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Summer heat is here, and there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill while sipping something perfectly matched! Finding the right BBQ and wine pairings can take your backyard cookouts from good to absolutely incredible. With grilling season in full swing, I’m sharing my favorite combinations that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. These foolproof BBQ and wine pairings bring together smoky, charred flavors with wines that complement every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or just enjoying dinner on the patio, these matches work every time. The right wine can highlight the natural flavors of grilled foods while cutting through richness or complementing spices. I’ve tested these BBQ and wine pairings over countless summer gatherings, and they never disappoint – even wine beginners will appreciate how well these pairings work together!
Grilled Ribeye Steak
When it comes to steak and wine, some combinations are simply classic for good reason. A perfectly grilled ribeye with those beautiful caramelized edges pairs magnificently with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. The science behind this BBQ and wine pairing makes perfect sense – the high fat content in a marbled ribeye needs a wine with enough structure and tannins to cut through it.
🍷 Pair with: Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold and tannic, Cab is made for rich, marbled meat with smoky char. The wine’s firm structure and dark fruit flavors stand up beautifully to the steak’s intensity, while subtle oak notes complement those perfect grill marks. For maximum enjoyment, try serving the Cabernet slightly below room temperature (around 65°F) to highlight the red wine’s complexity against the meat’s richness.
BBQ Pork Ribs (Sweet or Spicy Sauce)
Sticky, messy, delicious ribs are a backyard BBQ staple that deserves the perfect wine companion. Whether you prefer your ribs coated in a sweet molasses-based sauce or something with a spicy kick, Zinfandel stands as the ultimate BBQ and wine pairing for this crowd-pleaser. The beauty of Zinfandel lies in its versatility – it has enough fruity sweetness to match sweet sauces and enough backbone to hold up to spice.
🍷 Pair with: Zinfandel
Zin’s jammy fruit and pepper spice match the bold sauce and caramelized edges. California Zinfandels in particular offer concentrated blackberry, cherry, and plum notes that echo the caramelized sugars in BBQ sauce. The subtle peppery finish in most Zinfandels provides a perfect counterpoint to the smoky char on the ribs. This is one of those red wine food pairings that feels like they were made for each other.
Smoked Brisket
There’s something deeply satisfying about brisket that’s been smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect level of tenderness. This BBQ delicacy demands a wine that can match its rich, complex flavor profile. After trying numerous BBQ and wine pairings with brisket over the years, Malbec consistently emerges as the winner – bringing just the right balance of fruit and structure.
🍷 Pair with: Malbec
Rustic and meaty, Malbec brings black fruit and smoky depth to every bite. Argentinian Malbecs particularly shine here, with their concentrated blackberry flavors and subtle smokiness that mirrors the meat’s wood-fired character. The moderate tannins in Malbec provide just enough structure without overwhelming the delicate fat in properly smoked brisket. For the ultimate experience, try serving brisket with a slightly chilled Malbec when dining outdoors on hot summer evenings.
Classic Cheeseburgers
Burgers hot off the grill represent summer cooking at its most approachable and delicious. When topped with melty cheese and your favorite condiments, they create a flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with several wines – but Syrah might be the most versatile burger companion. The beauty of this BBQ and wine pairing is how Syrah’s natural characteristics match so many common burger toppings.
🍷 Pair with: Syrah
Syrah’s savory richness and peppery kick elevate grilled patties with melty cheese. Also known as Shiraz in Australia, this wine brings a combination of bold dark fruit and intriguing savory notes that complement everything from caramelized onions to mushrooms to bacon toppings. The wine’s natural hints of black pepper and subtle smokiness make it taste like it was crafted specifically to go with food from the grill.
Grilled Chicken Thighs (BBQ or Herbed)
Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of BBQ – juicier and more forgiving than breasts, they take on marinades beautifully and develop gorgeous flavor on the grill. Whether you’re going with a classic BBQ sauce or a fresh herb marinade, Chardonnay creates magic with grilled chicken thighs. This is one of those BBQ and wine pairings that works equally well for casual weeknights or weekend entertaining.
🍷 Pair with: Chardonnay
Creamy or oaked Chardonnay balances the juicy dark meat and smoky grill flavor. The wine’s natural buttery notes (especially in oaked versions) complement the richness of chicken thighs, while its bright acidity refreshes the palate between bites. For herb-marinated chicken, look for Chardonnays with subtle citrus notes to bring out the fresh flavors. This pairing demonstrates why understanding food and wine pairing fundamentals can transform a simple meal.
