Barbie’s makeover has been decades in the making, and recalcitrant members of the patriarchy notwithstanding, I think we can all agree that she’s better than ever. Yes, she still has monstrous proportions that would force her to crawl on all fours if she were alive, but thanks to the efforts of many activists in and outside of the company, Barbie is no longer the one-dimensional smiling fashion dolly she began life as in 1959.
The process hasn’t been simple or smooth. As she—and her parent company, Mattel—attempted to evolve with the culture, the progress often felt like one step forward, two steps back.
There’s the problematic messaging for little girls, from the “Math class is tough” one-liner from Teen Talk Barbie circa 1992 to Computer Engineer Barbie, who infects computers with viruses until her male co-workers swoop in to help, circa 2010. Girls were basically being told that STEM is for boys until very recently. Then there’s the ham-fisted attempts at inclusion, from the forehead-smacking Oreo Barbie and Cracker Barbie in 1997 to Mexican Barbie, who was outfitted with a fiesta dress, pink passport and a Chihuahua in 2013. In these cases, race and ethnicity felt more like a hodgepodge of easy stereotypes rather than a quest for authenticity. And let’s not forget the outreach on disabilities: Share a Smile Becky, whose wheelchair wouldn’t fit in the elevator of Barbie’s Dream House in 1997, saw her line discontinued after an uproar.
But last year, an entire line of Barbies with disabilities was introduced to generally positive reviews, and Barbie the movie has a decidedly feminist message. By now, Barbie has had more than 250 careers in fields historically dominated by men, including NBA player, astronaut, Supreme Court justice and U.S. president.
Over the weekend, Barbie, in all of her plastic-fantastic yet three-dimensional glory, was unveiled in Greta Gerwig’s whip-smart, fun, long-in-the-making film adaptation, Barbie. Starring Margot Robbie as the titular character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the multifaceted tale unspools, with Barbie’s dualities and complexities unveiled, examined and contextualized.
As narrator Helen Mirren intoned, “Because Barbie can be anything, women can be anything.” Or at least, we hope. But pressing questions remain. One of them, surely is, what is the perfect pink drink to pair with Barbie? Read on for an array of delicious options.
A Rosé Made for Dreamers and Strivers
Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wine since 1981, and the winemaking team is now led by Cara Morrison, who sees their rosé as a perfect wine to toast Barbie—queen of pink, and ceaseless striver.
“Barbie and the color pink are inextricably linked,” Morrison says. “With its vibrant light salmon color and notes of blood orange, citrus, and strawberry, Sonoma-Cutrer’s Rosé of Pinot Noir is the perfect summer sip to be enjoyed with friends after a screening of Barbie. At her core, Barbie is all about giving girls the opportunity to imagine themselves being whoever they want to be, whether that’s a doctor, an astronaut, a president—maybe even a winemaker! Winemaking has often been a man’s world, but I’m proud that Sonoma-Cutrer has a robust team of female winemakers who have followed their dreams even if the path didn’t seem straightforward.”
In the Glass: Pop the Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20), and you’ll find a shimmering light-salmon color, notes of strawberries, watermelon rind, rose petals and juicy lemon tang.
A Seriously Fun Rosé
Barbie, and this rosé from Bouchaine, believe that hard work is important—but so is play.
“From the winemaking team to the vineyard crew, we are proud to be a women-led winery,” says Bouchaine’s president and winemaker Chris Kajani. “We are serious about what we do but are also serious about enjoying it! That’s why our motto at Bouchaine is Wine Makes You Happy. Just like Barbie, we bring a sense of excitement and exploration to everything we do. The Vin Gris of Pinot Noir is a vibrant wine that grabs your palate and does not let go with notes of fresh picked strawberry and melon. Perfect for warm days at the Dreamhouse pool and time with friends.”
In the Glass: 2022 Bouchaine Estate Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, ($29). You’ll find layers of white nectarine, cantaloupe, watermelon and a touch of guava.
A Rosé Made for Strong Women and the People Who Love Them
There’s nothing sexier than a man who isn’t afraid of a strong woman—just ask Ken. At Frank Family Vineyards, founder Rich Frank embraces his wife Leslie’s strength and intelligence and lets the rest of us toast it too with a rosé in her honor.
