Wine for BBQ: The Best Wines for Grilled Food

A great BBQ is all about bold flavours: smoky notes, charred aromas, savoury marinades and perfectly grilled food. To create a harmonious pairing, it is worth choosing wines with enough structure, freshness and character to complement these intense flavours without overpowering them. In our online shop, you will find a carefully curated selection of wines that pair beautifully with barbecue dishes – from full-bodied red wines to fresh and aromatic white wines.

What Makes a Good BBQ Wine?

Barbecue dishes are often rich, savoury and packed with smoky flavours. The ideal wine should therefore offer:

• Enough structure to stand up to intense flavours 
• Fresh acidity to keep the wine lively and balanced 
• Pure fruit character that complements marinades and spices 
• Soft to moderate tannins that do not dry out the palate 
• For white wines: freshness and aromatic expression for lighter grilled dishes 

The result is a balanced and enjoyable pairing between wine and food.

The Best Grape Varieties for BBQ

Syrah / Shiraz – Spicy, Bold and Perfect for Grilled Meat

With notes of pepper, dark fruit and subtle smokiness, Syrah is one of the most popular wines for barbecue dishes. It pairs particularly well with:

• Grilled beef 
• Lamb chops 
• Spicy marinades 

Our recommendation:
> Shiraz, Turkey Flat, Barossa Valley

Primitivo – Rich and Full of Flavour

Primitivo's ripe fruit and generous character make it an excellent match for BBQ, spare ribs and spicy sauces.

Our recommendation:
> Chidro Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Masseria Cuturi 1881, Puglia (Organic)

Malbec – Juicy and Made for the Grill

Malbec's dark fruit flavours and smooth tannins pair beautifully with steak and grilled vegetables.

Our recommendation:
> Malbec Viña Unica, Finca Ambrosía, Mendoza

Cabernet Sauvignon – Classic, Structured and Expressive

Cabernet Sauvignon works wonderfully with substantial cuts of meat such as T-bone steak, but also with burgers and slow-cooked barbecue dishes such as pulled beef.

Our recommendation:
> Sorraia DOC Bolgheri Rosso Superiore, Podere Le Scuderie, Tuscany

White Wine Can Also Be a Perfect BBQ Match

Chardonnay – Structured and Harmonious

Lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish and herb-marinated vegetables.

Our recommendation:
> Chardonnay Fallwind DOC Alto Adige, St. Michael-Eppan, Alto Adige (Südtirol)

Sauvignon Blanc – Fresh and Aromatic

An excellent choice for vegetarian barbecue dishes, fish, salads and dishes featuring fresh herbs or citrus flavours.

Our recommendation:
> Sancerre AC, Domaine Serge Laloue, Loire Valley (Organic)

Rosé – Fresh, Versatile and Perfect for Summer

An elegant rosé offers freshness and fruit, making it a wonderful partner for lighter grilled dishes, fish and Mediterranean side dishes.

Our recommendation:
> Côtes de Provence Rosé AOP Cru Sainte-Victoire, Domaine Saint-Pancrace, Provence (Organic)

Our BBQ Wine Recommendations

In our online shop, you will find a carefully curated selection of wines that perfectly complement your next barbecue – whether you are serving meat, fish, vegetables or vegetarian dishes.
Choose your favourite bottle and enjoy a perfectly matched BBQ experience. We ship your order quickly and reliably, with free delivery from CHF 199 or 12 bottles.