Backyard barbecue menus tend to have a little bit of everything: smoky meats, tangy sauces, grilled vegetables, creamy salads, salty snacks, and maybe a platter of something fried for good measure. That variety can make choosing a wine seem complicated, but it’s actually the perfect excuse to keep things casual. The best barbecue wines are refreshing, food-friendly, and versatile enough to move from the grill to the picnic table.
Sparkling wine is one of the easiest places to start. Bubbles and bright acidity help refresh your palate after rich foods, making sparkling wine especially good with sausages, fried chicken, burgers, and salty snacks. Look for dry styles such as Cava, Crémant, or Brut sparkling wine. And don’t overlook sparkling rosé, which has enough fruit to stand up to smoky and slightly sweet barbecue flavors.
Rosé might be the ultimate backyard wine. Dry rosés are generally crisp and refreshing, but their berry and melon flavors give them a little more personality than many light whites. They’re especially good with grilled chicken, pork, salmon, vegetables, and Mediterranean-style salads. Serve rosé well chilled—it can warm up surprisingly quickly outside.
For white wine drinkers, Sauvignon Blanc is a great match for grilled vegetables, seafood, chicken, and anything dressed with lots of herbs or citrus. Riesling, especially dry or off-dry versions, is another barbecue superstar. Its acidity keeps things refreshing, while a hint of sweetness can tame spicy sauces, hot peppers, and boldly seasoned dishes.
Red wine absolutely belongs at the cookout, too. The trick is choosing something fruity rather than heavily tannic. Pinot Noir is light enough for grilled chicken and pork but still works nicely with burgers. Zinfandel is a bigger, bolder choice for ribs, brisket, and smoky barbecue sauces, thanks to its generous dark-fruit flavors and peppery character. For something especially easygoing, try Beaujolais. It’s juicy, bright, and delicious served slightly chilled.
Whatever you choose, backyard barbecue isn’t the occasion to fuss over perfect pairings—or pull out the most precious bottle in the cellar. Stock an ice bucket with a sparkling wine, a crisp white or rosé, and put a juicy red on the table. Then let everyone pour what they like. The best barbecue wine is the one that tastes good with dinner—and even better with another helping.
