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The Ultimate BBQ and Wine Pairing Guide
Published on April 26th, 2025
Summer is here, and that means one thing – BBQ season is officially in full swing! Whether you’re grilling up burgers in the backyard or hosting a big outdoor feast, the right wine can elevate your BBQ experience from delicious to unforgettable. But let’s be real – finding the perfect wine to pair with smoky ribs, juicy steaks, or charred vegetables can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge.
Don’t worry, though – I’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive BBQ and wine pairing guide, we’ll explore how to match your favorite grilled dishes with the best wines to complement those smoky, savory flavors. From the bold reds that pair perfectly with a steak to the refreshing whites that balance out a tangy grilled chicken, there’s a wine for every BBQ dish out there.
So grab your tongs, uncork that bottle, and let’s dive into the art of pairing BBQ with wine – because the best BBQs deserve the best wines!
Quick Tips for BBQ and Wine Pairing
Before we dive into specific pairings, here are some quick tips to keep in mind when selecting wine for your BBQ feast:
- Balance is Key: BBQ dishes are typically rich and flavorful, so you’ll want wines that can hold their own without overpowering the meal. Look for wines with enough body and structure to complement the smoky, charred flavors but not overwhelm them.
- Think About the Sauce: The sauce can make or break a BBQ dish! Whether it’s tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky, the type of sauce you’re using should influence your wine choice. For example, sweeter sauces (think BBQ or teriyaki) pair better with fruit-forward wines, while smoky sauces are perfect with wines that have a bit more earthiness.
- Go for Bold Reds with Red Meats: When grilling up steaks, burgers, or ribs, bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Syrah are your best bet. Their tannins and dark fruit flavors help cut through the richness of the meat and enhance the smoky flavors.
- Whites for Lighter Fare: If you’re grilling chicken, seafood, or vegetables, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio can offer the perfect balance. These wines tend to have enough acidity to refresh your palate between bites and complement the lighter, fresher flavors of your BBQ.
- Don’t Forget the Rosé: Rosé isn’t just for sipping poolside! With its refreshing acidity and light fruitiness, it’s a fantastic all-around BBQ wine. Whether you’re serving grilled shrimp, chicken, or even a veggie platter, a dry rosé pairs beautifully with a wide range of BBQ dishes.
- Trust Your Taste Buds: At the end of the day, the best pairing is the one you enjoy the most. Wine pairing is an art, not a science, so feel free to experiment with different combinations and find what works for you!
Why Wine Works so Well with BBQ
Wine pairs so beautifully with BBQ because of its ability to complement and balance the bold, smoky flavors of grilled meats and tangy sauces. The natural acidity in wines, especially whites and rosés, helps cut through the richness of fatty cuts like ribs (check our killer spare rib recipe) and steak, refreshing your palate with each sip. Red wines, with their tannins, work particularly well with fatty meats, helping to break down the fat and enhancing the deep flavors of both the meat and the wine.
Beyond the mechanics of acidity and tannins, wine also brings out the complex flavors in BBQ. Whether it’s the smoky notes of a grilled steak or the sweet tang of BBQ sauce, wine has the versatility to enhance these flavors in ways other drinks can’t. A bold red can intensify the spices of a BBQ rub, while a crisp white can highlight the freshness of grilled vegetables or chicken. It’s this perfect harmony of flavors that makes wine the ideal companion to any BBQ spread.
The Best Wine Varietals for BBQ
When it comes to BBQ, the right wine can elevate your grilling experience to new heights. Whether you're cooking up steaks, ribs, or grilled veggies, each varietal brings something special to the table, enhancing the flavors of your meal.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is often considered a lighter red wine, but its versatility makes it a fantastic BBQ companion, especially with grilled chicken, pork, or salmon. Its delicate fruit flavors and earthy undertones can enhance the subtle smokiness of BBQ without overpowering the dish. The wine's natural acidity also helps cut through the richness of fatty meats, making it an ideal choice for BBQs with a lighter fare. Looking for a great, easy recipe? Check out our delicious tri-tip sliders recipe.
Cabernet Sauvignon
When it comes to BBQ, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic. Known for its full body, rich tannins, and dark fruit flavors, it pairs perfectly with hearty meats like grilled steak, ribs, or burgers. The tannins in this wine work wonders with the fat in red meats, and its bold profile complements the smoky flavors of the grill, creating a harmonious balance with every bite.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a BBQ lover's best friend, particularly for those who enjoy a little spice with their meal. Its bold, jammy fruit flavors, combined with hints of pepper and spice, make it an excellent match for BBQ ribs, sausages, or anything with a sweet, smoky sauce. The richness of Zinfandel can stand up to the boldness of grilled meats, while its slight sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy BBQ sauces.
Merlot
Merlot’s smooth, medium-bodied profile and soft tannins make it a versatile wine for a variety of BBQ dishes. While it’s often considered a more mellow red wine, it’s perfect for dishes like grilled chicken, burgers, or even lighter pork dishes. Merlot’s plum and black cherry flavors work well with the smoky sweetness of BBQ, and its subtlety allows the flavors of the food to shine without being too overpowering.
Red Blend
Red blends are a great option when you want the best of both worlds. These wines combine the boldness of varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruitiness of Merlot or Zinfandel, making them perfect for BBQs with a diverse spread. Whether you’re grilling steaks, sausages, or even vegetables, a red blend can balance rich, smoky flavors with fresh, vibrant fruit notes, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
Chardonnay
While most people think of Chardonnay as a white wine for seafood, it can be an excellent choice for BBQ, especially when grilling chicken, seafood, or even smoky vegetables. A rich, oaked Chardonnay, with its buttery texture and hints of vanilla and oak, pairs beautifully with grilled meats, as it complements both the charred edges and the tangy sauces. The acidity in Chardonnay also helps cleanse your palate between bites.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine that’s perfect for lighter BBQ fare. Its zesty acidity and citrusy notes make it an ideal match for grilled seafood, chicken, or even a vegetable platter. If you’re serving up BBQ with a tangy or herbaceous marinade, Sauvignon Blanc’s bright, herbaceous flavors will complement the dish while offering a refreshing contrast to the smoky grill flavors.
Rosé
Rosé is the ultimate BBQ all-rounder. Its light body, refreshing acidity, and fruit-forward flavors make it a perfect match for almost anything on the grill, from seafood to chicken to grilled vegetables. Whether you're serving a smoky, spicy dish or something sweeter, the versatility of rosé makes it an ideal companion for any BBQ spread. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the heat of spicy BBQ rubs or a tangy sauce, offering a refreshing counterbalance.
Wrap-Up: Why Murphy-Goode Wine is the Perfect Pairing for BBQ
At the end of the day, BBQ is all about enjoying great food, good company, and the perfect drink to tie it all together. Wine, with its ability to complement smoky, savory flavors, makes an excellent choice for your next cookout. And when it comes to BBQ, Murphy-Goode wine is one of the best options to bring out the best in your grilled dishes.
Known for its approachable and versatile range of wines, Murphy-Goode offers everything from bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc, each carefully crafted to enhance the flavors of BBQ. Whether you’re grilling up juicy steaks or tangy ribs, Murphy-Goode wines provide the perfect balance of body, acidity, and rich flavor to complement any BBQ meal. So, next time you fire up the grill, grab a bottle of Murphy-Goode and elevate your BBQ to a whole new level. Cheers to great wine, delicious food, and even better company!
