There’s just something different about this time of year.

The official start of grilling season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Across the country, grills fire up, coolers get packed, picnic tables fill up, and weekends start revolving around backyard BBQs, lake days, patio dinners, and time spent with family and friends.

And honestly, some of the best summer memories happen around the grill with good food and wine.

At Republican Red Winery, we’ve always believed wine belongs at the center of the table where stories are shared, conversations happen, and people come together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, heading to a picnic, or grilling dinner on the patio after a long day, here are a few easy wine pairing ideas for the summer entertaining season.

Summer Wine Pairing Ideas

Cabernet Sauvignon & Burgers

A grilled burger and Cabernet Sauvignon just work together.

The smoky flavors from the grill, melted cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and all the classic BBQ toppings pair perfectly with a bold Cabernet that can stand up to the meal without getting lost.

For classic backyard burgers and summer cookouts, we especially recommend the Join or Die Cabernet, a bold and approachable red that pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, smoky barbecue flavors, and evenings around the grill.

However, few things pair better with a summer steak dinner than the Washington Crossing Massa Reserve Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon from The 1776 Collection, especially alongside ribeyes, grilled filets, and evenings spent around the grill with friends and family.

Simple. Classic. Hard to beat on a summer evening.

Red Blends & BBQ Ribs

Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce calls for a wine with a little depth and softness to it. A good red blend pairs beautifully with anything coming off the smoker.

For backyard BBQs and summer cookouts, we especially recommend the Stars and Stripes Red Blend from The 1776 Collection, pairing perfectly with ribs, brisket, burgers, and all the smoky flavors of grilling season.

This is the kind of pairing made for long afternoons outside with friends, good food, and another round on the grill.

Chardonnay & Grilled Chicken, Pasta Salad

A good Chardonnay is perfect for lighter summer meals and warm afternoons outside. Grilled chicken, pasta salad, grilled vegetables, picnic sandwiches, and summer appetizers all pair beautifully with a smooth Chardonnay.

Our 45–47 Chardonnay is especially easy to enjoy during grilling season because it brings freshness and balance without feeling too heavy in the summer heat.

It’s the kind of wine that works just as well at a backyard BBQ as it does sitting on the patio as the sun goes down.

Pinot Noir: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Wine

Pinot Noir may be one of the easiest wines to bring to a summer cookout because it pairs with just about everything coming off the grill or on the picnic blanket.

For an easy summer grilling and entertaining wine, we especially recommend our Vino MAHA Pinot Noir sourced from the historic Massa Vineyard in Carmel Valley, pairing beautifully with everything from pizza on the grill and sausages to grilled vegetables and charcuterie boards.

It’s light enough for warm summer evenings but still brings enough flavor to stand up to grilled foods, making it an easy bottle to open when everyone at the table is eating something different.

Try serving it slightly chilled on hot summer nights for an easy backyard favorite.

Merlot: For Relaxed Summer Evenings

Similar to Pinot Noir, Merlot is another smooth and approachable red that works especially well during grilling season and summer entertaining.

For relaxed summer evenings and backyard dinners, we especially recommend the Liberty Bell Massa Reserve Merlot from The 1776 Collection, pairing beautifully with burgers, flatbreads,  BBQ chicken, sausages, and grilled vegetables.

Sparkling Wine & Charcuterie Boards 

A chilled sparkling wine might be one of the best picnic wines out there.

It pairs perfectly with cheese boards, crackers, fruit, cured meats, and lighter appetizers while adding a little celebratory feel to any picnic or outdoor gathering.

For picnics, charcuterie boards, and summer celebrations, we especially recommend our award-winning America’s 250th Anniversary Sparkling Wine, the perfect bottle to elevate everything from backyard gatherings to Fourth of July festivities.

Whether you’re headed to the park, the beach, or your own backyard, sparkling wine instantly makes it feel like summer.

Easy Summer Entertaining Ideas

Grilling season is about more than food and wine. It’s about slowing down a little and spending time together.

A few simple ideas can make any backyard gathering feel memorable:

• Set up a simple wine tasting station with BBQ pairings

• Add patriotic décor for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day

• Put together a casual charcuterie board for guests to snack on

• Bring out cornhole, cards, or backyard games

• Create a sunset picnic setup with sparkling wine and appetizers

• Print a simple pairing menu next to the grill for fun conversation starters

The best gatherings usually aren’t complicated. Good food, good wine, and good company tend to take care of the rest.

From Memorial Day Through Labor Day

From Memorial Day cookouts to Fourth of July celebrations and Labor Day weekends, grilling season becomes the backdrop for so many summer traditions.

Backyard dinners that turn into late-night conversations. Family recipes passed around the table. Friends gathering on the patio while another bottle gets opened and the grill is still warm.

That’s what summer entertaining is really about.

Explore Wines

American-made wines, from grapes to glass. 🇺🇸 🍷

Republican Red Winery