Top Red Wines to Enjoy This BBQ Season – Autumn Edition
February 21, 2025

As the crisp air and golden hues of autumn set in, it's the perfect time to embrace cosy outdoor gatherings. The season of rich flavours and hearty meals calls for a backyard BBQ, along with bold and flavourful wines. When it comes to complementing smoky, grilled dishes, red wines remain the ultimate choice, making your autumn BBQ moments even more memorable. Here, you can explore some of the best red wines to pair with popular BBQ-approved dishes.
Perfect BBQ Dishes to Pair with Red Wines
Whether you enjoy the deep intensity of Shiraz or prefer the light fruitiness of Pinot Noir, pairing the right red wine with BBQ classics enhances the overall dining experience. This year, welcome autumn with these exceptional red wine pairings for your next BBQ feast with family and friends.
Smoky Grilled Lamb and Shiraz

Shiraz wines are bold and fruit-driven, making them an excellent match for smoky BBQ dishes. The rich, gamey flavour of grilled lamb chops enhances the wine’s rustic depth, creating a robust and warming pairing. As the cool autumn breeze sets in, indulge in this bold combination for a feast full of flavour.
Elevate Your Experience with This Shiraz Wine:
Juicy Beef Brisket and Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold tannins and dark fruit notes are a natural match for slow-cooked beef brisket. The wine’s structured depth complements the rich, smoky layers of the meat, making it a perfect choice for an autumn evening gathering. Whether you're enjoying a backyard BBQ or a bonfire with friends, this pairing brings warmth and indulgence to the season.
Elevate Your Experience with This Cabernet Sauvignon Wine:
Flame-Seared Ribeye and Malbec

A perfectly grilled ribeye, seared over open flames, pairs effortlessly with Malbec. The wine’s dark berry flavours and velvety tannins enhance the steak’s juicy texture and smoky char. As the season turns cooler, fire up the grill and enjoy this bold pairing under the amber autumn sky.
Elevate Your Experience with This Malbec Wine:
Sweet BBQ Pork and Zinfandel

Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and spice make it a go-to choice for sweet and tangy BBQ pork. Whether it’s slow-cooked ribs or pulled pork sandwiches, the wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through the richness, bringing balance to every bite. Perfect for an autumn picnic or a cosy weekend BBQ gathering.
Elevate Your Experience with This Zinfandel Wine:
Cedar-Planked Salmon and Pinot Noir

Autumn calls for comforting yet vibrant flavours, and cedar-planked salmon grilled to perfection pairs beautifully with a silky Pinot Noir. The wine’s bright red fruit and earthy undertones enhance the fish’s smoky richness, making it a must-try for an alfresco BBQ surrounded by autumn leaves.
Elevate Your Experience with This Pinot Noir Wine:
Spiced Chorizo Skewers and Tempranillo

The bold, smoky spice of chorizo skewers is an exciting match for Tempranillo’s savoury and oak-kissed notes. This dynamic duo brings a lively touch to autumn BBQs, whether you're enjoying a backyard feast or an outdoor grilling session with friends.
Elevate Your Experience with This Tempranillo Wine:
Charred BBQ Chicken and Merlot

Juicy BBQ chicken with a slightly charred finish finds a smooth and versatile pairing in Merlot. The wine’s soft tannins and plum-like richness complement the smoky flavours, making it an easy-going yet satisfying choice for relaxed autumn cookouts and fireside gatherings.
Elevate Your Experience with This Merlot Wine:
Celebrate Autumn with Just Wines' Finest Red Wines
Enjoy the cosy vibes of autumn with Just Wines' fantastic selection of red wines. From top international brands to boutique wineries, our extensive range of wines is perfect for your next BBQ gathering. Pairing the right wine with your favourite grilled delights will elevate your overall experience. Cheers to the season of warmth, flavour, and perfect wines!