Just like wine, fruit also has its best periods – those times of the year when the flavor is most intense, the aroma most inviting, and the price often more reasonable. Choosing fruit in season not only makes a big difference in taste but is also a smarter and more sustainable choice.
Here’s a guide to some of the most popular fruits and when they are at their peak.
🍋 Citrus Fruits (orange, clementine, grapefruit, lemon)
Citrus is the star of the winter season. From December to March, oranges and clementines are at their sweetest and juiciest. Freshly squeezed juice or a slice of blood orange with dessert wine is a great example of how seasonal fruit can enhance the experience.
Fun fact: Did you know that a single orange can cover your entire daily need of vitamin C? Citrus really is the ultimate winter booster.
🥭 Mango
For many, mango is the definition of exotic indulgence. Depending on the country of origin, the season varies – Indian mango peaks in April–June, while Brazilian and African mangoes usually reach Europe in the autumn. A perfectly ripe mango should have a sweet, almost floral aroma, and the flesh should give slightly when pressed.
With wine, mango pairs beautifully with aromatic grapes such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer – the balance of sweetness, acidity, and tropical fruitiness is unbeatable.
Fun fact: Mango is sometimes called the "king of fruits" in India, and there are over 1,000 varieties worldwide.
🍉 Melon
Melon is the ultimate summer classic, with its peak season from June to September. Whether it’s watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe, it’s the sun and warmth that bring out their fullest flavors.
A refreshing slice of watermelon on a hot day is unforgettable, but melons also shine when paired with wine. Try cantaloupe with prosciutto and a glass of Prosecco – the taste of summer captured in one bite.
Fun fact: Watermelon is made up of about 92% water – which explains why it’s so thirst-quenching in the heat.
🥑 Avocado
Thanks to global cultivation, avocado is available all year round, but Mexican avocados are at their absolute best during winter and spring (November–May).
Creamy, nutty, and with a subtle sweetness, avocado works just as well in a classic guacamole as in a fresh salad. With wine, it can be tricky, but it pairs nicely with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling wines where the bubbles cut through the richness beautifully.
Fun fact: Avocado is technically a berry fruit, not a vegetable – and it’s related to the cinnamon tree.
🍎 Apples and Pears
Autumn is apple season – from September to November, Swedish apples are at their peak. Pears follow close behind, reaching their best at the same time. Both are natural companions to a cheese board, ideally enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or a crisp cider.
Fun fact: Apples float in water because about 25% of their volume is air.
🍓 Strawberries
Strawberries are synonymous with summer, especially in Sweden. They’re at their best in June and July, when the berries have ripened under the sun. Their fresh sweetness pairs perfectly with sparkling wines like Champagne or Cava.
Fun fact: Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside – on average about 200 per berry.
🍇 Grapes
Of course, grapes are available year-round, but in Europe, the season runs from August to October. This is when you’ll find the best clusters for fresh eating – and of course, the same grapes that are transformed into wine.
Fun fact: Vitis vinifera, the classic wine grape, has been cultivated for over 6,000 years.
Seasonal Fruit Enhances Flavor
Eating fruit in season is a bit like opening a bottle of wine from the perfect vintage – everything aligns, and the experience becomes extraordinary. Whether it’s mango in spring, melon in summer, or citrus in winter, there’s always a fruit at its peak to enjoy.
