The weather is warming up and that can only mean one thing…it’s BBQ season! A time for healthy grilling, dining outdoors and of course, great wine! But, what wine should you serve with your favorite BBQ fare?

It depends. Certain wines blend beautifully with burgers, but horribly with grilled fish, so it all comes down to the right pairings.

But, don’t worry about making the wrong choice—we’ll take the guesswork out and give you some great tips on which wines to pair with the most popular BBQ foods.

Burgers & Malbec
Take the all-time American grilling favorite and pair it with the National Grape of Argentina!
Argentinian Malbecs are renowned for their dark fruit flavors and smoky finish. And, if you’re looking for an alternative to higher priced Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this is it. Big juicy burgers are the perfect food for Malbec. And, if the weather is really hot, don’t be afraid to pop your Malbec in the fridge to add a bit of chill—despite what wine snobs might say, red wine needs to be served cooler in hot weather.

We Recommend: King Malbec, Maipe Malbec Reserve Mendoza, and Achaval-Ferrer Malbec.

Sausage & Zinfandel
Sure opposites attract, but sometimes the very best pairings are those that are alike.
With its unique taste, deep dark color and sometimes off-the-charts alcohol content—Zinfandels pack a real punch, with fruit-driven aromas and flavors of berries, black pepper, spice and sometimes even with a hint of chocolate or citrus. Add a spicy grilled sausage to the mix and you’ve found “foodie nirvana.”

We Recommend: Predator Old Vine Zinfandel, 1000 Stories Bourbon-Aged Zinfandel, and Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel

Portobello Mushrooms & Pinot Noir
You don’t have to grill meat to enjoy a good BBQ and we’ve got the perfect wine to go with that meatiest of all veggies…the mushroom!
Sensuous and silky, Pinot Noir’s enticing sometimes earthy perfume is practically made to pair with mushrooms. Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—it’s a wine meant to pair with food and since it’s lighter than heavier Cabernets, Pinot Noir  won’t overshadow your meal.

We Recommend: Joel Gott Pinot Noir, Decoy Pinot Noir, and Gloria Ferrer Etesian Pinot Noir

Chicken & Rosé
There’s lots of reasons why Rosé appreciation is on the rise and one is it’s ability to pair with classic summer foods.
Rosé is the absolute perfect hot-weather wine. Poolside, al fresco dining, beach picnics, no wine is a better choice for summer than rosé. Now, add some grilled chicken with your favorite dry rub or tangy BBQ sauce and you have the makings for a memorable summertime feast.

We Recommend: Estesian Pinot Noir Rosé, Crios Rosé of Malbec, Breezette Rosé

Seafood & Chardonnay
Hotter weather sometimes calls for lighter foods and wines and few combinations are lighter and more refreshing than fresh fish and chilled Chardonnay!
One of the few white wines that gets better with age, some Chardonnays won’t reach their peak of flavor for five to eight years. The aging process, done mostly in oak barrels, give buttery and toasty flavors to the wine and a crispness that really enhances the flavor of your favorite grilled seafood.

We Recommend: J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay, Hess Napa Valley Collection Chardonnay,  and Butter California Chardonnay

One last thing about BBQs…
For many, BBQs are a natural setting for bringing out the beer—and with good reason. The carbonation, acidity and coldness of beer acts as a natural palate cleanser. But, fear not, wine lovers you too can experience that same palate-cleansing effect, that same freshness.

How you ask? Sparkling wine. It’s bubbly, it’s cold, it’s the perfect effervescent beverage to kick off a season of outdoor dining, warm nights and good wine.

We Recommend: Contessa Annalisa Lambrusco Rose, and Cantina Montelliana Prosecco


So, cheers to the unofficial start of summer and to a season full of perfect wine and BBQ pairings!