The Perfect Pour: Your Guide to BBQ-Ready Summer Wines

The Occasional Wino

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means: it's time to dust off the grill, invite some friends over, and fire up the ultimate backyard barbecue! But before you grab the spatula, let's talk about the unsung hero of any great summer feast: the wine.

Choosing the right bottle can take your grilled grub from good to legendary. Forget heavy reds that weigh you down in the heat. This year, we're focusing on wines that are bright, refreshing, and robust enough to stand up to smoke, char, and that glorious, sticky BBQ sauce.

Here are our top picks for making your summer barbecue perfect:

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1. The Ultimate All-Rounder: Dry Rosé

If there is one wine you MUST have at your BBQ, it's a dry Rosé. These aren't your grandmother's sweet blush wines; today's Rosés, especially those from Provence or the south of France, are crisp, bone-dry, and intensely refreshing.

• Why it works: Its zesty acidity and subtle berry notes are the perfect palate cleanser between bites of smoky ribs, chicken, and even grilled vegetables. It’s light enough for a hot day but has enough body to handle spice.
• Pair with: Grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, and anything with a lemon and herb marinade.

Occasional Wine Favorite Dry Rosés

• 2023 By Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé - Grenache - Provence, France - 93 Points - $29.95
• 2020 Château Roubine Rosé Premium Cru Classé - Grenache - Provence, France - 93 Points - $18.95
• 2022 Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé - Grenache - Provence, France - 90 Points - $16.95

Something Different

• 2019 Alphonse Mellot Vingt Mille Pieds Sous Rosé - Pinot Noir - Sancerre, France - 90 Points - $76.95
• 2023 Caelestis Cellars Tempranillo Rosé - Tempranillo - Walla Walla Valley, OR - 90 Points - $36.95

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2. Best for Burgers & Brisket: Zinfandel

When you're dealing with big, bold flavors like a juicy cheeseburger or slow-smoked brisket, you need a red wine that can fight back. Enter Zinfandel.

• Why it works: Often described as "jammy," Zinfandel is packed with dark fruit flavors (like black cherry and plum) and a touch of peppery spice. It has high alcohol and strong tannins that cut through the fat of red meat beautifully.
• Pair with: Classic beef burgers, smoked pulled pork, and chili-rubbed steaks. Just be sure to serve it slightly chilled on a hot day!

Occasional Wine Favorite Zinfandels

• 2023 Morisoli Vineyard 'Plinio's Block' Rutherford Zinfandel - Napa Valley, CA - 97 Points - $69.95
• 2021 Ridge Geyserville - Sonoma, CA - 97 Points - $49.95
• 2022 Opolo Mountain Zinfandel - Paso Robles, CA - 96 Points - $29.95
• 2022 Turley Pesenti Vineyard Zinfandel - Paso Robles, CA - 95 Points - $39.95
• 2021 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel - Napa Valley, CA - 93 Points - $44.95

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3. Best for Steaks: Cabernet Sauvignon

When you’re grilling a majestic ribeye, a strip steak, or a massive porterhouse, you need a wine that matches its intensity and structure. Nothing steps up to the plate quite like a classic Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Why it works: Cabernet is the king of big, structured red wines. Its high tannin content binds beautifully with the protein and fat of a premium cut of beef, softening the wine's intensity while enhancing the steak's savory flavor. Notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and occasionally mint make it a timeless pairing for grilled red meat.
• Pair with: Any steak cooked over high heat, particularly dry-aged cuts.

Occasional Wine Favorite Cabernet Sauvignons

• 2019 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, CA - 98 Points - $79.95
• 2021 Château Giscours Margaux Grand Cru Classé - Margaux, Bordeaux, France - 96 Points - $79.95
• 2021 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma, CA - 96 Points - $74.95
• 2020 Bledsoe Cabernet Sauvignon - Walla Walla Valley, WA - 97 Points - 49.95
• 2017 Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Stellenbosch, South Africa - $46.95

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4. The Lamb Companion: Syrah / Shiraz

When you're grilling lamb chops or a butterflied leg of lamb, you need a wine with a savory, smoky edge that mirrors the char and fat. Syrah (or Shiraz, as it's known in Australia) is the perfect match.

• Why it works: Syrah is characterized by notes of dark fruit, smoke, bacon fat, and pepper. Its savory profile and firm structure complement the rich, often herbaceous flavor of lamb. The high tannin content also works to balance the richness of the meat.
• Pair with: Lamb chops, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and kebabs seasoned with rosemary and garlic.

Occasional Wine Favorite Syrah / Shirazs

• 2021 Dragonette Seven Syrah - Santa Ynez Valley, CA - 95 Points - $49.95
• 2019 Thomas Farge Saint-Joseph Rouge Côte du Pouly - Rhône Valley, France - 95 Points - $42.95
• 2023 Henschke Henry's Seven Shiraz-Grenache-Viognier - Barossa Valley, Australia - 96 Points - $39.95
• 2022 Mullineux Swartland Syrah - Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa - 94 Points - $37.95
• 2020 L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Syrah - Columbia Valley, WA - 92 Points - $28.95

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5. Best for Seafood & Veggies: Sauvignon Blanc

If your menu leans toward lighter fare—think grilled fish or a gorgeous platter of halloumi and peppers—you need a wine with a vibrant, herbaceous kick.

