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Backyard Barbecue Pairings

As the days get longer, something that so many in Newfoundland and Labrador look forward to is a summer barbecue. Whether you are getting together with a few friends or planning a gathering with the whole family, you’ll want refreshing and flavourful drink pairings that augment the smoky, savoury, and occasional spicy flavours of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables that are staples in barbecue fare.

Published on
July 7, 2024

When looking for the right pairing for your next barbecue, match the intensity and flavours of the dishes with characteristics of the drinks. We offer a wide range of options to enhance your barbecue experience, including beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Many of us look forward to the pre-grilling duties, such as gathering and preparing the ingredients, as well as enjoying aperitifs that set the stage for the feast. Ideal aperitifs include light and refreshing beverages that whet the appetite and stimulate hunger. Clean and crisp beers, fun and fruity cocktails, and light-bodied white and sparkling wines are perfect choices to kick off your barbecue.

Grilling imparts a unique taste and texture to food, so it’s essential to choose beverages that can stand up to this popular cooking method. Oak-aged wines typically have the weight and flavor profile to pair nicely with grilled vegetables, as well as white and red meats. When serving grilled red meats, we suggest bold, fruity reds with dark fruit flavors and a spicy, peppery finish, such as the Tom Gore Vineyards Farmers Blend.

For lighter dishes like vegetables and seafood, it’s important to select wines that won’t overpower their delicate flavors. A great option is the 19 Crimes Sauvignon Blanc, which features high mouth-watering acidity and fruity citrus notes, enhancing your next grilled seafood or vegetarian course.

Barbecuing is a beloved pastime that brings people together, and the right beverages can really elevate the experience. With the diverse selection of beer, wine, spirits, and RTDs, you’ll find the perfect pairings for any barbecue dish. Gather your ingredients, your favourite beverages and fire up the grill for a memorable backyard barbecue.