With summer upon us, it’s time to fire up the grill and reach for bold red wines that can stand up to smoky, savory flavors. From Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to Calistoga Petite Sirah and Carneros Pinot Noir, these reds are built to pair with everything from steaks and burgers to grilled vegetables and seafood.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or keeping dinner simple on a weeknight, these Sterling wines bring balance, structure, and depth to summer grilling.
TL;DR: Best Red Wines for Summer Grilling
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Pinot Noir for grilled salmon, BBQ chicken, and vegetables
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Merlot for sausages, pork chops, and plant-based burgers
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Cabernet Sauvignon for burgers and hearty grilled mains
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Petite Sirah for steak, tri tip, and deeply charred dishes
Below are four bold red wines from Sterling that consistently pair well with grilled foods, from lighter proteins to rich, flame kissed cuts.
Best Bold Red Wines to Pair with Grilled Foods
Pinot Noir: A Versatile Red for Grilling
2021 Carneros Pinot Noir
Fruit forward with bright cherry and subtle spice, this Carneros Pinot Noir shines alongside grilled salmon, BBQ chicken, and portobello burgers. Its smooth texture and vibrant acidity keep it light enough for warm weather while still delivering depth of flavor.
Pairs well with: salmon, chicken, mushrooms, vegetable skewers
Merlot: A Smooth Match for Smoky Flavors
With soft tannins and lush dark fruit, this Napa Valley Merlot is an easy go to for grilled pork chops, sausages, and black bean burgers. Its plush character complements smoky flavors without overpowering the food.
Pairs well with: pork, sausages, veggie burgers
Cabernet Sauvignon: A Classic Napa Valley Grill Wine
2020 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
It wouldn’t be grilling season without a bold Napa Cab. With layers of blackberry, mocha, and cedar spice, this Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon elevates burgers, ribs, and grilled portobello steaks. Structured and expressive, it brings Napa Valley character to every bite.
Pairs well with: burgers, ribs, grilled mushrooms
Petite Sirah: Bold Enough for Steak Night
This is your steak wine. Dense, dark, and rich with bold tannins, Calistoga Petite Sirah stands up to grilled ribeye, tri tip, and charred vegetables. Crafted in one of Napa Valley’s warmest regions, it delivers the power needed for deeply grilled dishes.
Pairs well with: steak, tri tip, heavily charred vegetables
Why Bold Red Wines Work with Grilling
Grilled foods bring smoke, char, and richness to the table. Bold red wines with structure, acidity, and tannin help balance those flavors, enhancing both the food and the wine. From lighter reds like Pinot Noir to powerful wines like Petite Sirah, the key is matching intensity with intention.
Summer Grilling Playlist
Grilling season is about more than what’s on the menu. It’s about atmosphere, long evenings, and time spent outdoors. Open a bottle of your favorite Sterling wine and enjoy this curated mix of contemporary hits made for summer nights around the grill.
Follow us on Spotify @SterlingVineyards
FAQs: Red Wine and Summer Grilling
What red wine pairs best with grilled steak?
Bold reds like Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon pair best with steak thanks to their tannin structure and ability to stand up to rich, charred flavors.
Can you drink red wine in hot weather?
Yes. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir can be slightly chilled and are especially refreshing with grilled foods.
What is the best Napa Valley red wine for grilling?
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for grilling, pairing well with burgers, ribs, and hearty vegetables.
