The Perfect Summer BBQ + Wine Pairing Guide - From Tolosa Winery in the heart of the Edna Valley
The Perfect Summer BBQ + Wine Pairing Guide
From Tolosa Winery in the heart of the Edna Valley
Summer is BBQ season—a time to gather friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy great food and even better wine under the summer sun. Hosting a summer BBQ that’s relaxed, memorable, and wine-worthy takes a bit of planning, luckily, at Tolosa Winery, we’ve put together our top tips for effortless entertaining before diving into the perfect wine and food pairings.
Tips for Hosting a Seamless Summer BBQ
- Keep it simple. Choose a few standout dishes rather than a sprawling menu. Focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Create a flow. Set up drink and appetizer stations away from the grill to avoid traffic jams and let guests mingle.
- Chill your wine. Whites should be ice cold (45–50°F), and reds slightly chilled (55–60°F) to keep things refreshing.
- Offer variety. Include vegetarian or pescatarian options, and a mix of dry rubs, marinades, and sauces.
- Set the mood. Think string lights, a curated playlist, and compostable plates and napkins for easy cleanup.
- Hydrate and shade. Keep water stations and shady seating available to ensure everyone stays cool and safe.
Now that you’ve got the hosting basics down, let’s talk wine. Here are the top Tolosa pairings for your summer grill menu—from seafood skewers to slow-cooked ribs.
Wine & BBQ Pairing: Match Intensity
Think of pairing wine and grilled food like a dance—both partners need to bring their energy. Smoky meats crave wines with structure. Zesty seafood calls for vibrant acidity. And Tolosa has just the bottles to bring balance and brilliance to your cookout spread.
Pinot Noir 2022
San Luis Obispo Coast
Bright Fruit | Earthy | Balanced
Pair With:
- BBQ chicken with a cherry-chipotle glaze
- Grilled pork tenderloin
- Cedar-plank salmon
- Fire-roasted mushrooms or grilled beet skewers
Why it Works: This Pinot Noir is a flavor chameleon—its ripe cherry and earthy tea notes hold up to savory glazes and grilled proteins without overpowering. The light body keeps things refreshing in the summer heat.
Recipe Link: BBQ Chicken with Cherry-Chipotle Sauce
Retail: $74
Club: $59.20
PURCHASE
Retail: $157
Club: Pricing subject to club tier and promotion. Inquire >>
Primera Pinot Noir 2022 (Library Selection)
Edna Ranch - San Luis Obispo Coast
Sophisticated | Savory-Sweet | Fruit-Focused Finish
Pair With:
- Dry-rubbed baby back ribs
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
- Stuffed portobello mushrooms with goat cheese and herbs
- Smoked brisket sliders
Why it Works: A celebration wine that belongs at the head of the table, Primera brings rich cherry, clove, and red licorice together in a polished finish. It complements slow-cooked or spice-forward BBQ with grace and depth—like pairing poetry with fire.
Recipe Link: Grilled baby-back ribs
Sauvignon Blanc 2024
San Luis Obispo Coast
Zippy | Citrus-Driven | Crisp Finish
Pair With:
- Citrus-marinated grilled shrimp skewers
- Grilled halibut tacos with mango salsa
- Lemon-herb chicken thighs
- Grilled asparagus with feta and lemon zest
Why it Works: This Sauvignon Blanc’s pink grapefruit and tangerine notes are sunshine in a glass. Its bright acidity and lifted finish slice beautifully through smoky, charred edges—like a squeeze of lemon on your favorite seafood.
Recipe Link: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lime Marinade
Retail: $50
Club: $40
Bonus Tips for the Ultimate BBQ & Wine Party
- Set up a “wine flight” station to let guests try multiple pairings.
- Provide sustainable dishware and compost bins to keep the vibe eco-conscious—just like our winemaking practices.
- Always have plenty of water, shade, and non-alcoholic options for a safe, inclusive gathering.
Tolosa BBQ Trio
Retail: $281 / 3-pack
Special Pricing: $196 / 3-pack
Stock up for your next cookout. All three wines are available now at our tasting room and online. As always, wine club members receive exclusive savings!
Your Summer Starts Here
At Tolosa, we believe wine is meant to be shared—especially when there’s grilled food, laughter, and long golden evenings involved. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, these pairings promise to make your BBQs unforgettable.
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Cheers to a delicious summer!