Wine Pairings For Your Summer Barbeque
Summer has a way of bringing people together.
Maybe it’s the longer evenings, the smell of something delicious on the grill, or the simple joy of gathering around a table with family and friends. At Lambert Bridge, some of our favorite memories are made this time of year—sharing stories on the patio, passing plates around the table, and discovering that perfect wine pairing that makes a meal even more memorable.
If you’re planning a summer barbecue, here are a few of our favorite pairings to help elevate the occasion.
Classic Burgers & 2024 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel
There are few things more quintessentially summer than a great burger fresh off the grill. Whether you keep it simple with cheddar and caramelized onions or pile it high with your favorite toppings, a burger calls for a wine with plenty of personality.
Enter our 2024 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel.
The wine’s vibrant fruit, spice, and structure stand up beautifully to the richness of the beef, while its bright acidity keeps each bite feeling fresh and balanced. The subtle smokiness that develops on the grill also plays wonderfully with the wine’s layered notes of dark berries and baking spice.
It’s the kind of pairing that reminds us why Zinfandel has always been one of wine country’s favorite barbecue companions.
Slow-Smoked Brisket & 2023 Sage Vineyard Petite Sirah
Every barbecue has that dish everyone gathers around—the one that’s been cooking all day and draws compliments before it even reaches the table.
For us, that’s brisket.
Our 2023 Sage Vineyard Petite Sirah is a natural match for this barbecue classic. The wine’s concentrated dark fruit, velvety texture, and savory notes of spice and cedar complement the richness of the meat without being overwhelmed by it.
What makes this pairing especially successful is how the wine’s structure balances the brisket’s richness, while the smoky edges of the barbecue bring out the Petite Sirah’s depth and complexity. It’s bold, satisfying, and made for lingering summer evenings.
Grilled Shrimp & 2025 Bevill Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Not every barbecue revolves around red meat. Some of the best summer gatherings feature lighter fare, especially on those warm afternoons when something bright and refreshing feels just right.
Grilled shrimp paired with our 2025 Bevill Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorite examples.
The wine’s lively acidity and citrus-driven character enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp while refreshing the palate between bites. Notes of lemon, grapefruit, and fresh herbs echo the flavors often found in marinades and finishing sauces, creating a pairing that feels effortless and vibrant.
It’s the kind of combination that practically begs to be enjoyed outdoors.
Rosemary-Brined Pork Loin & 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Franc
Pork loin may not always be the first thing people think of when planning a barbecue, but it consistently earns a place on our summer tables.
A rosemary-brined pork loin paired with our 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Franc creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Cabernet Franc’s natural herbal qualities complement the rosemary beautifully, while its red fruit and subtle spice enhance the savory character of the pork.
One of our favorite things about this pairing is how elegant it feels without being complicated. The wine and food seem to meet each other in the middle, allowing both to shine.
Miso-Glazed Salmon & 2024 Sonoma County Viognier
If you’re looking to surprise your guests, this may be our favorite pairing on the list.
Miso-glazed salmon offers a wonderful combination of richness, sweetness, and umami. Our 2024 Sonoma County Viognier rises to the occasion with expressive aromatics, generous texture, and vibrant fruit.
The wine’s floral notes and stone fruit character complement the sweet-savory glaze, while its richness mirrors the salmon’s silky texture. At the same time, the wine’s freshness keeps the pairing lively and balanced.
It’s an unexpected match that always seems to spark conversation around the table.
The Best Pairing Is the People Around the Table
While we love talking about food and wine pairings, the truth is that our favorite summer gatherings are rarely defined by what’s on the plate or in the glass.
They’re defined by the people.
The laughter that carries across the yard. The stories that get better every time they’re told. The friends who stay longer than planned because nobody is quite ready for the evening to end.
That’s what summer entertaining is all about.
So fire up the grill, pull a few corks, gather your favorite people, and create a few memories of your own. We’ll be raising a glass right alongside you.