“This namesake wine is a tribute to my wife, founder of Frank Family Vineyards, Leslie Frank,” he says. “Her philanthropic ethos, business acumen and talent for hosting and entertaining inspired us to create a wine in her honor. Aligned with the empowering message of the new Barbie movie, which embraces individuality and celebrates strong women, the 2022 Leslie Rosé stands as the perfect pairing. With every sip, this delightful wine, both complex and whimsical, carries you to a world of pure joy, gently reminding us to revel in life’s simple pleasures.”
In the Glass: The 2022 Leslie Rosé, Carneros, Napa Valley ($50) is delicate and alluring. Orange blossoms, wild strawberries, roses, lemons. Full bodied but bright and refreshing.
A Playful Rosé for a Perfect Escape
Rosé consumption spikes during the summer for a reason—having a glass feels like a mini-vacation in and of itself.
“The 2022 Alma Rosa Vin Gris of Pinot Noir mimics the enchanting charm and irresistible allure of the Barbie movie,” says Samra Morris, Alma Rosa’s winemaker. “Similar to Barbie’s captivating journey, this pretty pink wine transports wine enthusiasts to a realm where the taste of the place and the uniqueness of the vintage come together, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Reflecting on my childhood spent during a time of war, playing with my Barbie doll offered me a much-needed escape. Looking back, I could not have imagined that I would grow up to be a winemaker in California. Just like Barbie, children should believe in themselves, overcome obstacles, embrace their individuality and pursue their passions.”
In the Glass: Pop the 2022 Alma Rosa Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills ($38). Fine wild strawberries, ripe red apples, a lovely citrus core and minerality in the glass.
A Rosé for Those Seeking Nuance and Depth
Barbie—and rosé—sometimes get unfairly cast as simple, unserious things for simple, unserious people.
“Rosés and Barbie dolls have both long been subject to stereotypes—pink, sweet and girly,” says Inman Family Wines owner and winemaker Kathleen Inman. “Yet for me, Barbie and rosés both have often under-appreciated depth, complexity and nuance. My Barbies were architects, designers and explorers who happened to be very fashionable. I didn’t see them as ideals or role models but as conduits of my imagination. Now, years later, I find myself a ‘Barbie girl’ in a wine-y world making a complex, nuanced, and of course, very pink rosé!”
In the Glass: Pop the 2022 Inman Family Endless Crush Rosé ($40) is sourced from Inman’s Russian River Valley estate offers incredible complexity: red cherries, strawberries, honeysuckle and grapefruit.
A Classic Rosé for Non-Traditionalists
Rosé can be made anywhere, but Provence is its homeland. If you want to drink the O.G. but want one that isn’t afraid to break a few rules, reach for Mathilde Chapoutier.
“Orsuro is fresh and modern, like Barbie,” says owner Mathilde Chapoutier. “Orsuro and Barbie break the codes of tradition, while still being anchored to its time.”
In the Glass: Pop the Mathilde Chapoutier Selection Cotes de Provence Orsuro ($21) you’ll get a full-bodied, refreshing rosé with notes of grapefruit, peaches and strawberries. Soft and bright.
A Rosé Made for Breaking Boundaries
Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata are household names in fashion and wine, respectively, because of their unflagging attention to detail and craft. Together, they use their love of all things beautiful and Sicilian to create distinct and elegant wines—which just happen to embody Barbie’s particular approach to la dolce vita.
“Our Rosa Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata perfectly fits the modern and feminist essence of Barbie,” owner and CEO Jose Rallo says. “Our rosé represents confidence, independence and breaking boundaries. Embracing diversity, our wine reflects the inclusive nature of Barbie’s world, where uniqueness is celebrated. The blend of indigenous Sicilian grape varieties Nerello Mascalese and Nocera embodies the strength of femininity and the richness of heritage, which perfectly resonates with the contemporary and empowering version of Barbie. With each sip, our rosé reminds us to be bold, innovative and embrace change.”
In the Glass: Pop the Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana ($48), and you’ll get an effusion of jasmine and roses, peaches and nectarines, cantaloupe. Lithe, mineralic, persistent.
A Rosé Made By Strong Women for Everyone
The Ferrari-Carano winemaking team is all-female, led by winemaker Sarah Quider, who is passionate about mentorship and being a role model. “As a mentor, I want to have a positive influence on my team and support them in their professional development and career goals,” Quider says. “We work together to identify opportunities for growth—from learning more skills to building confidence to developing leadership skills.”
In the Glass: Pop the Ferrari-Carano 2022 Dry Sangiovese ($24), and you’ll find sunset pink hues and flavors of strawberries and cream, watermelon, raspberry, orange zest.
