Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or cooking up a simple weeknight meal, nothing pairs with grilled goodness quite like a glass of Texas wine.
Of course, barbecue flavors in the Hill Country can vary widely—from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy—making it tricky to pick the perfect wine. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your go-to guide for pairing Texas wines with your favorite BBQ dishes all season long.
Sparkling Wine: Light, Lively, and Versatile
Beat the Texas heat and add some sparkle to your backyard spread! Sparkling wines are incredibly food-friendly and pair beautifully with grilled shrimp, fish, smoked salmon, barbecued chicken, and even grilled fruit.
Got something spicy on the grill—like buffalo chicken? A crisp sparkling wine cools the burn and lifts the flavors. Bonus: bubbles just make any gathering more fun.
White Wine: Crisp and Refreshing
Just like sparkling wines, white wines shine with lighter fare like grilled chicken, fish, and veggies.
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Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty match for blackened fish or spice-rubbed chicken.
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Viognier: Great with rich, fatty fish like tuna or trout—and it’s a solid choice for veggie burgers too.
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Gewürztraminer: Slightly sweet and ultra-refreshing, it balances spicy sauces and sticky-sweet glazes on grilled chicken or pork.
Pro tip: When in doubt, cook with the wine you’re serving. It’ll help bring everything together on the plate.
Rosé: The Ultimate Summer Sipper
Nothing says summer like a chilled glass of rosé. With more acidity than white wines, rosé holds up well to grilled flavors and offers incredible flexibility.
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Dry Rosé: Delicious with grilled shrimp, turkey burgers, pork chops, or grilled veggie skewers.
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Sparkling Rosé: Perfect with smoked salmon, grilled oysters, or juicy grilled chicken.
This is the wine you want in your cooler all season long.
Red Wine: Bold Flavors for Hearty Dishes
When red meat is on the grill, red wine is your best friend. Go for bold, full-bodied reds that can stand up to smoky, peppery flavors.
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Tempranillo, Cabernet Blends, Sangiovese, GSM Blends: Ideal with steaks, burgers, and brisket.
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Mourvèdre: A Texas BBQ favorite—especially with saucy ribs. The wine’s structure and fruit-forward profile complement the richness beautifully.
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Cabernet Franc: Earthy and herb-friendly, it’s a fantastic match for grilled portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and veggie dishes seasoned with rosemary, oregano, or thyme.
Dessert: Wine & Popsicles, Yes Please!
Cap off your cookout with homemade popsicles—create a batch for the kids and another for the adults (think wine-infused fruity pops). It’s a playful, refreshing way to finish your BBQ on a high note. Need inspiration? Check out some of our favorite summer wine pop recipes [insert link if available].
Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
Wine pairing doesn’t have to be complicated. A good rule of thumb? The deeper and bolder your BBQ sauce, the deeper and bolder your wine. Above all, choose wines that complement the flavors you love and match the relaxed vibe of outdoor grilling.
Tag us in your summer BBQ moments—we’d love to see what you’re sipping!
📸 Share on Instagram or Facebook @texashillcountrywine or use the hashtag #texashillcountrywine.
Cheers to a summer full of sunshine, good food, and even better wine! 🍷🔥
