15 Trader Joe’s Best Wines for BBQs and Outdoor Parties

There’s nothing better than a BBQ or outdoor party with great food, good company, and the perfect wine to tie it all together. Whether you’re grilling up some steaks, serving seafood, or just hanging out with friends, having the right wine can really elevate the vibe. Trader Joe’s is a fantastic place to find affordable, quality wines that match any outdoor occasion. From refreshing whites to bold reds, and even a few bubbly options, there’s something for every taste. Here’s a handpicked list of some of the best wines from Trader Joe’s to keep your next BBQ or outdoor party going strong.

Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello

This bold red wine from Southern Italy is a hidden gem at Trader Joe’s. Its deep berry and cherry notes make it perfect for pairing with grilled meats at a BBQ. The slightly spicy finish enhances the smoky flavors of barbecue dishes. Its boldness complements dishes like ribs and burgers, creating a delightful balance. The wine’s rich texture ensures it stands up to hearty grilled flavors. Additionally, at under $11, it’s a fantastic choice for casual outdoor gatherings.

Epicuro Nero d’Avola

This Sicilian wine is a great choice for BBQs due to its rich, fruity profile and balanced acidity. Nero d’Avola has notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and a touch of spice, making it ideal for smoky BBQ dishes. Its medium-bodied structure allows it to pair well with both red meats and grilled vegetables. The smooth finish is perfect for sipping under the sun during a summer cookout. Priced affordably, it’s a great option for casual parties, offering excellent value for money. It also has just the right amount of tannins to cleanse the palate between bites.

Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco Superiore

For those who enjoy sparkling wines, Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco Superiore is a fantastic choice. This Italian Prosecco is light and bubbly, making it a great option for pre-dinner toasts or pairing with grilled appetizers like shrimp skewers. The wine has fresh, fruity flavors with notes of pear and citrus, and the bubbles add a festive touch to any gathering. Its crisp finish refreshes the palate, making it perfect for a warm summer BBQ. This Prosecco pairs especially well with lighter fare, but its versatility makes it suitable for all courses.

Espiral Vinho Verde

Espiral Vinho Verde is a Portuguese white wine known for its light, effervescent nature. With subtle notes of green apple, lime, and a touch of minerality, it’s perfect for outdoor parties in warm weather. Its low alcohol content makes it ideal for long afternoons in the sun. The slight fizz adds a fun, refreshing twist, and it pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, light salads, and even spicy BBQ fare. Best of all, it’s incredibly affordable, making it easy to stock up for large gatherings.

Cecilia Beretta Prosecco

This Italian Prosecco is a festive and bubbly option perfect for outdoor parties and BBQs. Its light, crisp profile with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus makes it a refreshing choice for summer gatherings. The bubbles add a celebratory feel, making it ideal for toasting or serving alongside appetizers. Its versatility allows it to pair well with a range of BBQ dishes, from grilled shrimp to fruit salads. At just under $10, it’s an affordable sparkling wine that impresses with quality and flavor.

Villa Cerrina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a medium-bodied Italian red wine with notes of cherries, plums, and a hint of spice. It pairs well with grilled meats, sausages, and even BBQ pizza, thanks to its balance of fruitiness and acidity. The soft tannins make it an approachable red, even for casual wine drinkers, and its versatility ensures it complements a variety of dishes. It’s a great value wine that brings a touch of rustic Italian charm to any outdoor gathering. Its smooth, easy-drinking nature makes it a BBQ staple.

Reserve Brut Rosé North Coast

This sparkling wine offers a fun, bubbly option for summer BBQs. With delicate flavors of red berries and a crisp, clean finish, it’s perfect for casual sipping outdoors. The effervescence adds a refreshing touch, making it ideal for hot days and light appetizers. It pairs well with grilled seafood, chicken, or even fresh salads. Its affordability and festive nature make it a great choice for celebratory outdoor events. Plus, its pink hue adds a pop of color to any summer table.

Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve

This French red blend is an excellent option for more robust BBQ dishes like grilled lamb or sausages. With flavors of blackberry, herbs, and a touch of spice, it’s a bold wine that can stand up to smoky and spicy flavors. The tannins are well-structured, giving it a smooth yet robust finish. Its earthy undertones complement the charred flavors of BBQ, enhancing the overall dining experience. This wine is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional red wine during outdoor gatherings.

Broc Cellars Love Red

Broc Cellars Love Red is a natural wine from California, known for its vibrant red fruit flavors and low tannins. It’s a blend of Carignan, Valdiguié, and Syrah, which results in a light, juicy red wine that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken or grilled vegetables. This wine is unfiltered and minimally processed, allowing the true flavors of the grapes to shine through. It’s slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment during outdoor parties. Its light, fruity profile is a refreshing change from heavier reds, making it ideal for warmer weather.

Cecilia Beretta Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

This Italian Prosecco offers elegance at an affordable price, around $10. It’s a dry sparkling wine with delicate bubbles and flavors of green apple and lemon zest, making it a perfect companion for lighter grilled dishes like seafood or salads. The wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of grilled meats, providing a refreshing balance. Its smooth, clean finish makes it a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both casual and more formal BBQ events. With its vibrant fizz, it’s also an excellent option for toasting at outdoor celebrations. Its versatility makes it a staple for summer parties.

Montpellier Viognier

This Viognier from California offers rich, fruity flavors of peach, apricot, and a touch of honeysuckle. It’s a great match for grilled chicken or pork, as well as seafood. At around $11, it’s an affordable white wine with a lush, full-bodied profile. Viognier is known for its aromatic intensity, and this bottle lives up to that reputation, offering a bouquet of floral and stone fruit aromas. Its slightly creamy texture adds depth to grilled dishes, making it a great pairing for richer flavors. This wine’s balanced acidity keeps it refreshing, making it a versatile choice for outdoor dining.

Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé

For those who prefer a richer, more robust rosé, Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé from France is an excellent choice. It offers flavors of ripe red berries, watermelon, and a touch of spice, making it a great pairing for grilled pork or chicken. Priced around $8.99, it’s a more substantial rosé that can stand up to heartier BBQ dishes. Tavel rosés are known for their deep color and fuller body, and this wine is no exception. Its rich fruit flavors and dry finish make it a great option for those who want a rosé with more complexity. It’s perfect for both casual and more formal outdoor gatherings.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling

For those who prefer white wine at their BBQs, Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is a fantastic option. It offers crisp flavors of apple, peach, and lime, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a great match for grilled chicken or seafood. Priced around $9.99, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a high-quality Riesling. The wine’s natural acidity helps cleanse the palate, making it ideal for pairing with rich, smoky BBQ flavors. Its light, fruity character is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day, and its clean, dry finish keeps it refreshing and enjoyable throughout the meal.

La Granja 360 Tempranillo

La Granja 360 Tempranillo is a Spanish red wine with bright cherry and plum flavors, balanced by soft tannins and a hint of spice. It’s a fantastic match for grilled sausages, burgers, or even BBQ ribs. Priced at around $4, it’s an exceptional value for a wine with this level of complexity and smoothness. Tempranillo is known for its versatility with grilled meats, and this wine is no different. Its medium body and balanced acidity allow it to complement a wide range of BBQ dishes. Whether you’re hosting a casual cookout or a more refined outdoor dinner, this wine is sure to please.

Picket Fence Chardonnay

Picket Fence Chardonnay from California is a classic white wine choice for those who enjoy buttery, oak-aged Chardonnays. It offers flavors of ripe pear, apple, and a touch of vanilla, with a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Priced around $9.99, this wine provides a luxurious experience at an affordable price. Its rich mouthfeel and balanced acidity make it a versatile option for BBQs, particularly with richer foods like creamy potato salad or buttery grilled corn. The wine’s smooth, velvety finish ensures it will be a hit at any summer party.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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