The 13 Best Barbecue Wines in 2024

• BUBBLES •

1. Tirriddis, Blanc de Blancs, R.4 | Columbia Valley, Washington

Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $29.00
ABV: 12.6%

Tirriddis Winery is a relatively new and emerging winery that has gained attention for its focus on high-quality sparkling wines. The winery was founded in 2021 by three graduates of Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program. The name, Tirriddis, comes from Tirage, Riddle and Disgorge – the three steps to naturally produce traditional sparkling wines.

This Blanc de Blancs has a light-yellow color with a fine mousse. The nose reveals citrus, mineral, white flowers and a hint of brioche. The palate is balanced and complex with notes of lemon curd, almond and pear.

> For more information, visit Tirriddis official website.

READ MORE: The Best American Sparkling Wines

• WHITES •

2. Joseph Jewell, Starscape Vineyard, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc | Sonoma County, California

Origin: Russian River, California
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $30.00
ABV: 13.1%

Joseph Jewell is a boutique winery based in Sonoma, California, specializing in small-lot, handcrafted wines. The winery was founded by two friends, Micah Joseph Wirth and Adrian Jewell Manspeaker, who combined their middle names to create the winery’s name. They are known for producing wines that express the unique terroir of some of California’s most prestigious wine regions, particularly in Sonoma County.

The inaugural vintage of this light-yellow wine shows aromas of citrus and hints of pineapple and mango. These fruits come back on the palate and together with round acidity and a mineral touch culminate in a long, creamy finish.

> For more information, visit Joseph Jewell official website.

READ MORE: The Best Sauvignon Blancs

3. Valdadige, J. Hofstätter, 2020 Pinot Grigio | Alto Adige, Italy

Origin: Alto Adige, Italy
Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio
Price: $19.99
ABV: 13.5%

This Pinot Grigio comes from Hofstätter-owned vineyards located within the Alto Adige DOC. These plots are characterized by mainly marly subsoil. They are well ventilated and are subject to good sun exposure. The grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed and the sediment separated by natural precipitation. The must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless-steel containers, where it then remains to stabilize until bottling.

This Pinot Grigio shows a bright straw color with attractive aromas of pear, peach and lemon. The palate is light-bodied and elegant, with citrus elements, mineral and fruity acidity on the finish.

> For more information, visit J. Hofstätter official website.

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• ROSÉS •

4. Fiddlehead, Pink Fiddle Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022 | Sta. Rita Hills, California

Origin: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Varietal:  100% Pinot Noir
Price: $32.00
ABV: 13%

Fiddlehead Cellars is a winery located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, United States. It was founded in 1989 by Kathy Joseph, who is also the winemaker. The winery specializes in producing small-lot, handcrafted wines, with a focus on cool-climate varietals, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The name “Fiddlehead” refers to the tightly coiled, young shoots of a fern, which resemble the neck of a violin or fiddle. This name reflects the winery’s commitment to capturing the youthful energy and potential of the grapes they work with.

The wine shows a deeper pink color and a delicate bouquet of cherries, strawberries and spice. Bright acidity carries the fruit on the palate to a long, juicy finish.

> For more information, visit Fiddlehead Cellars official website.

Watch our exclusive video interview of Alison Laslett, CEO of Santa Barbara Vintners Association.

5. J. Lohr, Stairway Vineyard, 2023 Grenache Rosé | Paso Robles, California

Origin: Paso Robles, Adelaida District, California
Varietal: 100% Grenache
Price: $28.00
ABV: 13.5%

J. Lohr Winery is a prominent and respected family-owned winery in California, known for producing a wide range of high-quality wines. It was founded by Jerry Lohr in 1974 after extensive research into the best regions for grape growing. J. Lohr owns and farms over 4,000 acres of vineyards across California’s prime wine regions, including Paso Robles, Monterey County and Napa Valley.

With a classic dark pink color, this 2023 rosé offers grapefruit and wild strawberries. Crisp and clean on the palate, grapefruit and strawberry return and combine with a lovely texture and a dry finish.

> For more information, visit J. Lohr official website..

READ MORE: The Best Rosé Wines To Drink

• REDS •

6. Mercer Estates, Eagle & Plow, 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Block 93 | Washington

Origin: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $100.00
ABV: 15.1%

Mercer Estates is a family-owned winery located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Washington State. This area is known for its ideal grape-growing conditions, including a dry climate, consistent winds, and well-draining soils. “Eagle and Plow” is a special project of Mercer Estates, dedicated to producing exceptional wines while also donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations that support military families and veterans.

This Cabernet shows a dark, inky-purple color. It reveals a pronounced aromatic bouquet of blackberry, plum, violets and a touch of vanilla. The palate shows powerful yet silky tannins, refreshing acidity and lots of red fruit. The finish is elegant, showy with plenty of body and length.

> For more information, visit Mercer Estates official website.

7. Baldacci, Fraternity, 2021 Red Blend | Napa Valley, California

Origin: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot and Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah and 17% Petit Verdot
Price: $85.00
ABV: 14.5%

Baldacci Family Vineyards is located in a beautiful part of the Napa Valley just off of the Silverado Trail (west side) slightly south of the Yountville Cross Road. Records show the property was originally planted with grapevines in 1888; it was purchased by Tom and Brenda Baldacci in 1998. For approximately six years, the family sold grapes, including to notable producers such as Rombauer, Shafer Vineyards and Clos du Val. Eventually, Tom decided to build a winery rather than selling the property. Perhaps his family heritage had something to do with his decision, being the grandson of Italian immigrants, who made their own wine.

