Backyard Bottles: What to Drink at Your Memorial Day BBQ
Memorial Day is here, and you know what that means: summer has clocked in, the grill is heating up, and it’s officially barbecue season.
There’s something about a backyard barbecue that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the smell of the grill, the low-stakes, high-vibes crowd, or the way the sun lingers in the sky at golden hour like it’s got nowhere else to be. Whether you’re hosting or just showing up with a bottle (or three), picking the right wine can take your BBQ game from good to great.
Here are the wines I’d bring to a barbecue—and why they work.
Sparkling Rosé: The Ultimate Icebreaker
First things first: no backyard gathering is complete without bubbles. Sparkling rosé is the extrovert of the wine world. It shows up ready to party, gets along with everyone, and keeps things fun. I like something dry but juicy—think strawberries and citrus with a little zip.
Sparkling rosé is great with salty snacks (hi, potato chips), but it also stands up to grilled shrimp, veggie skewers, and tangy barbecue sauces. Bonus: it looks very cute in a plastic cup.
Chilled Reds: Trust the Process
If you’ve never chilled a red wine before, a BBQ is the perfect time to start. A slight chill brings out the freshness in lighter reds and makes them super sippable even on a hot day. Think Beaujolais, Lambrusco, or a cool-climate Pinot Noir.
These wines are magic with burgers, hot dogs, grilled sausages—basically anything smoky or a little fatty. Lambrusco especially is having a moment, and for good reason: it’s fizzy, a little funky, and goes down easy.
Zippy Whites: Your Grill’s Secret Weapon
A crisp white wine is a classic for a reason. When the grill is loaded with corn, chicken, or anything with a citrusy marinade, you want something that can keep up. Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and dry Rieslings all have the acidity to cut through richness and the brightness to make grilled flavors pop.
I especially love a dry Riesling with spicy BBQ—there’s something about that sweet-heat balance that just works. If you’re serving anything with chili, jalapeños, or a hot sauce drizzle, this is your move.
A Big Red, for a Big Meat
If your BBQ leans more “grilled ribeye and fire pit” than “hot dogs at 3 p.m.,” you might want to break out a bolder red. A smoky Syrah or a juicy Zinfandel can be chef’s kiss with steak, ribs, or anything heavily charred.
Just make sure the bottle isn’t too high in alcohol—heat and tannins don’t always play well together. Plus, barbecues often start early and go late. And if it’s still hot out, don’t be afraid to give the bottle a quick chill in an ice bucket before serving—it’ll come back up to temp once poured. Plus no one’s handing out awards for temperature precision at a backyard barbecue.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep whites and rosés on ice, and give your reds a little cool-down if it’s hot out (thank you, trusty Yeti).
Barbecue wines should be fun, unfussy, and totally drinkable. You don’t need a wine pairing chart to have a good time—but a well-chosen bottle can definitely elevate the moment. Bring something bright, something chilled, and enough to share.
Then pour a glass, grab a plate, and enjoy the magic that happens when fire, food, friends, and wine come together.
Recommended Barbecue Wines
La Piu Belle 2021 | Viña VIK | Millahue Valley, Chile | ABV 14.5%
A bold, polished Bordeaux-style blend that brings serious elegance to the grill. This 2021 vintage brims with ripe blackberry, cassis, and violet, layered over graphite, cedar, and sweet tobacco. Plush tannins and velvety texture make it luxurious, but vibrant acidity keeps it lively. Aged in French oak, the finish is long, spicy, and just a little decadent. This is a red that demands rich pairings—think chargrilled ribeye, smoked short ribs, or lamb skewers dripping with herbs. If you want to elevate a backyard barbecue without losing the fun, La Piu Belle is your high-fashion, flame-kissed match.
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard (Martinborough, New Zealand | ABV: 13%)
Zippy, textural, and intensely aromatic, this single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Te Muna Road shows off Martinborough’s cooler edge. The nose leaps out of the glass with fresh-cut gooseberry, lime zest, passionfruit, and a hint of wet stone. That gooseberry note carries through vividly on the palate, joined by crunchy green apple, citrus pith, and a mouthwatering saline finish. Mostly fermented in stainless steel with a small portion in neutral oak, it offers both precision and a touch of roundness. Brighter and more herbaceous than its Marlborough cousins, this is Sauvignon Blanc with clarity, nerve, and serious refreshment.
Fleurie ‘Clos de la Grand’Cour’ 2023 | Domaine de la Grand’Cour | Beaujolais, France | ABV 13%
Bright, floral, and irresistibly juicy, this single-site Fleurie is a masterclass in elegance with a playful streak. Aromas of crushed strawberry, rose petal, and wet stone give way to a silky palate of red cherry, raspberry, and a whisper of thyme. Made with whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts, it hums with freshness and finesse. Despite its delicacy, it holds its own at the table—especially when lightly chilled. Serve it at a barbecue to keep things cool and classy. A perfect pour for grilled salmon, herby chicken, or just keeping your wine snob friends impressed.
Alma Cuvée Brut | Bellavista | Franciacorta DOCG, Italy | ABV 12.5%
Elegant yet crowd-pleasing, this méthode traditionnelle sparkler from Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne—with just a little more sunshine in its step. Made primarily from Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, it opens with notes of lemon zest, golden apple, toasted brioche, and white flowers. The mousse is creamy, the finish crisp, and the vibe celebratory. Whether you’re grilling swordfish, skewering shrimp, or just handing out paper plates, nothing says “thanks to the grillmaster” like a chilled bottle of bubbles. Alma brings freshness, finesse, and just enough flair to elevate any cookout.
