Our Top Wine Picks for a BBQ

Tired of bringing the same old six-pack to your friends’ cookouts? Next time you’re headed to a barbecue, pick up a bottle of wine instead. A juicy burger pairs perfectly with a glass of red, and we’ve gathered some of our favorite picks for other grilled foods, too.

 

 

Steak Strips of savory grilled steak — like the ones in these Skirt Steak Fajitas — beg for a dark, fruity wine. Try a berry- and coffee-flavored Malbec or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Burgers What’s better than a fully stacked, flavor-packed burger? Our Burgers with Blue Cheese are a perfect match for an easygoing, medium-bodied red wine. Try a refreshing Marselan, spicy Syrah or silky Merlot.

Chicken There’s no right answer when it comes to pairing wine and poultry, just a range of varietals highlighting different characteristics of the dishes. Grilled chicken can be smoky or spicy, like this Grilled Chicken with Ancho Barbecue Sauce, suited for a fruity Zinfandel, rich Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Seafood Whether you’re grilling shrimp, scallops or a whole fish, reach for a medium-bodied wine. A crisp Grillo from Sicily offers something unexpected, but you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, either.

 

If you aren’t sure what the hosts are serving, tote a dry rosé or a bottle of bubbly — Champagne or Prosecco are crowd-pleasers, perfect for sipping with snacks and appetizers. Order now from the Williams-Sonoma Wine Club and you’ll be ready for toasting on Labor Day.