The grill is hot, someone forgot the buns, and there’s always one person who insists they make the world’s best ribs. That’s BBQ season. Fortunately, choosing the right wine is much easier. We’ve rounded up bottles that pair perfectly with everything from burgers and ribs to grilled vegetables. Read on, but fair warning, it might make your stomach growl.
The Ultimate Burger & Steak Pairing
Architect Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
90 Points James Suckling
91 Points Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025
A great burger deserves more than just a cold drink. Architect Cabernet brings bold blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and subtle oak that can stand up to juicy burgers, perfectly grilled steaks, and smoky brisket. This is the bottle you’ll be reaching for every time the steaks hit the grill.
Perfect with:
- Cheeseburgers
- Ribeye or New York Strip
- BBQ brisket
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
The Backyard BBQ Favorite
Venge Scout’s Honor Proprietary Red Blend 2024
Named after the Venge family’s beloved Labrador Retriever, Scout, this crowd-pleasing blend was practically made for backyard cookouts. Built on old-vine Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Charbono, and mountain-grown Syrah, it’s rich, juicy, and full of bold flavor.
Translation: open this bottle before your guests start asking, “What’s to drink?”
Perfect with:
- Baby back ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Smoked sausages
- BBQ chicken
- Bacon cheeseburgers
For Bold Flavors and Smoky Meats
Peirano Estate Petite Sirah 2021
93 Points and Best Buy Wine Enthusiast
If your BBQ sauce stains your shirt, this is your wine. Petite Sirah was made for smoky meats, with rich blackberry fruit, firm tannins, and a peppery finish that loves anything fresh off the smoker.
It even holds its own with grilled vegetables, making it one of the most versatile reds at the cookout.
Perfect with:
- Beef ribs
- Smoked brisket
- Burnt ends
- Grilled eggplant
- Charred peppers and onions
Don’t Forget the Bubbles
Perelada Brut Nature Stars Cava 2022
90 Points and Best Buy Wine Enthusiast
Perelada was recently named one of the World’s Best Vineyards, and after one sip it’s easy to see why. This crisp, refreshing Cava is packed with bright citrus, orchard fruit, and elegant bubbles.
It’s fantastic on its own, but we recently discovered it makes an absolutely delicious summer sparkling sangria that’s guaranteed to disappear faster than the potato salad.
Summer Sparkling Sangria Recipe
Light, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Perelada Brut Nature Stars Cava
- 1/2 cup Suau brandy
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1 peach or nectarine, sliced
- Fresh mint
- Ice
Directions:
Combine the fruit, brandy, and mint in a large pitcher and chill for 30 minutes. Just before serving, add ice and slowly pour in the chilled Cava. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint.
Perfect with:
- Grilled shrimp
- Fish tacos
- Fresh fruit
- Summer salads
- Cheese boards
- Grilled chicken
The Crowd-Pleasing Malbec
Carlos Basso Dos Fincas Malbec 2020
93 Points Beverage Tasting Institute
Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
Can’t decide what’s going on the grill? Grab the Malbec.
Its ripe blackberry fruit, smooth tannins, and subtle smoky finish make it one of the easiest wines to pair with just about everything. If your guests are filling their plates with “a little bit of everything,” this bottle will keep everyone happy.
Perfect with:
- Burgers
- Skirt steak
- Grilled pork chops
- BBQ chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- Smoked burgers with sharp cheddar
Make Every Cookout Better
Whether your customers are grilling burgers for the family or hosting the neighborhood’s annual BBQ, these wines prove that great food deserves an equally great pour.
So fire up the grill, pour a glass, and let someone else argue about whose ribs are best. Ask your Classique Wines & Spirits sales representative to help you stock up for BBQ season. Your summer cookouts just got even more delicious.