Bratwurst with Grilled Onions
Bratwurst sizzling on the grill represents summer dining at its most carefree and delicious. These German-style sausages develop a beautiful snap when grilled correctly, and when topped with sweet caramelized onions, they create a perfect balance of flavors. After testing numerous BBQ and wine pairings with bratwurst, one clear winner emerged that handles both the fatty richness and typical seasonings.
🍷 Pair with: Riesling (off-dry)
Riesling’s acidity cuts the fat and complements mustard or spice. The slight sweetness in an off-dry Riesling works wonders with the natural sweetness of grilled onions while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory sausage. German Rieslings particularly shine here, offering bright apple and stone fruit flavors with that characteristic zippy acidity. For an authentic experience, try serving bratwurst on pretzel rolls with stone-ground mustard alongside your chilled Riesling.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
There’s something deeply satisfying about a perfect pulled pork sandwich – tender meat with crispy edges, tangy sauce, and ideally some crunchy slaw on top. This BBQ favorite brings together multiple textures and flavors, making it a bit challenging for wine pairing. After experimenting with various BBQ and wine pairings, I’ve found that Grenache consistently works wonderfully with pulled pork.
🍷 Pair with: Grenache
Soft tannins and ripe red fruit make Grenache a delicious match for saucy pork. This Mediterranean varietal offers the perfect middle ground – enough body to stand up to the meat but with softer tannins that don’t clash with typical BBQ sauce. Grenache’s natural raspberry and strawberry notes complement the sweet elements in the pork while its subtle spiciness works with the smoky flavors. For something different, you could also explore vegetarian BBQ alternatives that work beautifully with these wine selections.
Cedar-Planked Salmon
Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is one of those cooking techniques that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The cedar infuses the fish with subtle woody aromatics while protecting it from direct heat. This cooking method creates a unique flavor profile that calls for a specific type of BBQ and wine pairing – one with enough character to complement the fish without overwhelming it.
🍷 Pair with: Pinot Noir
Silky Pinot plays well with the earthy, smoky richness of grilled salmon. This lighter-bodied red offers the perfect bridge between white wines typically served with fish and the bolder reds needed for BBQ. Pinot Noir’s bright cherry and raspberry notes provide a lovely contrast to the salmon’s richness, while its earthy undertones connect beautifully with the cedar aromatics. Oregon and California coastal Pinots particularly shine in this pairing due to their balance of fruit and subtle forest floor notes.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Garlic or Cajun)
Shrimp cook quickly on the grill, making them perfect for easy summer entertaining. Whether seasoned with classic garlic butter or spicy Cajun rub, they develop beautiful caramelization and charred notes that call for a wine that can highlight their natural sweetness. This lighter BBQ option pairs beautifully with a crisp white that might surprise many grilling enthusiasts.
🍷 Pair with: Albariño
This crisp white offers citrusy lift and salinity that pops with grilled seafood. Hailing from Spain’s coastal regions, Albariño brings natural notes of lemon, green apple and a distinctive salinity that makes it the perfect partner for seafood. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through buttery garlic preparations while its citrus notes tame the heat in Cajun-spiced versions. For an interesting exploration, try Albariño with spicy shrimp tacos – its cooling effect works wonders with heat.
Veggie Skewers (Zucchini, Onion, Bell Pepper)
Vegetable skewers provide a colorful, healthy addition to any BBQ spread – and they deserve just as much attention in the wine pairing department as their meatier counterparts. The natural sugars in grilled vegetables caramelize beautifully, creating sweet, smoky flavors that pair wonderfully with certain wines. This plant-based BBQ and wine pairing works for vegetarians and carnivores alike.
🍷 Pair with: Sauvignon Blanc
Its herbal, citrusy freshness plays perfectly with charred vegetables. Sauvignon Blanc’s natural grassy, herbaceous notes create a beautiful echo of the vegetables’ garden-fresh qualities, while its zippy acidity brightens each bite. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs particularly shine with their pronounced citrus and green herb characteristics. For maximum flavor, try brushing your veggie skewers with a light herb oil before grilling, which will create beautiful linkage with the wine’s herbal notes. Understanding types of white wine can help you find the perfect match for your grilled vegetables.
These BBQ and wine pairings prove that backyard grilling deserves more than just beer (though I’ll never say no to a cold one on a hot day). The right wine makes those smoky, charred flavors absolutely sing while creating memorable dining experiences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these pairings based on your personal taste preferences – the best combination is always the one you enjoy most.
For casual gatherings, consider setting up a snack and wine pairing station with some of these options so guests can try different combinations. Remember to serve red wines slightly cooler than room temperature during hot weather – about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator will bring them to the perfect serving temperature. Most importantly, have fun with your BBQ and wine pairings this summer – cooking outdoors with a glass in hand is one of life’s simple pleasures!
