Around April each year, as southern France slowly shrugs off its winter hibernation, the region of Provence experiences a transformation. Lavender fields as far as the eye can see start to bloom - and the air soon fills with the delicate scent of the local flowers.

This environmental transformation cues a switch in mindset for locals and tourists to the region. As the Mediterranean sun warms the towns and their people, all of a sudden the contents of their wine glasses change from ruby-red to peachy-pink.

Spring marks Rosé season in one of the world’s most famous regions for making this wine.

Read more from Vine Cru: Natural wines: What you need to know

Similarly, as we breathe a sigh of relief at the welcomed change in weather across Australia, the contents of our wine glasses are increasingly experiencing a similar transformation.

Spring in Australia is the perfect time of year to put a bottle of good Rosé in your wine cooler and soak up the afternoon sun with some friends.

So to make sure you’re picking a bottle that’s right for your tastes, here are a few of our favourites:

Stella Bella 2014 Skuttlebutt Rosé, Margaret River

Fruit forward, you’ll find bright-red berries and a hint of orange rind on the nose and palate, and a delicate musk finish.

The winery has said “we create these wines as the perfect excuse to gather and Skuttlebutt with friends”, meaning to gossip and catch up. If you insist!

Domaine de Rimauresq 2016 Côtes de Provence Cru Classe Rosé

We thought we’d throw in a cheapy from Provence so you can try for yourself. This is a wonderful example of a Provence Rose, featuring the typical floral notes and little spiciness, red currant and strawberries, but overall, dry as a bone.

For something a little more special, try a Rosé from Bandol, the epicentre of Provence. It is mainly known for its reds but it also produces some of the best Rosés in the world. Here are two we’re enjoying at the moment.

Domaine du Gros’ Noré 2015 Bandol Rosé

A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre grapes. Beautifully balanced and big on the fruit, this peach-coloured wine will show orange, strawberry and florals on the palate and a little spiciness on the nose. A beautiful wine from a talented winemaker.

Domaine Tempier 2015 Bandol Rosé

A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan grapes. This hand-picked, well-rounded and balanced wine still shows a lot of fruit but is more textural than the others on this list. Peach and pomegranate will be found on the palate, with an overall balanced acidity.