Wines to Have While You Dine Al Fresco

by Taryn Lachter

There is something to enjoying your dinner outdoors on a warm summer night that just can’t be beaten.

A beautiful sunset, the sound of birds and crickets, and a delicious meal go so well together that the only way it can get better is with a lovely glass of wine.

In our opinion, the ideal way to dine al fresco in the summer is with your grill, and this can open up a world of possibilities in terms of your wine choice. 

There is something to enjoying your dinner outdoors on a warm summer night that just can’t be beaten. A beautiful sunset, the sound of birds and crickets, and a delicious meal go so well together that the only way it can get better is with a lovely glass of wine.

In our opinion, the ideal way to dine al fresco in the summer is with your grill, and this can open up a world of possibilities in terms of your wine choice. 

The smoky char that comes with any food prepared on the grill can give you several options. If you’re going the red meat route and have steaks going, we know a red is a great choice. The typical suggestion would be a Cabernet Sauvignon but it’s warm outside so we say go a little lighter and pick a Red Zinfandel. You don’t want to take away from the beauty that is a freshly grilled steak.

Maybe you’re having some fish – perhaps a citrusy grilled salmon? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc will be the perfect pair – citrus matched with citrus. If you’ve gone with a flavorful marinade, go with a Pinot Gris or even a chilled Gewurztraminer, especially if the fish is spicy. 

Now let’s talk about vegetables. Who doesn’t love a big tray piled with a rainbow of grilled veggies? You’ll want something truly light and refreshing since a simple grilled zucchini has a delicate flavor all on its own, so we suggest a Gruner Veltliner. If you want to keep it simple but elegant, then a Chenin Blanc.

Perhaps you’re going all out in a true summer barbeque with all of the sauced-up ribs and chicken legs! You’ll want a big bold red wine to complement your big bold bbq so head towards Australia with the Malbec or Shiraz. They each have enough body and zest to keep up with those saucy meats but won’t take over the spotlight.

And of course, when all else fails, the most outdoor-drinkable wine for summer is Rosé. A good sparkling one is also welcome any time you’re at the grill. It’s perfect for sipping while you’re doing the cooking and for enjoying a glass after cleaning up. 



FEATURED EVENTS

Crush Wine Experiences

October 23, 2021

A once-in-a-lifetime experience

Piedmont Italy: Barolo and Barbaresco tour

Oct 23 – 30, 2021
6 nights, 7 days
Milan, Barolo, Alba, and Turin

RESERVE NOW
Crush Wine Experiences

September 23, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Kotti Berliner – Food & Wine Pairing

Join us for a Virtual Food & Wine Pairing with Brooklyn’s Kotti Berliner. Explore delicious döner kebabs paired with wine. Meet Kotti founder, Erkan Emre.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

September 16, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Broadbent Selections – Portugal

Join us for a Virtual Tasting with one of America’s leading importers of high-quality Portuguese wines.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

September 2, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Cusumano Winery – Sicily, Italy

Join us for a Virtual Tasting with the maker of the #1 selling Sicilian wine in the U.S.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 26, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Kunde Family Winery

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. The Kunde family has farmed an 1,850-acre estate in Sonoma Valley for 100 years.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 19, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. Great wine starts in the vineyard.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

August 12, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Dutcher Crossing Winery

Join us for a Virtual Tasting. Distinctive and hand-crafted wines produced from award-winning vineyards.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

June 12, 2020

At Your Home

RGNY At-Home Blending Session

Be your own winemaker for a day — guided by a professional on Zoom video!

PURCHASE KIT & ZOOM TICKET
Crush Wine Experiences

May 29, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Virtual Wine & Pizza Tasting with Jamesport Vineyards

What’s better than great wine and artisanal pizza?

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 28, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Foxen Winery & Vineyard Virtual Tasting

Experience the magic of Santa Barbara wine.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 28, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Foxen Winery & Vineyard Virtual Tasting

Experience the magic of Santa Barbara wine.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 21, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Chateau Montelena Winery Virtual Tasting

This tasting will be epic.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 19, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Ridge Vineyards Virtual Tasting – Monte Bello winery

The New York Times described Ridge Monte Bello as “America’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon.”

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 18, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Tenuta di Lilliano Virtual Tasting

Very special tasting. Don’t miss it!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 15, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Pedroncelli Winery Virtual Tasting

Four Generations of Family Pride at Pedroncelli Winery, since 1927

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 14, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Provence Rosé Group Virtual Tasting

The best rosé in the world comes from Provence.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 13, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

St. Francis Winery Virtual Tasting

Voted “#1 in America” in 2013 and 2015 by Open Table customers.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 12, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Ridge Vineyards Virtual Tasting – Lytton Springs

The New York Times described Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon as America’s greatest.

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 11, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Oak Farm Vineyards Virtual Tasting

Visit the famous wine-growing region of Lodi County, California – virtually!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

May 8, 2020

Live Online Zoom Broadcast

Goldschmidt Vineyards Virtual Tasting

Visit Sonoma County – virtually!

RSVP FOR FREE
Crush Wine Experiences

April 18, 2020

Marlboro, NY

Wines & Bites!

Hudson Valley’s yummiest wine and food tasting event

GET TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

March 7, 2020

New York’s Premier Winter Wine Event

NYC Winter Wine and Food Festival

Enjoy a winter getaway without even leaving the city.

GET TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

January 19, 2020

Riverhead, NY

RG|NY Blending Session

Join RG|NY winemaker Lilia Perez, for a unique tasting and blending session.

PURCHASE TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

December 14, 2019

Ulster & Orange Counties, NY

Wreath Fineries at the Wineries

Don’t miss the ultimate holiday wine tasting event in the Hudson Valley. Sales end Thursday, Dec 12 at 11:59pm!

PURCHASE TICKETS
Crush Wine Experiences

November 14, 2019

New York, NY

Around The World In 10 Wines

Experience a global tasting in 2 hours with award-winning artisan cheese and charcuterie

PURCHASE TICKETS

RELATED WINE BLOGS

Sunday, August 4th, 2024

Top 5 Most Expensive Bottles Of Wine Ever Sold
Wine is one of the most challenging drinks to make well, due to the limited ingredients and specific growing conditions for the grapes. The best vintages have sold for high prices over the years, reflecting the care and skill involved in their creation. The winemaking process is delicate and complex, influenced by weather conditions that - Read More
Read more...
Bad wine

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

What to do With ‘Bad’ Wine
We’ve all forgotten about an open bottle of wine in the fridge door. It might seem unsalvageable, but don’t dump it down the sink just yet! Try out these useful tricks the next time an open bottle of vino is past its prime. How to Know if Wine Has Gone ‘Bad’ You pop open a - Read More
Read more...

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

It’s Not You, It’s The Dialect!
Picture yourself in Italy, soaking up the sun, enjoying a delicious espresso, and suddenly you find yourself in the middle of a conversation that sounds like a mix between a secret code and a musical performance. Welcome to Italy, where even Italians need a translator sometimes! Italy is not just one big, melodious land where - Read More
Read more...
LOAD MORE