Tis the season of marinade-slicked fingers, sidewalk chatter, and that miraculous stretch of daylight that makes dinner feel like a festival. The BBQ is not just an excuse to cook outdoors. It’s a cultural register, essentially a celebration of agrarianism and postindustrial leisure rolled into one. A ritual of sizzle and smoke that transcends generations and cultures, from the seventy-seven-year-old uncle perfecting his brisket rub, to me likely blasting uplifting ’90s R&B and hip-hop, while a little cousin mans the hotlinks with a gold-plated screwdriver like it’s tradition. In my family specifically, what I cherish most about the classic American cookout is how it stretches and shapeshifts to reflect all the different versions of family I have: my mother’s crackling lumpia fresh from the fryer, my cousin’s glossy japchae tangled like silk ribbons, my sister-in-law’s arroz con gandules spiced just right, my mother-in-law’s collard greens simmered into something sacred… and every other delicious offering that bridges all the in-between.

One part of the story that I feel is often overlooked or sidelined? Wine.

Not just any wine. The right wine. The intuitive, audacious-yet-simplistic kind that turns grilled peaches into poetry or makes leftover burgers feel like a fun conquest. And when your spread embraces such a rich mosaic of cultures, your wines have to match the journey’s energy—bold enough to meet the richness, crisp enough to refresh, and versatile enough to speak every dialect of flavor at the table.

Beer might be the backyard mainstay, but wine (when chosen with care but somehow with a slight irreverence) can elevate a cookout from merely good to marvelously memorable. It can soften the economics of a BYOB hangout while still feeling luxe. And in a world catalyzed by social change, wine at the cookout carries a quiet rebellion of its own. A nod to your diverse circle. A nod to taste beyond the obvious.

This is your nostalgic-but-evolving summer. One where we remember the classics, make space for the new, and register transformation through the bottle. It’s not about being a connoisseur. It’s about being curious. Joyful. Open. A bit Carrie Bradshaw in a world of haphazard picnic blankets and smoky ribs. With the world in a state of flux, many of us are rethinking how we spend, how we gather, how we care for one another. Maybe we’re leaning into community, maybe we’re leaning into escapism. Either way, we’re all craving a little thrill, a little beauty, something that sparkles in the sun. So whether you’re throwing a backyard Memorial Day cookout, packing up for an alfresco picnic, or simply trying to turn a Tuesday into something worth toasting, we’ve curated a short but mighty list of wines to match the mood. All delicious, delightfully priced, and ready to be whatever your summer needs them to be!

5 Wines to Sip This Summer:

  1. Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec 2023

If you need a wine that can handle the big stuff—think grilled beef ribs or anything richly marinated—this delivers. It’s one for the bold and buttery, for the spicy-sweet ribs with a glaze so sticky it might as well be syrup. With plummy depth and a flicker of dried herbs, this wine is grounded in Argentine terroir and French reform. Grown from low-yield vineyards, it’s packed with character: think blackberries, blueberries, a bit of graphite, spice, and dried blue flowers. Domaine Bousquet is also all-in on sustainability with over a dozen organic certifications. And if red’s not your thing, their Organic Chardonnay is another standout worth sipping on.

Find more info at: https://domainebousquet.com/

  1. Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy Barbera d’Asti 2021

Personally when I think about tried and true in this type of space, I’m reaching for Barbera. There’s a slight bias there because iterations each vintage for this Marchesi di Grésy feel pretty consistent to me and fun to consume, and it’s mostly because I’m such a sucker for BBQ on the vinegar-based side of the spectrum vs. the super sweet (but don’t get it twisted, I am an equal opportunity BBQ eater and will have it all)! It’s just that Barbera in times like these feels like vinyl at a block party. Timeless, reliable, generally plays well with others. This one’s got a tart black cherry energy that slices through fatty brisket like a soulful D’Angelo falsetto. Medium-bodied with just enough acidity to keep things from slipping into disrepair, it holds up well whether you’re eating grilled flatbread, leftover sausage, or experimenting with some funky marinade. It’s not showy. It’s enduring.

