These wines will instantly put you in holiday mode

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

In the first article in Sips & Trips, our miniseries for The Wine Flyer, we’re sharing the vintages that make you feel your summer getaway is already here, whether that means a sophisticated, sociable Pinot Noir redolent of an alfresco grill in Tuscany, or a regal Champagne evoking a yacht cruise on the Côte d’Azur.

The best part? That break could actually be sooner than you think, as members of The British Airways Club can collect 5 Avios on every £1 spent at The Wine Flyer, with Bronze members receiving an additional 5% off, Silver members 10% off and Gold members 15% off. Bottoms up!

The vibe: a golden-hour picnic on the French Riviera
The wine: Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025

What if you could summon the feeling of a treats-filled wicker hamper, a sun-warmed blanket and the calm cadence of waves caressing the coastline from your living room? Such is the magic of this light, salmon-pink vintage, bringing delicate notes of just-plucked strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants and white peaches. It’s dry and crisp, with a hint of minerality that keeps things interesting, pairing perfectly with salty meats and creamy cheeses (charcuterie board, anyone?), grilled seafood such as lemon prawns, salads – especially Niçoise – and fresh red fruit. More good news? You can collect Avios with every bottle you buy, bringing you closer to a break in Provence. 

The vibe: a backyard grill in Tuscany
The wine: Bread & Butter Pinot Noir

A vintage that’s both elegant and approachable does exist, and there’s no larger proof than this Pinot Noir. Crafted from grapes across California’s coastal regions and cooler inland expanses such as Monterey and Santa Barbara, it’s soft on the palate (think gentle tannins and moderate acidity ideal for spontaneous sippers), while packing in plenty of pizzazz, including that of mature red berries, a touch of plum and subtle spices from five months of aging in French and American oak barrels. The result? A ruby-red revelation that not only takes grilled cherry-glazed chicken, bell peppers and honey-glossed pork chops to another level, but also nudges you within reach of your next Italian trip in the form of Avios. 

The vibe: a sunset yacht cruise on the Côte d’Azur
The fizz: Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut NV Champagne

Who better to trust for chic celebrations than the Champagne house that graced the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889 and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and is the official Champagne partner for the Cannes Film Festival? This non-vintage, which combines multiple years of harvest, embodies Moët & Chandon’s signature balance of finesse – imagine delicate bubbles that feel silky on the tongue – fruitiness (look out for green apple, pear and citrus) and spectacular freshness, a result of the cuvée’s blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. Add the Champagne’s soft golden glow, and Avios collected when you buy the bubbly, and you’re practically sunset-yacht ready.

The vibe: tapas on a sun-drenched terrace in Seville
The wine: Cabalié

Inspired by the bold vintages that Roman soldiers once enjoyed in Southern France, particularly in the Agly Valley and Pays Côtes Catalanes, Cabalié is the glorious upshot of small, flavour-bursting grapes from elder, low-yield vines – some a century old – and traditional fermentation and blending that preserves its concentrated character. Its velvety texture and mouthfuls of raspberry and blackberry, plus traces of chocolate and coffee, naturally complement Spanish small plates, such as salty olives and spicy chorizo. Can’t think of a more tempting motive to collect Avios? Just picture a slice of Spain’s tarta de Santiago: its nutty richness with a glass of lush Cabalié is a decadent dream.  

The vibe: a stylish rooftop soirée in Paris
The fizz: Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne NV

Behind the house of Veuve Clicquot – dating back to 1772 – is Madame Clicquot, the widow who changed Champagne forever after the death of her husband and founder Philippe Clicquot-Muiron. Included in her many feats is the invention of the riddling table, a process still used for this very cuvée, which clarifies Champagne without sacrificing sparkle. It explains the crystal-clear brightness of the house’s signature non-vintage, whose flavour composition of lively citrus and orchard fruits, alongside indulgent brioche and vanilla undertones, make for the perfect Parisian rooftop treat (let’s raise our glass to Madame Clicquot, a very grand reason to collect and spend Avios). 

The vibe: a chill hike on the island of Madeira
The wine: No.8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc

Arriving from Marlborough – New Zealand’s most famous Sauvignon Blanc region – is this aromatic and crisp little number, which combines bright tropical thrills including passionfruit and guava, citrus cheer such as grapefruit, and green herbaceous notes (gooseberry, tomato leaf and fresh-cut grass are all on the list). Unlike other vintages, this one is best enjoyed young due to its fragrant compounds and zesty acidity peaking shortly after bottling. The most classic food union is seafood – oysters, poached white fish, sashimi – but it’s just as excellent with soft young cheeses, garden salads and light meats and Asian dishes such as lemongrass chicken. The ultimate Avios-collecting incentive? Savouring a glass amid the gorgeous greenery and coastal breezes of Madeira’s Levada. 

Get into holiday mode with The Wine Flyer