What could be nicer on a gorgeous summer night than a garden with weeping willow trees, roses in bloom, and tasting rosé wines from around the planet? And all this on the East Village’s Avenue C? See the photos from our rosé summer tasting.

For the second year, Brix Wine Shop hosted this battle of the rosés, all of which are offered for sale their establishment. This year (2016) there were 40 wines to taste—which is a job in itself! (HOBNOB is always hard at work.) Hostess and owner of Brix Wine Shop , Beatriz Gutierrez (seen in the photo at the top) holds tickets for tasting, and did encourage guests to wear pink for the gathering—and awarded prizes to those who obliged. There was also a raffle with bottles of wine to win.

HOBNOBMAG tasting Rose Wine 1

DOWN TO BUSINESS

I met my cuz Paulina and her boyfriend Mario, and we set off to tasting. When we needed breaks from the sipping we went to grab some snacks prepared by locals, and sat by the koi pond to view the actual roses in the back. See our top choices below.

HOBNOB top picks of the rosé tasting:

Number 1: Chateau Grand Boise 2015 from Sainte Victoria, $19. This wine really stood out, with an elegance and uplifting taste. That’s not an easy feat with 40 wines, of course we had to return a few times to confirm!

HOBNOBMAG tasting Rose Wine 1

Number 2: Miraval, from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s winery in Cotes de Provence, was very special indeed. $25.

HOBNOBMAG tasting Rose Wine 1

Number 3: Quinta das Arcas Conde Villar 2015 Vinho Verde from Portugal a blend of Espadeiro and Touriga Nacional grapes. $12.

Also wonderful to sip: L’Opale from Cotes de Provence, $15. C’est La Vie Syrah Rosé 2015, $12. Le Paradou Cinsault Rose 2015 had a slight fizz to it, $14. Julien & Fils Bisou Rosé 2015, $12. Domaine de Terra Vecchia Rosé ‘Cuvée Armonia’ Île de Beauté 2015 from Corsica, $16. Chateau du Rouet Cotes de Provence Rose 2015, $16. For bringing to the beach: Underwood Cellars Rose, in a can, from Oregon, $7. Domaine Montrose 2015 Rose, Vin de Pays de Cotes de Thongue, $12.

HOBNOBMAG tasting Rose Wine 1

HOBNOBMAG tasting Rose Wine 1

Roses was spotted everywhere—even the garden was in full cooperation.

BRIX WINE SHOP, 649 e 9th St (btw Ave B/AveC), Welcoming local wine shop featuring a curated selection, tastings & homemade sangria in the summer. Now on 170 Avenue B (betw 10th/11th Sts)