As Father’s Day approaches and grills across the country fire up in celebration, it’s the perfect time to talk wine pairings for your backyard feast. Whether you’re flipping juicy burgers, charring up a perfect ribeye, or skewering shrimp and seasonal veggies, there’s a wine that can elevate every smoky, savory bite. From bold reds that can stand up to flame-kissed meats to crisp whites and rosés that refresh between bites of grilled seafood and vegetables, this guide will help you choose the right bottle for every dish on the grill, and make Dad’s day even more delicious.
Burgers
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for grilled burgers because of its bold structure and firm tannins. The wine’s rich flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice stand up well to juicy, charred meat. The savory fat and smoky edges of the burger are balanced by the wine’s depth and intensity. Toppings like sharp cheese, bacon, or barbecue sauce enhance this perfect match. Cabernet Sauvignon creates a full-flavored combination that’s ideal for any backyard cookout.
Cabernet Sauvignon Suggestions:
- Alta Vista Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Seeker Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Simple Grape Cabernet Sauvignon
- St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon
- Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
If you want to try a different red with your burgers, Merlot is a great option. It is softer and fruitier than Cabernet Sauvignon, with flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate. Merlot’s smooth tannins and medium body make it easy to drink alongside a juicy burger. It pairs well with milder toppings and cheeses, offering a rounder, less intense experience than Cabernet. This makes Merlot a versatile and approachable red for anyone looking to change up their burger and wine pairing.
Merlot Suggestions:
- Bollini Merlot Trentino DOC
- Cakebread Napa Valley Merlot
- Montes Alpha Merlot
- St. Francis Sonoma County Merlot
Chicken
Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked)
Grilled chicken hot off the grill is a versatile canvas that pairs beautifully with an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay. The wine’s bright acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and stone fruit complement the savory, lightly charred flavors of the chicken without overwhelming it. Unoaked or subtly oaked Chardonnay also brings a clean, refreshing finish that lifts the dish, especially if the chicken is seasoned with herbs, lemon, or garlic. This pairing is all about balance and flavor, making it a go-to choice for casual summer grilling.
Chardonnay Suggestions:
- Bezel Chardonnay
- Craggy Range Kidnapper’s Chardonnay
- Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse
- Montes Classic Chardonnay
Shrimp
Sauvignon Blanc
Grilled shrimp is a summer staple that shines even brighter when paired with a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The natural sweetness and slight char of the shrimp are beautifully balanced by the wine’s bright acidity and zesty citrus notes. Sauvignon Blanc, especially those from coastal regions like New Zealand or Sancerre, offers flavors of lime, green herbs, and a touch of salinity that echo the freshness of the sea and cut through the richness of the grill. It’s a pairing that feels effortless, light, and vibrant, just like a perfect summer evening by the grill.
Sauvignon Blanc Suggestions:
- Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc
- Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc
- Pighin Friuli Sauvignon Blanc
Steaks
Bordeaux Blend
A Bordeaux blend is perfect for grilled steak because of its rich structure and complex flavors. These wines combine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals to create bold tannins and deep fruit notes. The blend’s firm tannins cut through the fat and char of steaks like ribeye, striploin, and New York strip. Its layers of dark berries, earth, and spice enhance the smoky, savory flavors from the grill. Bordeaux blends are ideal for steaks with a good amount of marbling and bold seasoning.
Cabernet Sauvignon
If you don’t want to opt for a blend, Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for grilled steak. Unlike a Bordeaux blend, which combines several grape varieties for complexity and balance, a single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon offers a more focused expression of bold tannins and rich dark fruit flavors. Its full body and firm structure stand up well to the intense flavors of grilled meat, cutting through the fat and enhancing the smoky char. Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a powerful, straightforward pairing that highlights the steak’s richness in a way blends might balance out more subtly.
Cabernet Sauvignon Suggestions:
- Alta Vista Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Seeker Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Simple Grape Cabernet Sauvignon
- St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon
- Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
Vegetables
Dry Rosé
Grilled vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini take on deep, smoky flavors when cooked over an open flame, making them an ideal match for a dry rosé. The wine’s bright acidity and subtle fruit notes enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables while cutting through any char or richness from olive oil or marinades. Rosé’s versatility and refreshing character make it a perfect summer staple, offering just the right balance of body and crispness to complement a variety of grilled dishes. It’s a pairing that feels effortless and vibrant, perfect for warm evenings and relaxed outdoor meals.
Rosé Suggestions:
- AIX Rosé
- Caposaldo Prosecco Rosé
- Medici Ermete Phermento Rosé
- Montes Cherub Rosé
- Poema Cava Rosé
Pinot Noir
If you want to opt for a red wine instead of rosé with your grilled vegetables, Pinot Noir is a perfect choice. Grilled veggies like peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini develop savory, smoky flavors that pair beautifully with Pinot Noir’s bright red fruit, earthy undertones, and smooth texture. The wine’s gentle tannins and lively acidity complement the natural sweetness and char of the vegetables without overwhelming them. It’s especially delicious with grilled mushrooms and onions, which mirror Pinot Noir’s earthy depth. This is a great option for red wine lovers who want a lighter pairing for summer grilling.
Pinot Noir Suggestions:
- Bezel Pinot Noir
- Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir
- Louis Jadot Pinot Noir
- Resonance Decouverte Vineyard Pinot Noir
- The Simple Grape Pinot Noir
No matter what’s on your grill this Father’s Day, the right wine makes the meal more memorable. There is a perfect wine to complement every dish on your grill. Fire up the barbecue, pour a glass, and enjoy a special Father’s Day feast. Great food and great wine always taste better together.
