Best Red Wines to Pair with Grilled Food This Summer

Quick Summary: Looking for the best red wine for BBQ? Meadowcroft’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir are perfect summer wine pairings, ideal with steak, ribs, grilled chicken, and vegetables. Read on for tasting notes, pairing ideas, and summer serving tips. 

The Perfect Pairing: Red Wine and Summer BBQ 

There’s nothing quite like a summer BBQ, the aroma of sizzling meats, grilled vegetables, and smoky marinades filling the air. But to truly elevate your cookout, consider what’s in your glass. 

At Meadowcroft Wines, we believe red wine for BBQ is more than a tradition; it’s a culinary match made in heaven. From bold steaks to zesty ribs, the right red wine can bring out the best in your grilled favorites. 

Why Red Wine Works So Well with BBQ 

Grilled foods are rich, flavorful, and often smoky or spicy. These qualities pair beautifully with red wine’s tannins, spice, and fruit-forward notes. Whether you’re firing up a steak, glazing ribs with sauce, or grilling a medley of vegetables, red wine can elevate every bite with contrast, balance, and depth. 

Red wine offers a unique structure that stands up to the bold flavors of BBQ. The slight bitterness from tannins cuts through fat, while the wine’s acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites. The wine’s natural fruitiness also enhances the caramelization and smokiness from the grill. 

Here’s why red wine shines at the BBQ: 

• Tannins & Char: Red wine tannins complement the charred crust of grilled meats. 

• Fruit & Spice: Fruit-forward reds enhance marinades and BBQ sauces. 

• Versatility: From steak to grilled veggies, red wine suits a variety of summer dishes. 

Pro Tip: When pairing with BBQ sauces, match the wine’s flavor intensity. Sweet or spicy sauces pair best with bold, fruity reds like Zinfandel. 

Top Meadowcroft Red Wines for Grilled Food 

1. Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold & Structured for Steak

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, toasted oak
Why It Pairs : Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and full-bodied with firm tannins, perfect for hearty grilled meats. It matches beautifully with steak cuts like ribeye and porterhouse, where the charred crust and marbled fat balance the wine’s structure. The dark fruit flavors complement smokiness from the grill, while hints of oak, chocolate, and herbs add complexity. This pairing brings out the best in both wine and meat, making it a classic choice for any BBQ enthusiast. 

Tip: Add rosemary or thyme to your steak seasoning to complement the Cabernet’s herbal finish. 

2. Zinfandel – Spicy, Juicy, and Made for Ribs

Tasting Notes: Ripe plum, black pepper, vanilla
Why It Pairs: Zinfandel’s bold fruit, juicy texture, and peppery spice make it a top pick for summer BBQ. It stands up to sweet, smoky ribs, grilled sausages, and flame-seared burgers. The ripe plum and black pepper notes mirror BBQ sauce flavors, while its soft tannins don’t overpower juicy meats. Zinfandel enhances caramelized edges and spice blends, creating a balanced and crowd-pleasing match for cookouts where smoky, saucy, or spicy dishes take center stage. 

Tip: Glaze your burgers or ribs with a sweet BBQ sauce to complement Zinfandel’s jammy fruit profile. 

3. Pinot Noir – Light, Fresh, and Flexible

Tasting Notes: Cherry, cranberry, soft spice, silky tannins
Why It Pairs : Pinot Noir is elegant, fruit-forward, and refreshingly light, ideal for summer fare like grilled chicken, salmon, or vegetable skewers. Its cherry and cranberry notes bring brightness to herb-marinated dishes, while soft tannins and gentle acidity offer balance. Earthy undertones pair well with mushrooms and flame-roasted vegetables. This versatile wine enhances delicate flavors without overwhelming them, making it a go-to red for lighter BBQ plates and vegetarian grilling options. 

Tip: Marinate veggies in balsamic vinegar and garlic. The acidity pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir’s fruit notes. 

Perfect BBQ & Red Wine Pairings 

Looking for quick, crowd-pleasing summer wine pairings? Whether you’re grilling steak, ribs, or fresh vegetables, the right red wine can take your BBQ to the next level. We’ve made it easy by matching Meadowcroft handcrafted red wines with popular grilled dishes, so you can serve every plate with confidence and flavor. 

Use the guide below to find your ideal red wine for BBQ and elevate your next cookout.  

