There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of the grill on a warm afternoon, smoky aromas in the air, and a chilled glass of something delicious in your hand. But the real magic happens when your food and wine truly complement each other, and that’s where our summer BBQ wine pairing guide comes in.

Whether you’re searing steak, charring vegetables, or flipping sticky chicken wings, here are six expertly matched wines  – reds, whites, and rosé – that will take your BBQ to the next level.

A photograph of three bottles of red wine - Garzon Tannant Reserve, Tandem Immune Navarra Garnacha, Aquí Estamos Todos Locos Grenache Noir - all of which pair well with BBQ food.

Reds for the flames:

1. Bodega Garzón Tannat Reserva – Uruguay

Big, bold, and smoky, this Tannat is made for meat. With intense black fruit, spice, and firm tannins, it’s the perfect match for richly flavoured red meats with a good char or deep marinade.

Pair with: Lamb chops, slow-cooked brisket, BBQ short ribs.

2. Tandem Immune Navarra Garnacha – Spain

Bright and juicy with notes of red cherry and subtle spice, this Garnacha offers a versatile pairing for pork, grilled vegetables, or herby sausages. Chill slightly to bring out its freshness.

Pair with: Pork skewers, sausages, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

3. Aquí Estamos Todos Locos Grenache Noir – Spain

Soft tannins and juicy red fruit make this Grenache Noir ideal for sweet-spicy BBQ flavours. It’s a fun, approachable red that complements smoky dishes without overpowering them.

Pair with: Sticky BBQ wings, grilled halloumi, Korean-style pork, burgers with a spicy rub or topping, and sausages, especially pork ones.

 

A photograph of three bottles of wine, two whites and a rosé - Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Glenelly Unoaked Chardonnay, and Tapiz Rosé Malbec - all of which pair well with BBQ food.

 

Whites to chill out with:

4. Touraine Sauvignon Blanc – Loire Valley, France

Zesty and herbaceous, Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is lively and crisp, and ideal for cutting through grilled seafood, tangy marinades, or herby veggie sides. It’s a refreshing palate cleanser on a warm day.

Pair with: Grilled prawns, goat’s cheese salad, citrus-marinated chicken.

5. Glenelly Unoaked Chardonnay – Stellenbosch, South Africa

This unoaked Chardonnay offers pure fruit, minerality, and great acidity without any heaviness. It pairs beautifully with grilled sweetcorn or smoky chicken, and even works with grilled stone fruit.

Pair with: Corn on the cob, grilled chicken with lemon and herbs, pork tenderloin with a light glaze, grilled peaches.

Rose for the perfect summer’s day:

6. Tapiz Rosé Malbec – Argentina

Made from Malbec grapes, this Argentinian rosé is dry but fruit-driven, with notes of strawberry and spice. It’s a flexible choice which is refreshing enough for light fare but robust enough for grilled meats.

Pair with: BBQ salmon, charred vegetables, chicken skewers, smoky ribs.

 

Pair your BBQ fare with our knowledge at Shenfield Wine Co. for the perfect summer’s afternoon

From bold reds and crisp whites to vibrant rosé, the above wines are ready to elevate everything from flame-licked lamb to zesty veggie skewers. But they’re not the only options for a brilliant BBQ and wine pairing. Pop in store and pick the brains of our Wine Buffs: we’re here to help and happy to find you the perfect pairing for your planned menu, based on your flavour profile or budget, or simply to enjoy as an aperitif in the garden.

Get in contact if you’d like to know more and we hope to see you in store soon!