Find more info at:  https://www.marchesidigresy.com

  1. Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2024

Reds may feel like the default choice for grilled meats and hearty sides, but there are a bunch of lighter dishes that make it to the outdoor affairs, like roasted chicken, grilled fish, charred vegetables, or a well-built charcuterie board, and they all deserve a worthy match, too. Enter this crisp, refreshing Pinot Grigio. With over 120 years of winemaking rooted in the stunning Trentino-Alto Adige region, Mezzacorona channels the cool Alpine air and mineral-rich soil into wines that are bright, clean, and expressive. Think green apple, pear, citrus, and a gentle floral lift. It’s the kind of sip that pairs perfectly with a breezy afternoon and a lively debate over whose marinade reigns supreme. Maybe you’ll win.

Find more info at: https://www.mezzacorona.it/en-us/

  1. Weingut Schödl Rosé Supernova 2024

Natural wines have come a long way, though they can still raise an eyebrow even among eager newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike. The new wave stands shoulder to shoulder with the classics here, though I’ll admit it took a bit of patience on my part to uncover the gems. But patience, after all, is its own reward. This rosé bursts with vibrant cherry and black raspberry notes that recall a playful Starburst and Life Savers sweetness hybrid, balanced by a firm, character-rich palate. Think fleshy watermelon with a twist (intense and layered) with stone quality and savory hints weaving beneath elements of white raspberry, peach, and strawberry. Perfect for bright summer days, its deep pink-red hue catches the eye before the sip even reaches your lips. This isn’t your typical beach-side pour. It’s a natural wine with a bit of bite, a touch of funk that feels less Brooklyn flea and more late-night jazz lounge. Chillable, grounded in Austrian craftsmanship, and utterly captivating, if this rosé had a musical spirit, it would be Baduizm on wax—vibey, thoughtful, and richly layered.

Find more info at: https://schoedlfamily.at/

  1. Scharffenberger Brut Rosé Excellence Non-Vintage

I couldn’t wrap this up without slipping in a bubbly. Yes, I know, two rosés in one lineup, and that’s totally my call! Sparkling wines bring that effortless joy and a lighthearted sparkle to any gathering, whether it’s a casual weekday or a full-on celebration. This one’s pale pink hue is absolutely on point. It’s a ridiculously easy sip but still keeps a sophisticated depth on the palate. This rosé follows the classic méthode champenoise, where each bottle undergoes a second fermentation, then is carefully riddled and disgorged. The wine shows a delicate salmon glow, with a nose of fresh raspberry jam and wild strawberries resting on a creamy pastry note. The flavors are layered, smooth, fresh, fruity, and linger beautifully.

Find more info at: https://scharffenbergercellars.com/

A Note on Chillable Reds (and Breaking Rules)

Yes, you can chill red wine. No, it doesn’t make you uncultured. In fact, it may save you from the haphazard habit of drinking warm reds in ninety-degree heat. Just a few minutes on ice is enough to transform your boldest bottle into something refreshing. It’s like giving your wine a quick festival wristband—suddenly, it belongs.

Wine at the cookout? It’s not a gimmick. It’s a gentle act of inclusion. A celebration of transformation and taste, rooted in tradition, but open to change. Whether you’re playing DJ, flipping skewers, or floating between lawn chairs with a glass in hand, let wine be your flavorful sidekick. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. We’ve taken care of the hard part so you can focus on the fun. This isn’t a rulebook by any means, just a starting point for your next gathering.

So cheers to the change. Cheers to the char. And cheers to wine that’s never to be ignored. Bring the zest. Bring the magic. And don’t forget the sunscreen.

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Disclosure: Sample bottles of wines were received. Samples submitted to Shall We Wine are for review and thoroughly assessed before posting.