Sizzle and Sip: Perfect Wine Pairings for Your Summer Grilling

Thank you for subscribing to my weekly wine education newsletter.

If you missed this week's wine education video, you can check it out HERE

As summer heats up, so does our love for grilling. Whether you’re a fan of juicy steaks, succulent chicken, or vibrant veggies, the right wine can elevate your barbecue experience. Here’s a guide to some fantastic wine pairings for your favorite grilled dishes.

• Steak and Cabernet Sauvignon

Nothing complements a hearty, flavorful steak like a robust cabernet sauvignon. Its bold tannins and rich flavors stand up to the meat’s intense flavors, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.

• Chicken and Chardonnay

Grilled chicken, with its versatility and lightness, pairs beautifully with a crisp chardonnay. Opt for an unoaked variety if you’re using lighter marinades or herbs, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay for a richer, more buttery experience that complements grilled chicken with creamy sauces.

• Seafood and Sauvignon Blanc

From shrimp skewers to grilled salmon, seafood thrives with the bright, zesty notes of sauvignon blanc. This wine’s high acidity and citrusy profile cut through the richness of the seafood, refreshing your palate with every sip.

• Veggies and Rosé

Grilled vegetables, bursting with smoky flavors, pair nicely with a dry rosé. The wine’s fruity yet dry nature enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables while providing a refreshing counterpoint to their charred edges.

• Burgers and Zinfandel

Whether you’re grilling beef, lamb, or even veggie burgers, zinfandel is a fantastic match. Its jammy fruit flavors and peppery finish complement the savory, smoky goodness of grilled burgers.

• Sausages and Riesling

Grilled sausages, with their robust and often spicy flavors, pair great with a slightly off-dry Riesling. The wine’s subtle sweetness balances the spice, while its acidity cuts through the fat, making each bite and sip a perfect match.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to pairing wine with grilled food, consider the flavors and intensity of both the dish and the wine. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect matches.

Cheers to a summer filled with sizzle and sip!

Meet our Growers and Wine-Makers

Meet Frank Roth, Tagaris Winery.

At the age of 5, vintner Frank Roth had his first experience with wine–a Riesling, snuck from his father’s supply. After matter-of-factly informing his mother of his “grown-up” decision, Frank was shocked at her disapproval (and subsequent discipline). But, as Frank grew older, neither he nor his parents could ever have predicted the importance that renegade wine tasting would hold. Decades later, Frank has a 27-year long career as an expert vintner, and he is the head winemaker at Scout and Cellar® partner vineyard, Tagaris Winery, where he leads the winemaking team in grape growth and wine production processes for several award-winning wines–yes, even Riesling.

This was Frank’s first experience with organic growing, and from the beginning, he was hooked. The organic growing practices and thoughtful farming at Tagaris make a difference in its long-term impact on the land, which manifests itself in the higher quality of the wine.

Each season, the field is like a blank canvas, filled with grapes that have the potential to produce beautifully complex flavors when grown without chemicals or pesticides. After harvest, Frank and his team harness those flavors in their wine.

Frank’s commitment and approach to organic growing practices make Tagaris Winery a logical fit for Scout & Cellar . As a partner, Frank highly values Scout & Cellar®s commitment to Clean-Crafted™ wine production, as well as to its growers. At the same time, the partnership has provided an outlet through which Frank and his team can reach an audience that shares the same commitment to organic, cleanly produced wine.

Interested in supporting my wine business?

I'd be so grateful for your support. New customers receive FREE SHIPPING with code FREESHIP. If you've been curious to try a bottle or two, now is a great time to order with no shipping charges! Shop My Website

Want to learn which wines are best for you?

Take this fun 1-minute wine quiz that uses AI to match your unique tastes with the wines I represent. Take the Wine Quiz

I gift wine for referrals!

Did you know I gift wine for referrals?  I have built this entire business through word of mouth and I'd be so grateful if you would tell the wine lovers in your life about my wines and my business. Thank you for your continued support of my wine business!

Interested in hosting a wine tasting?

Let's get you and your wine-loving friends together for a wine tasting, either in person or virtually!  If you are interested, reply to this e-mail or text me and we can coordinate a date.  You just invite the guests and I bring the wine and education! It's that easy!

Ready to monetize the wine you drink?

It costs $59 to launch an e-commerce business like mine. Why not monetize the wine you are already purchasing?

Click HERE to Learn all about adding a 1099 in Coffee and wine.

As always, reach out to me if there's anything I can do for you!  I'm so incredibly grateful for your continued support!

Cheers,