The crackle of charcoal, the aroma of marinades and grilled meats drifting through the warm summer air, lively conversations around the table... Summer is officially here. And what better way to enjoy these moments than with a great bottle of wine?
Whether you're grilling a medium-rare steak, chicken skewers, salmon or vegetables, the right wine can make all the difference. Instead of choosing a bottle based solely on its colour, it's worth matching it to what's on your plate.
Here are our favourite wines, all available at the SAQ, to help you create the perfect wine pairing for your summer BBQs.
How were these wines selected?
Every bottle featured in this guide has been personally tasted and selected for its quality, value and availability at the SAQ. The goal is simple: recommend wines that are easy to find and that truly complement summer grilling.
For Grilled Fish, Seafood and Vegetables
Fish and seafood pair beautifully with fresh white wines that offer lively acidity and restrained oak. Their freshness enhances delicate flavours without overpowering them.
Camino del Puerto Rueda Verdejo 2025
Verdejo is one of the best companions for summer dining. This Spanish white charms with its freshness, citrus aromas, orchard fruit flavours and subtle herbal notes.
Bright and refreshing, it's a perfect match for grilled shrimp, fish, vegetables cooked on the barbecue or a hearty summer salad. It also makes an excellent aperitif.
Available at the SAQ - $14.15 | Organic
Albert De Conti Bergerac Cuvée des Conti 2024
With aromas of peach, apricot, preserved lemon and white flowers, this organic white from southwest France is an excellent choice for summer meals. Its generous texture is balanced by vibrant freshness and delicate minerality, making it equally enjoyable as an aperitif or at the dinner table.
It pairs beautifully with grilled fish and seafood, chicken skewers, grilled pork or generous summer salads.
Available at the SAQ - $20.40 | Organic
Corte Majoli Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2024
Pinot Grigio doesn't always have to be simple. Thanks to a touch of Garganega, this wine offers greater texture and depth while maintaining remarkable freshness. Expect notes of pear, apple, citrus and delicate floral aromas.
Versatile and food-friendly, it's equally at home alongside grilled seafood, chicken skewers, barbecued vegetables or seafood pasta.
Available at the SAQ - $19.05 | Organic
For Chicken, Pork and Lightly Spiced Grilling
Chicken and pork are among the most versatile meats on the grill. Whether marinated with herbs, lemon or mild spices, they pair equally well with a characterful rosé, a light-bodied red or even an orange wine.
Le Grand Ballon Touraine 2025
Rosé often bridges the gap between white and red wines at the BBQ. This one impresses with its freshness, aromas of strawberry, melon, peach and citrus, along with a delicately mineral finish.
Light, dry and refreshing, it's equally delicious with grilled shrimp, barbecued vegetables or chicken and pork skewers.
Available at the SAQ - $16.10
Inniskillin Discovery Series P3
Halfway between a white, a rosé and an orange wine, Inniskillin's P3 happily blurs the lines. Made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, it offers aromas of red berries, orchard fruit and honeyed blossoms.
At the table, it pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled shrimp, summer salads or barbecued chicken.
Available at the SAQ - $24.45
Eschenhof Holzer The Natural Orange Grüner Veltliner 2024
Looking to surprise your guests? This Austrian orange wine stands apart thanks to its lightly tannic texture and flavours of mandarin, orange zest, stone fruit and sweet spices.
A distinctive bottle that's perfect alongside grilled vegetables, marinated chicken or artisanal sausages.
Available at the SAQ - $25.55 | Organic, Natural
Vignerons de Buxy Bourgogne Buissonnier
You don't always need a full-bodied red when grilling. This Burgundy Pinot Noir focuses instead on elegance, offering aromas of Morello cherry and red berries with subtle oak and delicate herbal notes.
Delicate yet far from shy, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork chops, duck or turkey skewers.
A versatile wine that's just as enjoyable at a BBQ as it is alongside a charcuterie and cheese board.
Available at the SAQ - $23.70
For Burgers, Sausages and Charcuterie
Burgers, sausages and charcuterie call for wines that can stand up to grilled flavours without overwhelming them. Fruity, balanced reds with soft tannins are often the best choice.
Cune Rioja
Not all Riojas are powerful and heavily oaked. This organic Cune offers a more modern interpretation of the appellation, focusing on fruit, freshness and elegance. Its aromas of cherry, red berries and spice make it a juicy, approachable red from the very first sip.
A perfect match for burgers, grilled sausages, pork skewers or a generous charcuterie board. Outstanding value for the price.
Available at the SAQ - $15.15 | Organic
Velenosi Il Brecciarolo Rosso Piceno Superiore
One of Velenosi's flagship wines, this blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano offers notes of black cherry, plum and spice.
Generous without feeling heavy, it's an excellent partner for burgers, Italian sausages and grilled pork chops.
Available at the SAQ - $17.15
For Steaks and Red Meat
Beef and lamb deserve wines with a little more structure. Firm yet polished tannins complement the richness of the meat and the smoky flavours from the grill.
Fattoria Montellori Moro 2021
This Tuscan red is all about generosity, offering flavours of ripe cherry, plum and spice supported by subtle oak. Rich without being overpowering, it's ideal for grilled steaks, burgers or lamb skewers.
Its generous character also makes it an excellent choice when barbecue dishes are served with bold, flavourful sauces.
Available at the SAQ - $19.95
Faustino V Rioja Reserva
Faustino V is one of Rioja's enduring classics, a benchmark wine that has stood the test of time. Dominated by Tempranillo, it reveals aromas of cherry, red berries, cocoa, sweet spices and toasted notes from barrel ageing.
Its refined structure and silky tannins make it an excellent companion for flank steak, rib steak or grilled lamb.
Available at the SAQ - $21.05
Sparkling Wines Deserve a Spot at the BBQ Too
Contrary to popular belief, sparkling wines aren't just for celebrations. Their freshness and vibrant acidity make them excellent companions for seafood, grilled chicken and even more boldly flavoured barbecue dishes.
Domaine Bergeville Le Blanc Brut 2024
Quebec now produces sparkling wines that rival many imported bottles. Crafted in the Eastern Townships using the traditional method, Domaine Bergeville's Brut Nature offers freshness, finesse and notes of citrus, apple and brioche.
An elegant sparkling wine that's equally enjoyable with seafood, grilled salmon, chicken or barbecued vegetables.
Available at the SAQ - $33.75 | Organic
Raventos i Blanc De Nit Conca del Riu Anoia 2023
Far more than just another sparkling rosé, this cuvée from Raventós i Blanc ranks among Spain's finest sparkling wines.
With notes of wild berries, a delicate saline touch and remarkable freshness, it's an ideal companion for seafood, grilled salmon, chicken skewers or simply to kick off an evening with a selection of appetizers.
Available at the SAQ - $34.75 | Organic
Which Wine Will You Choose for Your Next BBQ?
As with any food and wine pairing, there's no single right answer. The key is choosing a bottle that complements both the menu and the people gathered around your table.
Whether white, rosé, red or sparkling, every wine featured here has been personally tasted and selected to help make your summer barbecues even more enjoyable.
Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.
