loads of juicy grapefruit and citrus zest. $40 The Passerelles collection is the first-ever Loire Valley offering from Jackson Family Wines; the rest of the portfolio includes a Chenin Blanc and a Cabernet Franc.
Domaine Jean Defaix Chablis, 2023: A classically styled Chablis with ample juicy fruit layered with citrus zest and a fine wire of minerality for structure. A warm sunny afternoon of tennis can have no more perfect match than this 100% mouthwatering Chardonnay to pair with it.
Domaine Pichot Vouvray Sec Coteau de la Biche 2022: Vouvray can be dry or gently sweet and this expression is 100% dry Chenin Blanc crafted with a mix of 90% stainless steel and 10% wooden vats. Ripe pretty aromas of white flowers and juicy peach make it a great option for daytime tennis drinking. $23.99
Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial: A non-vintage expression that is the House's iconic champagne—a universally appealing bubbly offering in just about every situation with its creamy mouthfeel and crisp juicy apple notes laced with a citrusy-floral edge. You'll find plenty on offer at Roland-Garros and the US Open (where they are an official sponsor). Wimbledon—The Celebrating Tradition Slam
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage: This sparkling wine is made the same way as Champagne, but in England. Nyetimber is not actually served at Wimbledon but is the official sparkling wine sponsor of the Lawn Tennis Association which means they are served at the Queen's Championships and regional tournaments. If the Queen approved, then so do we. Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker at Nyetimber says, 'Many people don't realise how diverse sparkling wine can be, and the Nyetimber range really does offer something for everyone. Our flagship wine, the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage is an elegant way to begin the festivities, whilst our Cuvee Chérie Demi-Sec is delicious paired with light desserts, or even scones with jam and cream for a true British summer staple.' The US Open Whites—The 'Anything Goes' Slam
Sparkling Pointe Brut Seduction, 2014: Let's talk about even more New York bubbly—this one hails from Long Island's North Fork and is devoted to producing sparkling wines in the traditional Méthode Champenoise. This gem, aged for eight years, has lovely deep golden hues matched by heady aromas of lemon custard, buttered biscuit, ripe apple and baking spices. $70
Cuvaison Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2023: This special wine is cultivated from vines that have the famed d'Yquem clone—a world-renowned clone cutting whose fruit adds layered complexity to the wine. Aromas of white flowers, fresh cut herbs, grapefruit and ginger dominate the nose and palate. Juicy and delicious—perfect for sipping on a sunny tennis-filled afternoon. $28
Lola Chenin Blanc St Helena Napa Valley, 2023: Lush and savory, with a mouth-watering juiciness this wine is a classic expression of what Chenin Blanc does best—deliver richness with acidity and freshness. It's the perfect wine to sip after or during a match.
Demetria Estate Cuvée Papou, 2023: A fun Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne, this modest alcohol wine shows off with notes of melon, citrus and a hint of lime sorbet. It will pair well with any tennis spread. $45
Palisades Canyon Chenin Blanc, 2022: The CCOF-certified organic vineyard of Chenin Blanc is the only 100% head-trained vineyard in Napa—a style of cultivation that allows for more uniform ripening and is ideal for hot climates. This satiny Chenin delivers ripe tropical fruit notes that give way to a juicy finish that lingers on the palate. ($75)
Trefethen Katie's Acre Chardonnay, 2022: Family-owned for more than five decades, third-generation vintners Lorenzo and Hailey Trefethen are now at the helm of this historic and sustainable winery, which dates to the late 1960s. The palate is layered and complex with tropical fruit and a thread of citrus zest. $60
