Best Wine to Pair with BBQ

BBQ is a staple of summer in the United States, and nowhere is it more celebrated than on the 4th of July. Bold flavors, smoky aromas, and a mix of savory and sweet notes make BBQ an exciting match for wine. Whether you’re firing up the grill for Independence Day or enjoying a weekend cookout, fruit-forward reds like Zinfandel or Syrah and refreshing whites such as Riesling or Chenin Blanc can complement a wide variety of BBQ styles.

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Pulled Pork: Zinfandel & Riesling


Pulled pork’s tender texture and sweet, tangy sauce are a 4th of July favorite. A juicy, fruit-driven Zinfandel brings ripe berry notes and a touch of spice that enhance the pork’s smokiness. For a lighter option on a hot July day, an off-dry Riesling offers refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness to balance the dish’s bold flavors.

BBQ Chicken: Chenin Blanc & Pinot Noir


BBQ chicken, glazed with sweet and savory sauces, is a summertime classic. A versatile white like Chenin Blanc has bright acidity and orchard fruit flavors to cut through the sauce and complement the smoky meat. For a red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir with soft tannins and red fruit notes won’t overpower the chicken, making it perfect for warm 4th of July evenings.

Beef Brisket: Syrah & Malbec


Slow-cooked beef brisket is rich, smoky, and deeply savory—ideal for all-day 4th of July gatherings. Syrah (Shiraz) delivers dark fruit, pepper, and earthy undertones to stand up to the meat’s intensity. Malbec offers plush tannins and blackberry flavors that highlight brisket’s melt-in-your-mouth texture.

BBQ Ribs: Grenache & Lambrusco


Sticky, saucy BBQ ribs are a true Independence Day crowd-pleaser. Grenache brings vibrant red fruit and spice to match the sauce’s sweet and smoky flavors, while a lightly sparkling Lambrusco refreshes the palate and adds a celebratory touch.

Grilled Sausages: Tempranillo & Sauvignon Blanc


Grilled sausages—whether pork, beef, or chicken—are a 4th of July cookout essential. Tempranillo offers red fruit and earthy spice to match the sausage’s richness, while Sauvignon Blanc adds herbal, citrus-driven freshness to cut through the savory flavors.

Tips for pairing wine with BBQ


  • Balance bold flavors – Choose wines with enough intensity and fruitiness to complement the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ.
  • Consider the sauce – Sweet and tangy sauces pair well with fruit-forward reds or off-dry whites to enhance complexity.
  • Match the meat – Pair heavier meats like brisket with full-bodied reds, while lighter meats like chicken shine with versatile whites or light reds.
  • Think about spice – For spicy BBQ, choose wines with lower tannins and a hint of sweetness to soften heat.
  • Keep it festive – Sparkling wines or high-acid styles refresh the palate and fit the celebratory mood of Independence Day.

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