Summer is my favorite season of the year. I love the long evenings, after the temperature cools down, when all you want to do is be outside. Nothing says summer evening quite like the smoky aroma of a BBQ. Whether you’re grilling up a backyard feast or keeping things simple, no lazy, summer meal is complete without wine (in my opinion) and the right wine pairing can elevate your BBQ to a whole new level. As you prepare for relaxed, outdoor gatherings, here are some expert tips, tricks, recipes, and wine pairings to make your summer meals unforgettable.
BBQ Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Grill
- Start with Quality Ingredients – You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s year! Which means, the best BBQ begins with top-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables. Opt for super fresh and local whenever possible. Summer is the when your local farmer’s market should be overflowing with grillable bounty!
- Master the Marinade – Marinades enhance flavor and tenderness. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and citrus can work wonders – on vegetables as well as proteins.
- Temperature Control is Key – Use a two-zone fire: high heat for searing and lower heat for slow cooking.
- Rest Your Meat – Allow grilled meats to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Veggies Rule – Meat and seafood on the grill is classic, but once you start grilling your vegetables, you may never go back. Vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, potatoes, corn, peppers, etc. caramelize beautifully on the grill, and, in my opinion, make meat redundant. (OK, full disclosure: I am a pescatarian.)
BBQ Recipes & Wine Pairings
Classic Grilled Steak & Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A juicy ribeye or New York strip cooked to perfection pairs beautifully with our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich tannins and bold fruit flavors of Cabernet enhance the steak’s savory umami notes.
Tip: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, sear on high heat, then finish on lower heat for an even cook.
Grilled Salmon & Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
A beautiful, skin-on filet of Alaskan Salmon is a great choice for the grill and an even better choice to pair with our Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon. The bright fruit and finish of our most approachable Cabernet is a great ‘counterpoint’ to the robust, fatty flavors of the fish.
Tip: Try cooking Salmon on a cedar plank (that you’ve soaked in water.)
BBQ Chicken & Sauvignon Blanc
A tangy, herbaceous grilled chicken dish, especially with a citrus-based marinade, is a fantastic match for Sauvignon Blanc. Its bright acidity cuts through the smoky char and balances the flavors.
- Tip: Try a lemon-garlic marinade with fresh rosemary for extra depth.
Smoky Ribs & Riesling
Slow-cooked pork ribs slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce are delicious with a wine that has a touch of residual sweetness. Our Riesling’s crisp acidity and pretty fruit notes enhance the richness of the dish.
- Tip: Cook ribs low and slow with a dry rub before finishing with sauce on the grill.
Grilled Vegetables & Any of our wines, but in particular Rosé
Try drizzling your favorite vegetable with olive oil, chopped garlic, salt & pepper and wrapping it in aluminum foil packets. Some excellent vegetable and wine combinations: New potatoes and mushrooms with Cabernet Sauvignon; Asparagus and corn with Sauvignon Blanc; And just about anything (vegetable or protein) with our full bodied, crisp, aromatic Rosé.
- Tip: Drizzle grilled veggies with balsamic glaze and top with crumbled feta for extra flavor.
The Perfect BBQ Experience
As you fire up the grill this summer, let wine take center stage alongside your delicious BBQ creations. Whether your tastes run to rich, smooth Cabernet or lively, crowd pleasing Rosé, you can tailor just about anything you care to grill to pair beautifully with your wine of choice. The secret is in the marinade. Save the spice and citrus when pairing your meal with a white wine or Rosé. Amp up the garlic and herbs when you want to open a bottle of Cabernet with your BBQ. If you are serving a variety of flavors, the most versatile wines to serve are Laurel Glen Rosella Rosé and Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon.
Keep an eye out for our monthly recipe and wine pairings for even more inspiration this summer!
Cheers to great BBQ and even better wine!
