BBQ Wine Pairings: The Ultimate Guide to What Wine to Serve at Your Next Barbecue
When it comes to summer entertaining, nothing beats the laid-back joy of a BBQ. From smoky burgers to grilled veg skewers and sticky ribs, barbecue food is bold, flavourful, and full of texture. But while most people instinctively reach for beer, the world of wine is bursting with options that can take your BBQ menu to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best BBQ wine pairings for every dish on the grill — whether you’re feeding meat lovers, veggies, or picky in-laws. If you’ve ever wondered what wine goes best with BBQ food, or how to match your bottle to the grill, this post is for you.
Why Wine Works So Well With BBQ
Barbecue food is complex: it’s often smoky, spicy, sweet, charred, or a mix of all four. This makes it a fantastic partner for wine — but only if you choose the right one.
Good BBQ wine pairings balance richness, cut through fat, and enhance those big, bold flavours on your plate. The trick? Focus on wines with vibrant fruit, moderate tannins, and good acidity — and don’t be afraid to serve reds slightly chilled.
Best Wine with BBQ Burgers: Malbec or Zinfandel
Beef burgers are rich and savoury, especially when you add melty cheese, crispy bacon, or a sticky BBQ sauce. You need a red wine with bold fruit and a generous personality — and that’s where Malbec shines. A classic Argentinian Malbec offers ripe blackberry notes, soft tannins, and just enough structure to handle a double cheeseburger.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of spice and sweetness, go for a Zinfandel. Californian Zinfandel loves a smoky grill, and its jammy red fruit flavours pair well with caramelised onions or sweet sauces.
Pro tip: Avoid overly tannic reds like young Cabernet Sauvignon — the tannins can clash with ketchup and mayonnaise.
Best Wine with Grilled Chicken: Unoaked Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc
Chicken is a versatile BBQ staple. For grilled chicken with lemon, garlic or herbs, an unoaked Chardonnay brings a clean, citrusy backbone that matches beautifully with zesty marinades. Look for bottles from Chablis or Australia’s Margaret River.
For more complex flavours — like peri-peri, jerk, or honey-glazed chicken — reach for a fruitier white like Chenin Blanc. A South African Chenin offers stone fruit, honeyed notes, and the acidity to refresh your palate between bites.
Want something more adventurous? A slightly off-dry Riesling can be a brilliant match with spicy grilled wings or Asian-inspired marinades.
Best Wine with Veggie BBQ Dishes: Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc
Barbecued vegetables have natural sweetness and a hint of smoke, so they call for wines that are crisp, aromatic, and flexible. Dry rosé — especially from Provence — is a perfect BBQ companion. With delicate red fruit and bright acidity, it pairs effortlessly with grilled courgettes, red peppers, mushrooms, and halloumi skewers.
For a more vibrant white, Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. Its zippy citrus, grassy aromas, and green flavours make it fantastic with grilled asparagus, pesto-glazed tofu, or salads tossed with vinaigrette.
Serving hummus, tzatziki or flatbreads alongside? Rosé is your MVP.
Best Wine with Sausages and Hot Dogs: Grenache or Lambrusco
Sausages bring bold seasoning, juicy fat, and plenty of salt — so you need a wine that can stand up to those flavours without overwhelming them. Enter Grenache (or Garnacha, if you’re shopping Spanish). It’s fruity, spicy, and best when served lightly chilled.
Feeling playful? Try a dry Lambrusco — a sparkling red from Italy that’s savoury, frothy, and surprisingly food-friendly. Its bubbles cut through fat like a charm, and it’s especially good with spicy sausages or mustard-topped hot dogs.
Best Wine with BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: Shiraz or Pinotage
Sticky BBQ ribs and slow-cooked pulled pork are rich, smoky, and often coated in sweet sauce. This calls for a bold red with juicy fruit, peppery spice, and enough body to match the meat.
Australian Shiraz is a go-to choice. It’s plush, full-bodied, and packed with black fruit and black pepper. Looking for something a bit different? Pinotage — South Africa’s signature red — has smoky, earthy flavours that mirror the grill and complement saucy meats beautifully.
Both wines also work well with grilled portobello mushrooms or BBQ jackfruit for veggie guests.
Best Wine to Chill and Share: Beaujolais (Gamay)
If you want a BBQ wine pairing that appeals to both red and white drinkers, try a chilled Beaujolais Villages or Cru Beaujolais. Made from the Gamay grape, these reds are light-bodied, floral, and full of red berry fruit.
Slightly chilled, they’re refreshing and perfect for sipping in the sun — especially with charcuterie, grilled chicken, or veggie burgers.
BQ Wine Pairing Tips for Success
Chill your reds slightly – 15–20 minutes in the fridge makes fruit-forward reds more refreshing. (Mainly Beaujolais and Cabernet Franc!)
Avoid heavy oak – Smoky wines and smoky food can overwhelm each other.
Think beyond the food – Lighter wines for daytime BBQs, bigger reds for evening grilling.
Use screw caps when possible – Easier to open outdoors and less chance of broken corks.
Don’t stress too much – A good wine with good food and good company is always a win.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your BBQ with the Right Wine Pairing
When it comes to BBQ wine pairings, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The key is to match the weight and flavours of your dish to the character of the wine — and to have fun experimenting. Whether you’re throwing a garden party or a casual weekday cookout, there’s a wine that can make your BBQ shine.
From chilled reds to zesty whites and crisp rosé, your next barbecue could be your most delicious yet.