The Best Places to Drink Rosé in Austin, According to Local Master Sommelier June Rodil
No trip to Austin is complete without consuming a few tacos, some barbecue, and a beer or two. But if you ask June Rodil, master sommelier and the beverage director for McGuire Moorman Hospitality’s eight restaurants, including the infamous Jeffrey’s, Elizabeth Street Café and June’s All Day (named a finalist for America’s Best New Restaurants 2017 by Bon Appetit), you should add rosé to that Austin checklist. Rodil, who has called Austin home for two decades, has helped build one of the city’s most important restaurant empires with extensive wine lists that highlight rosés from around the globe, and helped launch the brand’s own sparkling rosé label called June’s Rosé. The first vintage, made with Austrian winemaker Markus Huber, was released last fall and is available by the glass or bottle at all eight of their restaurants, with the second vintage coming soon. Here, Rodil shares here favorite local watering holes around Austin where you can escape the madness of SXSW and find just about every rosé worth craving.
June's
“Duh! Our little bistro spot just oozes ‘day drink rosé here,’ whether it be on our patio watching passerbyers or inside with the great natural lighting and jukebox. It's home to June's Sparkling Rosé (of course), but in March we have an entire page in our 'zine dedicated to this pink drink. While it can get a little geeky, we like to have fun with it so we can showcase how versatile and different rosés can be. Try something light, tart and dry like the L'Eperonniere Rosé of Cab Franc from the Loire Valley, the bright pink and almost effervescent AJ Adam Pinot Noir Rosé from Germany, to the dark and almost red-wine drinking Antica Terra from Oregon.”
Justine's
“This is my eastside haunt (it's the side of town where I live and I can easily be persuaded to meet you after work here). The ambience is sexy, the lighting under the tent is low and warm and the patrons and staff are vibrant and eclectic. I never stray regardless of the weather and always order the Clos Cibonne Rosé from Provence. It's made from the very rare Tibouren grape which makes the wine as hip(ster) as the clientele.”
Hotel San José
“Gotta give props to the first place that ever served me frozé. The setting is so great—a laid back, tucked away patio on buzzy South Congress. You can easily spot famous musicians mingling with the locals here. I recommend sitting at the edge of the pool, dangling your feet in the water while sipping on this adult version of a Slurpee.”
Josephine House
“The most adorable white-washed walls with a Chez Panisse feel can be paired with Rezebal Txakolina, the almost spritzy delight from San Sebastien. Off the SXSW beaten patch in ‘old Austin’ called Clarksville, you can steal away for an afternoon from the crowds and enjoy this quaint and idyllic neighborhood house with your bottle of rosé. The fresh farm-to-table salads and breads are a great afternoon treat. P.S. if you want a more extensive rosé selection, they will happily bring you the extensive Jeffrey's Wine List from next door to peruse.”
Perla's
“Nothing beats drinking rosé on a patio, and the best one happens to be here in our little corner of South Congress Avenue and Gibson Street. As the sun starts peeking out from winter more regularly we expand our list to about ten options. Miraval Côtes de Provence flows in oceans on a particular beautiful day—it's dry, light, and slightly salty. Perfect with a dozen oysters, or two.”
Mattie's Tavern
“Southern plantation patio and peacocks (yes, white peacocks roam the grounds) needs a truly unique pairing. The wine list can be eclectic and elegant at the same time. Check out the fun, natural wine producer from Spain, Parteda Creus sparkling rosé which is a mutation of a white wine in sparkling form.”
Pool Burger
“For the true casual diner that doesn't want to sacrifice quality, grab a delicious burger and a can of Sway Rosé (from Texas!). If it's a particularly warm day, take advantage of the Deep Eddy Pool just next door and start your summer a little early.”
Whole Foods Market
“Got a place where you can BYO? If you're staying on after the SXSW crowds or popping to a house party, Whole Foods is stocked full of the brilliantly packaged 40z Rosé, as wells the affordable and delicious Charles & Charles Rosé from Washington State. But if you're from out of state, make sure to grab a bottle of Dandy Rosé, made from local Texas Grapes. The wine is as happy as the name suggests.”
