The Best Wine Pairings for BBQ: A Simple Guide from GQue BBQ

The Best Wine Pairings for BBQ: A Simple Guide from GQue BBQ

Hey everyone! Jason Ganahl here from GQue BBQ. If you’re new to the channel, GQue BBQ is all about sharing my passion for smoked meat and delicious food. Whether you want to be entertained by my cooks or pick up a new tip to level up your own BBQ game, you’re in the right place. I’m always learning and trying to get better, and I want you to join me on that journey! Don’t forget to subscribe to the GQue BBQ YouTube channel for more awesome recipes and BBQ wisdom.

Today, I’ve got something a little different but super useful for your next BBQ: how to pair wine with barbecue. I brought in our resident sommelier, Will, to break it all down. Will’s a certified Level One Sommelier and he’s been sharing his wine knowledge with me here at the restaurant, so I thought it’d be awesome for him to share it with you, too.

Wine Pairing Basics for BBQ

Will walked us through four main flavor categories you’ll find in BBQ, and gave us a simple rule for each one. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Rich & Buttery BBQ (Think: Brisket)

  • Wine Pairing: Go for an acidic wine.

  • Why: The acidity cuts through that rich, buttery flavor and keeps things balanced.

2. Salty BBQ (Think: Pork)

  • Wine Pairing: Pair it with a sweet wine.

  • Why: Sweetness balances out the saltiness for a perfect bite.

3. Fatty & Meaty BBQ (Think: Sausage, Steak)

  • Wine Pairing: Look for a tannic wine.

  • Why: Tannins help cut through the fat and enhance those meaty flavors.

4. Smoky BBQ (Think: Turkey, Chicken, Smoked Poultry)

  • Wine Pairing: Match smoky with smoky—a smoky wine like Syrah works great.

  • Why: Similar flavors play off each other and make the meal pop.

Pro Tips for Pairing Wine with BBQ

  • Don’t stress about getting it “perfect”—just focus on the main flavor you want to highlight.

  • Ask your local wine shop for recommendations if you’re not sure what’s acidic, sweet, or tannic.

  • Try new pairings and see what you like best—BBQ is all about having fun and experimenting!

Final Thoughts

I’ve learned a ton from Will about wine and BBQ pairings, and I hope you picked up something useful too. Next time you fire up the smoker or grill, try one of these wine pairings and see how it elevates your meal. Check out more at GQue BBQ Youtube Channel. 

Thanks for hanging out with us—until next time, keep cooking and keep learning!