BBQ Dish	Recommended Wine	Pairing Tip
Grilled Ribeye or NY Strip	Meadowcroft Cabernet Sauvignon	Let the steak rest and pair with bold Cab flavors.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs	Meadowcroft Zinfandel	Zinfandel’s fruit matches smoky-sweet BBQ sauce.
Classic Cheeseburgers	Meadowcroft Zinfandel	A juicy burger loves Zin’s spice and jamminess.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms	Meadowcroft Pinot Noir	Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with Pinot’s spice.
BBQ Chicken (Dry Rub or Light Sauce)	Meadowcroft Pinot Noir	Keeps things fresh and flavorful without overpowering.
Grilled Veggie Skewers	Meadowcroft Pinot Noir	Pinot lifts up grilled zucchini, bell peppers & onion.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Wine Serving Tips 

Grilled meals and warm evenings call for wines that complement the moment, and red wine can be just as enjoyable in summer as any chilled white. The key lies in how you serve it. With a few simple tweaks, your favorite reds can taste brighter, smoother, and more refreshing, even on the hottest days. 

Enjoying red wine in the summer is easy with a few quick adjustments: 

• Slight Chill: Serve lighter reds like Pinot Noir at 55–60°F, and bolder reds like Cabernet at 60–65°F. 

• Use Wide-Bowled Glasses: These help the wine open up and release aromas. 

• Decant Bold Reds: Decant Cabernet or Zinfandel for 15–30 minutes before serving. 

• Keep Bottles Cool: Store bottles in the shade or use a towel-wrapped ice bucket. 

Pro Tip: If your wine feels too warm, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving, it brings out the fruit and keeps it refreshing. 

Visit Meadowcroft Wines This Summer 

Looking to discover your next favorite summer wine? Visit our tasting room in Sonoma’s Cornerstone Gardens, where you can sip and savor our red wine collection in a beautiful garden setting. 

Join Us in Sonoma 

Sample bold reds, enjoy curated tastings, and explore our summer favorites in person. 

Shop Our Online Store 

Can’t make it to Sonoma? No problem. Explore our online wine shop for fast delivery and seasonal bundles. 

Wine Club Perks 

Get early access to new releases, members-only wines, and exclusive savings. Perfect for any wine lover. 

Conclusion: Red Wine + BBQ = Summer Magic 

A well-chosen red wine can turn any summer BBQ into something unforgettable. From flame-grilled steaks to veggie skewers, the right pairing adds richness, balance, and flavor to every bite. Meadowcroft handcrafted red wines are made to complement your favorite summer dishes, making each gathering feel a little more special. 

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or enjoying a quiet dinner under the stars, let Meadowcroft Wines be part of your perfect pairing. 

Shop our red wines online or plan your visit to our Sonoma tasting room to discover your next favorite summer wine. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What red wine pairs best with grilled steak?
   Cabernet Sauvignon is the top choice for grilled steak. Its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors complement the char and richness of cuts like ribeye, porterhouse, and NY strip. Meadowcroft’s Cabernet Sauvignon is especially suited for this pairing.
    
2. Is red wine a good choice for summer BBQs?
   Yes, red wine is a fantastic choice for summer BBQs. Wines like Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with grilled meats, burgers, and veggies. Serve them slightly chilled to keep things refreshing in the heat.
    
3. What’s the best red wine for BBQ ribs or burgers?
   Zinfandel is ideal for BBQ ribs and burgers. Its spicy, fruit-forward profile enhances sweet or smoky sauces, charred edges, and grilled flavors without overpowering the dish.
4. Can you serve red wine chilled at a summer cookout?
   Absolutely! Light to medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir are perfect when served at 55–60°F, while bolder wines like Zinfandel or Cabernet can be slightly cooler than room temperature. A 15-minute chill in the fridge makes red wine more refreshing on hot days.
5.  What red wine pairs well with grilled vegetables or vegetarian BBQ?
   Pinot Noir is a great match for grilled mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, and veggie skewers. Its earthy notes and gentle tannins complement plant-based dishes without overpowering delicate flavors.
6. What’s the best wine tasting room in Sonoma for BBQ pairings?
   Meadowcroft Wines in Sonoma Cornerstone Gardens offers one of the best tasting room experiences for summer BBQ pairings. Their knowledgeable team can guide you through bold reds like Cabernet and Zinfandel, perfect companions for grilled foods. Relax in a beautiful garden setting while sampling wines ideal for your next cookout.