• Why it works: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and distinctive "green" notes—ranging from grapefruit and lime to bell pepper and grass. This zingy profile cuts through the oiliness of grilled fish and complements the char on veggies.
• Pair with: Grilled salmon, mahi-mahi tacos, asparagus, and corn on the cob.

Occasional Wine Favorite Sauvignon Blancs

• 2019 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre d'Antan - Sancerre, Loire Valley, France - 94 Points - $62.95
• 2020 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand - 95 Points - $54.95
• 2018 Tokara Director's Reserve White - Stellenbosch, South Africa - 93 Points $39.95
• 2021 Livio Felluga Sauvignon - Fruili-Venezia, Italy - 92 Points - $37.95
• 2022 Groth Sauvignon Blanc - Napa Valley, CA - 92 Points - $22.95

Something Different

• 2017 Trimbach Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve Personnelle - Alsace, France - 95 Points - $49.95
• 2022 Rodrigo Mendez Cíes Albariño - Rías Baixas, Galicia -  94 Points - $39.95
• 2022 Terlato Estate Pinot Grigio DOC - Fruili-Venezia, Italy - $29.95
• 2024 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi Terre Antiche DOCG - Piemonte, Italy - $17.95

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6. Surprisingly Versatile: Sparkling Wine

Don't save the bubbles just for toasts! Sparkling wine is perhaps the most underrated BBQ pairing.

• Why it works: The effervescence (bubbles) acts like a tiny scrubber on your palate, washing away sauces, grease, and spice, leaving you ready for the next bite. Choose a dryer style (Extra Brut or Brut).
• Pair with: Appetizers like chips and dip, hot dogs, and surprisingly, spicy barbecue wings. It's the ultimate palate reset!

Occasional Wine Favorite Sparkling Wines

• Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV - Champagne, France - 96 Points - $114.95
• 2017 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage - Anderson Valley, CA - 96 Points - $74.95
• 2012 Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs - Champagne, France - 93 Points - $39.95
• Henri Champliau Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé - Burgundy, France - 95 Points - $36.95
• Dumanjin Cuvée 17 - Champagne, France - 91 Points - $29.95

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Top Tips for Serving Wine at a BBQ

1. Keep it Cool: Don't let your wines get warm! Invest in a good ice bucket for your Rosé and whites. Even light reds like Zinfandel benefit from 15-20 minutes in the cooler.
2. Bring a Backup: Always have a few bottles of chilled water or iced tea available for guests.
3. Find the Bottles: The next time you're shopping for wine, check the seasonal aisle near the front of the store or ask the wine steward for their summer BBQ recommendations before the party.

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Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Wine Pairings

What is the most versatile wine to bring to a BBQ?

Dry Rosé from Provence is the most versatile BBQ wine. Its balanced acidity and light body work across chicken, seafood, grilled vegetables, and even lighter red meat. One bottle handles the full spread.

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Should I serve red wine cold at a BBQ?

Light to medium reds like Zinfandel benefit from 15-20 minutes in a cooler before serving on hot days. Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah perform best at 60-65°F — cooler than room temperature but not refrigerator-cold.

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What wine goes with BBQ sauce?

Zinfandel is the best match for sweet, smoky BBQ sauce. Its high alcohol and dark fruit sweetness mirror the sauce's flavor profile without being overwhelmed. For vinegar-based sauces, Dry Rosé is a better counterpoint.

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What sparkling wine is good for BBQ?

Brut Champagne, Crémant de Bourgogne, and California sparkling wines (like Roederer Estate L'Ermitage) are all excellent. Choose Extra Brut or Brut styles — avoid Demi-Sec (semi-sweet) which clashes with savory grilled food.

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What wine pairs with spicy BBQ?

Sparkling Brut wine is the most effective pairing for spicy BBQ. The carbonation and high acidity actively cool the palate's heat receptors. Off-dry Rosé is a secondary option — its slight sweetness can balance moderate spice.

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Is Sauvignon Blanc good for BBQ?

Sauvignon Blanc is excellent for BBQ when the menu focuses on seafood, chicken, or vegetables. It struggles against heavily-smoked red meats where its herbaceous notes can clash with charred beef fat.

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What wine goes with grilled corn?

Sauvignon Blanc or Dry Rosé both work well with grilled corn. The corn's natural sweetness and char complement the wine's acidity. Albariño — with its citrus and saline mineral notes — is a particularly good match when the corn is buttered and salted.

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Occasional Wine: The perfect pour for life's most precious moments 

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Occasional Wine is an online boutique wine shop, veteran owned and operated, dedicated to offering the world's best wines. Our selection is curated to satisfy every palate and perfectly complement any occasion.