The Best Wines for BBQ Season: Savor Summer with Kascadia Wine Merchant

Summer is here and it’s time to fire up the grill, gather friends, and enjoy long evenings filled with smoky flavors and delicious wines. At Kascadia Wine Merchants, we believe the right wine can elevate your BBQ from good to unforgettable. Whether you're grilling juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or fresh veggies, here are our top wine picks to make your BBQ sizzle.

1. Sangiovese: The Versatile Red for Every Grill

SHOP NOW: 2021 TERAH WINE SANGIOVESE

Sangiovese is a summer standout thanks to its bold fruit character and savory undertones. With ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, and peppery spice, it pairs effortlessly with a wide range of grilled dishes.

Perfect with:

• Grilled sausages and burgers

• Ribs with tangy BBQ sauce

• Tomato-glazed chicken or veggie skewers

Why It Works:

• Bright acidity cuts through rich meats

• Earthy notes enhance savory marinades

• Smooth tannins make it easy to sip all day

Stock up on this crowd-pleaser and make it the hero of your next backyard cookout.

2. Rosé: Chillable, Versatile, and Always a Hit

SHOP NOW: 2022 MATTHIASSON ROSÉ

Don’t let the pink hue fool you—rosé means business when it comes to BBQ. Its balance of fruitiness and acidity makes it a match for a variety of summer dishes.

Pairs beautifully with:

• Herb-marinated grilled chicken

• Shrimp skewers and grilled salmon

• Grilled veggies like zucchini and peppers

• Pulled pork sandwiches

Why It Works:

• Refreshing when chilled

• Cuts through smoky and spicy flavors

• Pleases both white and red wine drinkers

Whether you’re at the beach or your backyard, rosé brings a little magic to the meal.

3. Gruner Veltliner: Zesty Acidity Cuts Through Fat

SHOP NOW: 2022 WINEMAKERS CUT GRUNER VELTLINER

Grüner Veltliner is known for its crisp, high acidity. That zing refreshes the palate after every bite, especially with grilled sausages, ribs, or fatty meats like pork belly.

Ideal pairings:

• Grilled vegetables, fish, poultry, and even spicy Asian-style BBQ

• Fish and poultry

• Spicy Asian-style BBQ

Why It Works:

• Its subtle green herb and white pepper flavors echo the seasoning often found in BBQ marinades and rubs—think rosemary, thyme, or peppered steaks.

• With notes of green apple, lime, and stone fruit, Grüner adds a lightly sweet-tart contrast to smoky or spicy dishes like charred chicken, grilled shrimp, or BBQ tofu.

• Cool and crisp for sunny weather.

It’s the wine that keeps you refreshed between grill flips.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon: The Grill Master's Best Friend

SHOP NOW: 2022 LUÚMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CALISTOGA 

Big, bold, and structured—Cabernet Sauvignon was made for BBQ. Its dark fruit, spice, and oak notes shine with grilled meats.

Perfect with:

• Ribeye steaks

• BBQ beef ribs

• Cheddar-topped burgers

• Brisket and lamb chops

Why It Works:

• Handles bold, smoky flavors

• Oak aging mirrors grill char

• Slightly cool serving temp enhances complexity

Pro Tip: Serve at 16°C (60°F) for peak flavor without the heat.

It’s a statement wine that turns dinner into a celebration.

Make This Summer Sizzle

At Kascadia Wine Merchants, we bring you boutique wines from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico that are perfect for summer grilling. Whether you're a fan of full-bodied reds, crisp whites, or chilled rosés, our curated collection will help you pair like a pro.

Ready to fire up your BBQ wine game? Shop our summer wine collection today and turn up the flavor.

Cheers to good wine, great food, and unforgettable summer nights!