California Zinfandel, the perfect summer grilling partner

When most people think about BBQ and red wine pairings, they go straight to meat; brisket, ribs, sausages. But here’s the thing: vegetarian BBQ is having a moment, and the right red wine can absolutely elevate your grilled veggies, smoky sauces, and plant-based plates.

One of our top picks for this kind of bold, earthy, and flavour-packed food? Zinfandel. This grape is known for its juicy red and black fruit, peppery spice, plush tannins, and often a touch of smoky oak, all of which make it a brilliant companion for the kind of flavours you find on the BBQ. Think chargrilled courgettes, sticky aubergine, sweetcorn with chilli butter, or halloumi with honey and herbs, Zinfandel can handle it all. What’s more, it also loves aged cheeses like mature cheddar, Manchego or gouda, which have the richness and umami to stand up to Zinfandel’s bold character. Its natural sweetness and acidity also work wonders with spiced marinades, tomato-based sauces and those crispy, caramelised edges we all crave from the grill.

Below, we’ve picked four cracking Zinfandels that pair brilliantly with vegetarian grilling. Trust us, it’s not all about the meat.

Robert Biale Party Line Zinfandel 2022

£34.00 - Shop Now

A throwback to the old days of Zinfandel when California’s winemaking families made wine for everyday consumption. In old Napa, it was on the “party line” (i.e. a shared/public telephone line) that the “Black Chicken” code was used to order bootleg Zinfandel during Prohibition.

This is a fun, punchy Zin from one of Napa’s most iconic producers. It bursts with wild berries, cracked pepper, violets, and soft, chewy tannins. Elegant but powerful.

Pairing:
Try this with grilled portobello mushrooms, brushed with soy or balsamic glaze. The earthiness of the mushrooms meets its match in Party Line’s spice and fruit. It’s also incredible with stuffed peppers loaded with lentils, olives, and feta. Aged cheddar or a smoky gouda on a BBQ flatbread? Divine.

De Loach Heritage Collection Zinfandel 2022

£16.00 - Shop Now

For the Heritage Reserve wines, De Loach combine their Russian River Valley grapes with those from selected growing regions in California to produce good value, approachable wines. This wine was made from fruit grown in vineyards in the Central Coast appellations where the coastal fog and cool evenings create a good environment for extended ripening.

A great-value Zinfandel with big California personality. Ripe blackberry, plum, vanilla and warm spices give this a real smoothness and plenty of crowd-pleasing character.

Pairing:
De Loach is a natural partner for spicy BBQ veg skewers, think aubergine, courgette, red onion, halloumi, or tofu glazed in a harissa or chipotle marinade. It’s also a winner with charred sweetcorn slathered in chilli butter or BBQ root veg with smoked paprika and garlic.

Old Vine Zinfandel, Gnarly Head 2022

£14.50 - Shop Now

This bold beauty comes from gnarled, head-trained vines in Lodi. Grown from some of the oldest vines in California. Gnarly Head’s untamed vines produce full-flavoured grapes that are rich with blackberry, black cherry, toasty oak and that classic Zinfandel warmth. Great value and full of energy.

Pairing:
Gnarly Head goes great with tomato-based dishes; BBQ ratatouille, smoky baked beans, or grilled aubergine with a rich tomato and herb sauce. If you’re firing up a veggie burger or even a plant-based sausage, this is the Zin to reach for.

Also: try a wedge of extra mature cheddar or grilled halloumi on the side, this Zin handles salty, tangy cheese like a pro.

Varner Wines Foxglove Zinfandel 2021

£22.99 – Shop Now

Foxglove Zinfandel is brought to you by Varner Wines, a highly respected California producer known for their commitment to quality and tradition. Founded by twin brothers Jim and Bob Varner, the winery has built a stellar reputation for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that showcase the best of California’s Central Coast. Foxglove is a more elegant, refined take on Zinfandel. Think vibrant red cherries, wild raspberry, soft spice and a subtle herbal edge. It’s juicy and fresh but still carries that signature Zin warmth, plush, polished and super drinkable.

Pairing:
This is a great Zin to pour with grilled vegetables, especially aubergine, courgette or red peppers with a char. It also plays beautifully with earthy dishes like mushroom skewers or lentil burgers with caramelised onions. Looking for a cheese match? Try aged cheddar or a smoked cheese, the balance of fruit and freshness really shines.

Zinfandel Loves Veggies

Don’t underestimate the complexity and depth of flavour that vegetables bring to the BBQ. With spice, smoke, umami, and sweetness from caramelisation, there’s a world of flavour to play with and Zinfandel is the kind of wine that’s ready to dive in.

This summer, get creative with your grill and crack open a bottle of Zin. It’s not all about meat and your veggie game just got an upgrade.