The Best Wine & BBQ Picks for a Delicious Feast

Hello, BBQ lovers! Got a backyard barbie planned? Nothing screams Aussie summer like firing up the grill, throwing on some snags, and cracking open a good bottle of wine. But let’s be real—most of us reach for a cold beer without thinking twice. Well, I’m here to tell you that wine deserves a prime spot at your BBQ, too! With the right pairing, your snags and steaks can go from tasty to absolutely bonza. So, let’s talk top-notch wine and BBQ combos that’ll have your mates coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Nothing beats the sizzle of sausages on the barbie. Whether you go for a classic beef snag or a herby lamb variety, you want a wine that can handle all those smoky, juicy flavours. Enter Shiraz—Australia’s pride and joy. This bold red is packed with dark fruit, peppery spice, and just enough oomph to balance out the rich, fatty goodness of snags.

Top Pick: Just Wines’ Best Aussie Shiraz – Bold, spicy, and made for BBQs.

Pro Tip: Chuck some caramelised onions on your snags, and the sweetness will make that Shiraz taste even better.

Grilling up some juicy ribeye or a thick-cut T-bone? You need a wine with a serious backbone. Cabernet Sauvignon is your go-to. This full-bodied red has deep blackcurrant and tobacco notes that stand up beautifully to a perfectly charred steak.

Top Pick: Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon from Just Wines – Smooth tannins, bold flavours, absolute gold with steak.

Pro Tip: Season your steak with a good hit of salt and pepper. Keep it simple—the wine will do the rest of the work.

We Aussies love throwing seafood on the barbie—prawns, barramundi, even a cheeky lobster tail if you’re feeling fancy. The best match? A crisp Chardonnay. A lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay brings out the natural sweetness of seafood without overpowering it.

Top Pick: Fresh Aussie Chardonnay – Zesty, citrusy, and perfect for grilled seafood.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon to your prawns while grilling. It’ll make the wine taste even fresher.

Bonus Tip: If you’re cooking up a whole fish, wrap it in foil with butter, garlic, and herbs before grilling for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

For those who love a good BBQ chook, a Rose is a cracking choice. With its light, refreshing berry flavours, Rosé cuts through the smokiness of grilled chicken while keeping things nice and summery.

Top Pick: Australian Rosé from Just Wines – Fruity, dry, and ridiculously easy to drink.

Pro Tip: Marinate your chicken in garlic, lemon, and a splash of white wine before grilling. It’ll pair even better with your Rosé!

Bonus Pairing: If you’re grilling up some peri-peri chicken, try a dry Rosé with a little extra fruitiness to balance the heat.

Not forgetting our veg-loving mates! Grilled veggies like zucchini, capsicum, and mushrooms get a flavour boost from a zippy Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine’s fresh acidity and citrusy notes bring out the natural char and sweetness of grilled veggies.

Top Pick: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Just Wines – Light, zesty, and a perfect BBQ companion.

Pro Tip: Toss your veggies in olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before grilling for extra flavour.

Bonus Pairing: If you’re grilling up corn on the cob with a bit of butter and chilli, try a lightly oaked Chardonnay for a buttery, balanced sip.

If you think BBQs are all about the savoury stuff, think again. Grilled peaches, pineapple slices, or even bananas with a bit of brown sugar can turn into mouthwatering desserts on the grill. A Moscato or Late Harvest Riesling is a top-notch choice for these sweet, caramelized flavors.

Top Pick: Just Wines’ Sweet Moscato – Lightly sparkling, fruity, and the perfect sweet treat finisher.

Pro Tip: Drizzle your grilled fruit with honey and sprinkle some cinnamon for an extra indulgent dessert.

So there you have it—your ultimate wine and BBQ pairing guide, straight from your friendly Aussie bartender. Next time you’re hosting a backyard bash, skip the usual beer run and grab a bottle (or three) of these top-notch wines. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Now, grab those tongs, pour yourself a glass, and let’s get grilling. Cheers, legends!

Check out more wines for your BBQ here!