Sure, now that we can safely fire up the coals amongst family and friends after what we went through last year, pretty much any wine is going to taste pretty great at a barbecue nowadays. After all, there are no set rules when sipping alongside that charry deliciousness hot off the grill, or nibbling the snacks on the side. 

Yet, this is still a celebration of life. We’re here! We made it! Let’s drink great things this season! 

Here are some superb whites, rosés, sparklers and reds to look out for at the wine store or online retailers before firing up the coals, and what to pair them with. 

Bread & Butter Wines Prosecco D.O.C.

I love a bit of bubbly as an aperitif to kick off a meal, and how apropos is the name of this wine? Winemaker Linda Trotta worked with a 90-year-old, family-owned winery in Fossalta di Piave near Venice, Italy, to produce this D.O.C. Extra Dry Prosecco. It was made in an elegant style to sip neat, but this price point also allows for an excellent base for sparkling cocktails and seasonal spritzes. $16

CVNE Monopole Blanco Seco Rioja 2020

This wine has been produced at Compañia Vinícola del Norte de España since 1915. And for good reason. This mouthwatering 100% Viura is a great way to wake up the palate for a fine meal, with zippy flavors of pear and green apple with just a hint of white florals. $25

La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi Bianco Secco DOCG 2019

This luscious northwestern Italian white is another spring/summer favorite. It’s made from 100% Cortese grapes harvested from the hills of the Rovereto di Gavi Superiore zone, which deliver medium-bodied yuzu and ripe grapefruit flavors with a slightly nutty and earthy undertaste. With its medium-bodied finish, it’s ideal with hearty grilled fishes like swordfish steaks, but also pre-dinner snacks like olives and cheese. $41

Herdade do Rocim Mariana Rosé 2020

This blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez from Portugal’s Alentejo region is pale pink, but so full-flavored it almost drinks like a darker red with its balance of tanginess, spice and fruit. It’s a delicious sipper on its own and matches a variety of BBQ from burgers to ribs with tangy sauces to seafood to veggies. And if you’re struggling to regain your powers of social conversation at a gathering, if you bring this wine you can discuss how it is named for the fallen Franciscan nun who was the subject of the 17th century book Letters from a Portuguese Nun. $15

Red Tail Ridge x Vin Social Cab Franc Dry Rosé 2020

Vin Social, led by Sara Moll, sets out to highlight top-notch under-the-radar sustainable producers and chose this Finger Lakes winery for its first partnership. Red Tail Ridge head winemaker Nancy Irelan has built the only LEED Gold Certified winery in the state. This lip smacker of a Cab Franc rosé is a great way to get a BBQ party started, and with its slight pepperiness, it’s especially delicious with veggie burgers and grilled sausages. $26

Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco DOC 2019

I love Lambrusco at a BBQ because it has all the flavor of a red wine with the sparkling refreshment of a bubbly. The combination of dark fruit and mild acidity matches well with a variety of the snacks you might be munching on as the BBQ heats up—cheeses, charcuterie, olives, chips and hummus, etc.— or goes with most of the main events too (especially ribs with a vinegary sauce or salty cheese burgers). This one is from the world’s first single vineyard Lambrusco, from the red clay soils of Tenuta La Rampata vineyard in Italy’s Reggio Emilia province. You’ll want several bottles on hand to last the summer. $25

Les Cadrans de Lassègue Saint-Emillon Grand Cru 2017

From the foothills of this appellation comes this versatile blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc from Ch. Lassègue’s second label. This vintage is aged only 12 months in French oak, which gives it a lightness that allows for a slightly chilled serve. It’s fantastic with barbecued chicken, or even hot dogs! $30

Primus Carménère 2018

This was said to be an exceptional vintage in Colchuaga where this ancient grape has been thriving (even when it was once mis-identified as Merlot) for generations. This is a rocking example of Chilean Carménère at an affordable price. It’s juicy and full-bodied, but has well-structured peppery, herbal notes and hints of bittersweet chocolate and espresso. Grill up some lamb chops or lamb burgers and have this baby ready with a slight chill. $19 

Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

If you’re cooking a steak and crave the flavor of a Cally cab without the heavy wallop of fruit and alcohol, this Paso Robles bargain hits the spot. From a vineyard that benefits from a long, cool growing season, this red delivers tart blackberry and plum flavors with a hint of milk chocolate, sweet spice and earthy olive. $22

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2018

Barbecue, but make it elegant! If you’re grilling salmon or pork chops, a Pinot is an ideal pairing. This one comes from grapes grown in top vineyards throughout Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. I recommend decanting ahead of time, or at least letting the bottle breathe about an hour, to allow its layers of dark cranberry, plum, raspberry, pinecone, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate to open up. It’s well worth the wait. $45

Owen Roe “Ex Umbris” Syrah 2018

A syrah with some depth is an excellent choice to pair with grilled meats such as lamb, duck breast or short ribs. This one is especially barbecue-worthy because its story is born from flames: The first vintage of this Yakima Valley, WA wine was in 2002 after a nearby wildfire affected the grapes. Since then, it’s been produced in a style reminiscent of Rhône’s Cornas, with notes of black plum, fig and bing cherries with a hint of black pepper in the finish. Sold out via the winery but available at select retailers, around $25. 

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec 2018

There are compelling reasons why steak and Malbec is considered a classic pairing. Grapes for this wine were grown at Luján de Coyo and Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina at over 1,000 meters above sea level, resulting in optimally balanced ripeness. The soft, dark berry flavors and subtle herbal aromatics and tannins are begging for grilled red meats. $20

Lost Eden Red Blend 2018

Got pie but don’t like overly sweet dessert wines? Put this full bodied red wine from Georgia, the country that is, on ice for about 20 to 30 minutes as you get the sweets ready. While not technically a dessert wine, this 100% Saperavi is very ripe, lush and fruity, and will be ideal alongside apple, blueberry or blackberry pie and vanilla ice cream. $19