BBQ Season is Here! Wines to Match Your Summer Feast

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a barbecue on a sunny afternoon, flames glowing, glasses clinking, and great food sizzling on the grill. Whether you're hosting friends or just soaking up the sun in the garden, the right wine can take your BBQ to the next level.

We’ve picked a handful of summer-friendly bottles to match every moment and flavour, from the first pop of the cork to the final forkful. Let’s get stuck in.

While the BBQ’s Heating Up...

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Terres Secrètes NV

Before the burgers hit the grill, it’s only right to start with something celebratory. This Crémant from southern Burgundy is made in the traditional Champagne method and brings serious sparkle and elegance to the table. Fresh and lively with notes of green apple, pear and brioche, it’s the perfect bottle to pop open as you stoke the coals, pass around nibbles, or simply toast to sunshine. Light, refined and full of charm — it sets the tone for a great afternoon ahead.

 

For BBQ Meats & Smoky Grills

Don Cristobal 1492 Organic Malbec 2023

Big flavours deserve bold wines. This organic Malbec from Argentina is rich, robust and brimming with character. Packed with juicy blackberry, dark plum and a lick of spice, it’s a natural partner for grilled meats, whether that’s a perfectly charred steak, sticky BBQ ribs, or a stacked cheeseburger. It has enough structure to stand up to smoke and seasoning, but its smooth tannins and fresh acidity keep things balanced. If you’ve got meat on the grill, this is the red to reach for.

 

With Grilled White Fish

Sélection des Cognettes Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2022

If seafood is on your BBQ menu, think lemony prawns, whole grilled sea bass or calamari, Muscadet is your best friend. This classic Loire white is bone dry and beautifully saline, with subtle citrus fruit, green apple and a great texture from ageing on the lees. It’s clean and refreshing, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it. Plus, it’s low in alcohol, so it’s a great option for sipping all afternoon without the slump.

 

For Summer Salads & Lighter Plates

Winzerhof Stahl Nachschlag Bright Side of Life 2024

Summery salads with herbs, fruit, grains or goat cheese need something bright and aromatic, and this wine more than lives up to its name. From Franconia in Germany, it’s bursting with peach, melon, and a touch of lime blossom. It has a slight off-dry lift that works beautifully with zingy dressings, and its vibrant personality pairs perfectly with everything from Niçoise to Caprese. It’s also a great option for guests who prefer lighter, lower-alcohol whites that still feel special in the glass.

 

With Corn on the Cob & Halloumi

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2022

There’s something magical about the golden, caramelised edges of grilled corn or the salty, chewy bite of crispy halloumi. These richer veggie sides call for a wine with a little more depth, and this South African Chardonnay is just the thing. It’s full of ripe stone fruits, vanilla and gentle oak spice, with a rounded texture that complements creamy or smoky dishes beautifully. It’s not overly heavy, so it still feels refreshing, but it has the richness and warmth to match flame-roasted flavours.

 

The Ultimate All-Rounder

Domäne Krems Grüner Veltliner 2024

Not sure what’s going on the grill? Have a bit of everything on the table? Grüner Veltliner is your secret weapon. This Austrian white is crisp, citrusy, and subtly peppery, with enough brightness to refresh your palate and enough complexity to go with anything from grilled chicken to veggie kebabs or even spicy marinades. It’s the sort of wine that quietly makes everything taste better without stealing the spotlight. Keep a bottle (or two) chilled and ready.

 

 

Ready to Grill?

Regardless if you're planning a laid-back garden get-together or a full BBQ blowout, these wines are built for the season. With the right bottle in hand, your food will taste even better, and your summer even brighter.