For a boat
Yellow Tail
Moscato $9
If a ripe apricot could effervesce into wine, it would be this new white from mighty Aussie winemaker Yellow Tail. It’s hard not to chug-a-lug this faintly fizzyfruit wine, but that’s OK — it’s a mere 7 percent alcohol.
Tuck a bottle away after a visit to 54 Wine & Spirits (400 W. 55th St.) and head to one of three Hudson River locations that have free kayaking on weekends (downtownboathouse.org). Though, drinking and paddling might not be such a good idea. . . Pack gazpacho soup from Zabar’s (2245 Broadway; $7.49 a quart) and kick back dockside.
Vera Vinho
Verde 2010 $11
Prefer a bone-dry, but still low-in-alcohol sipper that will keep you from wilting under the sun? This bracing first vintage from Portugal fits the bill. It has citric essences with just a snap of spritz.
On any summer Saturday, pick up a bottle of Vera at Uva (199 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg), then stroll to the all-food Smorgasburg at East River State Park, where Asia Dog’s “Sidney” — hot dogs with Thai relish — will go perfectly with a few gulps. Then, if you can’t hop on a water taxi for a tour around the island, find a comfy spot in the park to take in the views.
For a picnic
Beaujolais-Villages 2009, Georges Duboeuf $12
For a relaxed Monday evening in Midtown, pick up a bottle of this silky textured “Bojo” (not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, which can be too candied or fruit-juicy) at Park Avenue Liquor (292 Madison Ave.).
A succulent rotisserie chicken would pair well with this gentle quaffer that, unlike most red wines, is best when chilled. Purchase a perfectly-cooked bird ($10.99) from Chirping Chicken at Grand Central’s subterranean food hall, then head west to Bryant Park for outdoor movie night.
Chateau de Roquefort Corail Rosé 2010 $19.95
No less than seven grape varieties round out this full-flavored beauty, which tastes of ripe strawberries. For an easy, yet stylish urban Brooklyn picnic, pick up a chilled bottle at Blanc et Rouge (81 Washington St., DUMBO), then add superb sandwiches from nearby Foragers Market (56 Adams St.). The Serrano ham and quince paste on a baguette, $9.95, goes perfectly with the rosy tipple.
Take the duo with you on a walk down to grassy Brooklyn Bridge Park with its terrific views of the looming bridge.
For a bbq
Hecht & Bannier Minervois 2008 $16.47
This spicy blend of classic South-of-France grapes (mainly syrah and grenache) mingles best with well-charred sirloin steak. Can’t get out of the city, but wish you could? Find a bottle of this rugged red uptown at PJ Wines (4898 Broadway), then head further north to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
Take a swim in the giant pool or play a round of golf at the oldest municipal course in the States. Come dinnertime, grab a grill at one of two great barbecue areas (south of 233rd Street or in front of the pool at 242nd Street), unpack your cooler and pop that wine cork.
Bodega Enrique Foster Irque Malbec 2010 $9
This dark-fruited,medium-bodied Malbec is a wine with flavor muscles that ripple rather than bulge and is best paired with good old hamburgers and sausages. For an offbeat excursion, head to Red Hook, Brooklyn, with a bottle or two from K&D Wines & Spirits (1366 Madison Ave.). Buy an assortment of sausages (the broccoli rabe is a standout) from Fairway Market (480 Van Brunt St.), which is a short walk to the barbecuing area in Red Hook Park. If cooking’s not your thing, stop by the south end of the park and grab pork and chorizo huaraches Country Boys food truck.
For a rooftop
Banfi Rosa Regale 2010, Brachetto d’Acqui $19
With its warm sunset tint, Piedmont-bred Brachetto is sweet, but not cloying, and enlivened by tiny bubbles. It’s the rare wine that marries well with chocolate. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on a West Side terrace with an unobstructed view of the Macy’s fireworks tomorrow night, bring along a few bottles. (There’s no shortage in the city as it’s in the midst of a Brachetto d’Acqui promotion. Check venues at ilovebrachetto.com.) For a sweet treat, stop by Jacques Torres’ (350 Hudson St.) for some fancy chocolates.
Balazs Reserve Rosé 2010, Sunset Beach $19.96
Made by Wolffer Vineyards in Sagaponack, LI, for celeb hotelier
André Balazs, this bottle is copper-hued rather than pink, and rich-tasting thanks to Merlot fruit. Formerly poured exclusively at Balazs’ hotels and on his seaplane service to the Hamptons, it’s now also available at Astor Wines (399 Lafayette St.). With a bottle or two in your bag, hit the East End for sunset-viewing at BYO spot Duryea’s Lobster Deck
(65 Tuthill Road, Montauk), where it pairs fabulously with fresh lobster — $36 for a 1½-pounder with classic sides.
Four Rules for Summer Wines
1. No need to spend a bundle — $20 should be your limit.
2. High alcohol and high heat don’t play well together. Choose wines with less than 14 percent alcohol.
3. When it doubt, turn to chilled rosé. It’s summer’s go-to-grape.
4. While alcohol is officially banned in public and city parks, “discreet” usage is tolerated, according to a parks official.