Best Wine with BBQ
Smoky, sweet and spicy food calls for bold, fruity wines. Here's what to pour.
Why fruity reds work with barbecue
Sweet, smoky sauces can make very tannic or oaky wines taste bitter. Ripe, juicy reds with moderate tannins match the sweetness and stand up to the smoke.
Watch the alcohol with spicy rubs
High alcohol amplifies chili heat. For very spicy BBQ, choose lower-alcohol wines like off-dry Riesling or a chilled rosé.
Keep it cool outdoors
Reds served warm on a hot day taste flabby and boozy. Give them 15-20 minutes on ice before pouring. See our serving temperature guide.
Chill reds fast at the cookout
The Cobalance electric wine chiller chills and aerates as you pour.
BBQ & Wine FAQ
What white wine goes with BBQ?
Off-dry Riesling, Viognier and oaked Chardonnay all work, especially with grilled chicken, pork and seafood.
Is Cabernet good with BBQ?
It's great with simply grilled steak, but its firm tannins can clash with sweet sauces. Fruitier reds are safer.
What's the best wine for a summer cookout?
Dry rosé is the most versatile choice, with chilled Zinfandel for the meat lovers.