This red blend reveals a dark garnet color. The nose draws you in with aromas of ripe plum, blueberries and a touch of cedar wood. The same ripe fruit shows up on the palate, complemented by ripe but present tannins and well-measured acidity. The finish is round and long, with lots of complexity and finesse.

> For more information, visit Baldacci official website.

READ MORE: The Best Cabernet Sauvignon

8. Montes Toscanini, 2020 Gran Tannat | Uruguay

Origin: Canelones, Uruguay
Varietal: 100% Tannat
Price: $50.00
ABV: 14.5%

Montes Toscanini is a historic winery located in the Canelones region of Uruguay, a key area for wine production in the country. The winery was established in 1908 by the Toscanini family, making it one of Uruguay’s oldest and most respected wineries. The region’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing Tannat, which is Uruguay’s flagship grape.

This Tannat shows a dark red color with purple hues in the glass. The nose is complex and seductive with mature blackberry fruit, plum and spices. Mature fruit appears again on the palate, with well-integrated tannins, good acidity, a touch of oak and finishing with coffee.

> For more information, visit Montes Toscanini official website.

9. Herdade de Esporāo, 2021 Reserva | Alentejo, Portugal

Origin: Alentejo, Portugal
Varietal: 25% Alicante Bouschet, 25% Trincadeira, 20% Touriga Nacional, 15% Aragonez, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $23.00
ABV: 14%

Herdade do Esporão is located in the Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s most significant wine-producing areas. The region is known for its warm, dry climate and diverse soils, which contribute to the production of rich, full-bodied wines. The estate spans over 4,000 acres, with 1,000 acres dedicated to vineyards and the remainder used for olive groves, cereal production and natural reserve areas.

This dark ruby wine opens with aromas of dark berries and spices. The rich mouthfeel is marked by recurring dark berries and spice, complemented with fine tannins, good acidity and prominent but well-integrated oak.

> For more information, visit Herdade de Esporāo official website.

10. Cristom, 2022 Pinot Noir, Mt. Jefferson Cuvée | Willamette Valley, Oregon

Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Price: $50.00
ABV: 13.5%

Cristom Vineyards was established in 1992 in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, a sub-region of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This area is known for its volcanic soils, cool climate and strong influence from the Pacific Ocean, all of which contribute to the ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir.

This garnet-red Pinot Noir is perfumed with aromas of red berries, rose petals and spices. The medium-bodied palate delivers juicy red fruit, framed by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. The long finish offers additional flavors of spices, potpourri and tart cherries.

> For more information, visit Cristom official website.

11. Kokomo Winery, Dry Creek Valley, 2022 Zinfandel | Sonoma, California, USA

Origin: Sonoma, California
Varietal: 95% Zinfandel, 5% field blend of Carignan, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah
Price: $32.99
ABV: 14.5%

The Kokomo Winery Dry Creek Zinfandel is comprised of fruit from two different vineyards: Mizany Vineyard and Pauline’s Vineyard. Although both are located in Dry Creek Valley, the different vineyards bring two unique wines with their own distinct personalities. Mizany Vineyard is planted to the Du Pratt clone of Zinfandel, which has a spicier character with a darker fruit profile. Pauline’s Vineyard is planted to the old Zinfandel mother-clone of Dry Creek. This vineyard is on the valley floor in the famous Cortina gravelly loam. They take a lot of pride that Dry Creek Valley is known to grow the best Zinfandel in the world, and they feel like blending two different vineyards gives an overall picture of the special terroir that is Dry Creek Valley.

This Zinfandel displays a bright garnet color. Black cherry, anise, tobacco and a touch of garrigue emerge from the nose. The palate reveals red plum, spice and mineral, all lingering into a seamless finish.

> For more information, visit Kokomo Winery official website.

12. Trivento, Malbec Reserve 2022 | Mendoza, Argentina

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Price: $12.99
ABV: 13.5%

Bodega Trivento is an Argentine winery located in the Mendoza wine region, which is known for producing high-quality wines. Trivento was founded in 1996 and has become one of the leading wineries in Argentina.

The name “Trivento” translates to “three winds” in Spanish, which refers to the three prevailing winds that influence the Mendoza region: the Polar, Zonda, and Sudestada winds. These winds play a crucial role in the vineyard’s microclimate, helping to create favorable conditions for grape cultivation.

This ruby red shows aromas of fresh berries, plums and vanilla. Its medium-bodied palate is balanced with juicy acidity, red fruit and soft, velvety tannins.

> For more information, visit Trivento official website.

READ MORE: The Best Malbec Wines

13. De Négoce, 2021 Shiraz | Barossa Valley, Australia

Origin: Barossa Valley, Australia
Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Price: $17.00
ABV: 15%

De Négoce is a wine company founded by Cameron Hughes that specializes in sourcing high-quality wine grapes from top vineyards around the world and producing small-lot wines that are sold directly to consumers at a reasonable price.

The company’s business model is based on the concept of “négociant,” which is a French term used to describe a wine merchant who buys grapes or finished wine from different vineyards and wineries and blends them to create a final product. De Négoce sources its grapes from prestigious vineyards in California, Oregon, Washington, France and other wine regions, and then vinifies them at a custom crush facility in California. The resulting wines are sold exclusively through the company’s website to members of its mailing list.

This Shiraz shows a dark crimson color. The nose delivers lots of ripe, red berries, spices, leather and cacao. The palate shares an abundance of ripe cherries, spice and fine but present tannins, all wrapped in lush acidity in order to deliver a long, refined finish.

> For more information, visit de Négoce official website.

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