The Best Natural Wine for Summer BBQs and Outdoor Dining

As the sun shines and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like firing up the BBQ and enjoying a relaxed meal with friends and family outdoors. Whether you’re grilling burgers, searing steaks, or tossing fresh veggies on the flame, the right natural wine can elevate your summer BBQ and outdoor dining experience. Natural wines, with their vibrant flavours and unique characteristics, pair beautifully with grilled foods, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual wine selection. So, let’s dive into the best natural wines for summer BBQs and outdoor gatherings.

1. Light and Crisp Whites: Perfect for Grilled Seafood and Salads

When it comes to outdoor dining, a light, crisp white wine is always a hit. These wines are refreshing, easy-drinking, and complement the fresh, vibrant flavours of summer dishes like seafood, grilled vegetables, and green salads.

• Ideal Wines:
  • Chenin Blanc – Known for its zesty acidity and refreshing notes of citrus, apple, and honey, Chenin Blanc is a versatile choice for seafood like grilled shrimp, oysters, or a fresh seafood salad.
  • Albariño – A bright and crisp Spanish white, Albariño offers flavours of lime, green apple, and a hint of salinity that pairs well with grilled fish and light salads.
  • Gavi (Cortese) – A zippy Italian white, Gavi is perfect for pairing with lighter fare like grilled asparagus, zucchini, or citrus-marinated chicken.
• Why It Works: These wines offer a clean, refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled foods, especially lighter proteins and vegetables, and keep things lively and cool under the sun.

2. Fruit-Forward Rosé: A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion

When it comes to summer BBQs, rosé is a natural go-to. Rosé wines are known for their vibrant colour and lively fruit flavours, making them a fantastic choice for a variety of grilled foods, from burgers and sausages to fresh summer salads.

• Ideal Wines:
  • Provence Rosé – Light, dry, and crisp with notes of strawberries, citrus, and herbs, Provence rosé is a classic pairing for grilled meats, particularly chicken or lamb skewers.
  • Garnacha Rosé – With a fuller body and juicy red fruit flavours, Garnacha rosé works beautifully with grilled sausages, burgers, and Mediterranean-style mezze platters.
  • Pet-Nat Rosé – For something a bit funkier and effervescent, opt for a natural pétillant-naturel rosé. The bubbles add a fun touch, and its slightly cloudy, lightly sparkling profile pairs well with grilled seafood and charcuterie.
• Why It Works: Rosé offers a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity, making it versatile enough to pair with a wide range of BBQ dishes. It’s refreshing enough to sip on its own but complex enough to complement savoury dishes.

3. Vibrant Reds for Rich Grilled Meats

For those who prefer red wine, there are several natural reds that are perfect for BBQs, especially when paired with richer meats like steak, ribs, or even grilled vegetables. Look for reds that are light to medium-bodied with a touch of acidity to keep the flavours balanced.

• Ideal Wines:
  • Gamay (Beaujolais) – Known for its fresh red fruit flavours and low tannins, Gamay is an ideal red for summer BBQs. Its lively acidity and soft profile make it perfect with grilled burgers, sausages, and grilled chicken.
  • Pinot Noir – A classic red that’s light and bright with notes of cherry, raspberry, and herbs, Pinot Noir works beautifully with grilled salmon, chicken, or grilled vegetables.
  • Cinsault – A lesser-known but fantastic natural wine choice, Cinsault is a light red with floral and berry notes. It’s ideal for pairing with grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, or charred vegetables.
• Why It Works: These wines offer a perfect balance of fruitiness and acidity without being too heavy. They enhance the flavours of grilled meats without overpowering them, making them ideal for a laid-back summer meal.

4. Chilled Orange Wines: For the Adventurous Palate

If you’re looking to step outside the usual wine options, orange wine is a fantastic and unique choice for your BBQ. Made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins (like red wine), orange wines have an intriguing depth of flavour with a slight tannin structure, making them ideal for pairing with more complex or spiced dishes.

• Ideal Wines:
  • Georgia’s Rkatsiteli – This ancient variety has flavours of dried fruit, herbs, and a touch of honey, making it a great companion for grilled meats, cheeses, and earthy vegetables.
  • Friulano (Italy) – A northern Italian orange wine with a nutty, herbal character and a robust texture, Friulano pairs wonderfully with smoky, charred meats and Mediterranean dishes.
  • Chardonnay Orange Wine – Look for a lightly skin-fermented Chardonnay that retains crisp apple and citrus notes while offering a richer mouthfeel. It pairs beautifully with grilled seafood or spicy grilled chicken.
• Why It Works: Orange wines offer something different for those with a more adventurous palate. They bring complexity and a deeper range of flavours that can complement a variety of grilled dishes, particularly those with smoky or spicy notes.

5. Sparkling Wines: Effervescence That Elevates Any BBQ

A sparkling wine is always a good idea for summer gatherings, especially for outdoor BBQs. The effervescence cuts through rich grilled foods, and its versatility makes it ideal for almost any dish. Natural sparkling wines, or pet-nat (pétillant naturel), add an element of surprise and fun to the event.

• Ideal Wines:
  • Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) – With its fresh, bubbly profile, this lightly sparkling wine often carries notes of fruit and herbs and pairs exceptionally well with grilled vegetables, seafood, or even spiced meats.
  • Cava (Spain) – A Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method, Cava is light, crisp, and dry, with citrus and green apple flavours that pair wonderfully with grilled seafood, charcuterie, and even fried foods.
  • Sparkling Rosé – A sparkling rosé brings together the brightness of bubbles with the fruity, berry notes of rosé wine. It’s a lively and versatile choice for a variety of BBQ dishes, from grilled chicken to seafood skewers.
• Why It Works: The effervescence in sparkling wines helps cleanse the palate, making it easier to enjoy multiple courses and flavours throughout your BBQ. Plus, the celebratory nature of sparkling wine adds an extra layer of fun to any outdoor gathering.

Final Thoughts

Summer BBQs and outdoor dining are the perfect occasions to explore the vibrant and diverse world of natural wine. From crisp whites and refreshing rosés to fruit-forward reds and unique orange wines, there’s a natural wine to complement every dish on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or a more formal outdoor dinner, selecting the right wine can enhance the experience and make your summer meals even more memorable. Cheers to great food, good company, and natural wine!