Say goodbye to summer (almost!) and hello to a shifting season with festive food that can be cooked and enjoyed outdoors. To drink, bring out the zippy white wines, ripe berry-forward reds, refreshing pinks, and adventurous chillable reds from South America, Texas, California, Portugal and Australia!

Bread & Butter Wines, California

Affordable and versatile, Bread & Butter’s 2022 red blend is an indulgent barbecue and burger favorite, while its 2023 pinot noir is lighter and shines with a quick chill.

Juggernaut Wines, California

Pop open a magnum of palate thrilling Juggernaut Sonoma Coast chardonnay sporting a fun shark art label to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws. If grilling steak, like Juggernaut’s signature Coffee Rubbed Porterhouse Steak, pour the 2022 Hillside cabernet sauvignon with concentrated flavors to match.

Une Femme, California

Poolside, beach side or lake side, portable wines are the ticket, and approachable Une Femme is proving that canned wines can be terrific. You can’t go wrong with any varietal including sparkling brut (The Betty), sparkling rose brut (The Callie), chardonnay, or the new red blend.

Trapiche Medalla 2023 Chardonnay, Mendoza Argentina

Here’s a full-bodied, tropical chardonnay that isn’t too oaky. Anticipate delightful flavor notes of apricot, hazelnut and lemon cream that compliments shrimp, chimichurri grilled chicken, and pasta with complex sauces. For red, consider the food friendly Trapiche Tesoro 2023 malbec.

Pullman Market 2024 Texas Rosé

Crafted for Pullman Market in San Antonio, this dazzling hued wine is made from Mourvèdre and cinsault grapes grown in the Texas High Plains. Pullman Market wine director Ali Schmidt calls the bright rosé “easy drinking with everything from tacos to a day at the pool.”

Yering Station Paddock Rise 2022 Shiraz, Australia

This delightful shiraz (with a dash of fragrant viognier) from the Yarra Valley has a palate of dense flavors including dark cherries, black peppercorns and star anise. The plush structure and ripe tannins play nicely with blue cheese, grilled mushrooms, and barbecue ribs.

Quinta Nova 2024 Rosé, Douro Portugal

Here’s a modern rosé blend with compelling texture and mouthwatering acidity. The intense red fruit notes are a hallmark of the Douro’s bright sunshine, and the mineral profile, focus, and freshness are a credit to the winemaking team. Enjoy it with a watermelon and feta salad or just about anything!

Rombauer 2023 Zinfandel, California

With a cherry jam and blackberry bouquet, rich body, and balanced acidity, no wonder this zinfandel is Rombauer’s most popular red. Its peppery notes make it a perfect match for grilled fare like burgers and smoked brisket with spicy barbecue sauce.

Cline Family Cellars, California

Cline’s huge award-winning portfolio of wine is worth exploring. Its 2018 Big Break Grenache is a powerful red with flavors that beg for barbecue – think tart cherry, tasty vanilla oak and eucalyptus mint (right now, it is 40% off). The annual Sonoma Wine Celebration, Sept. 18-20, will be held on Cline’s beautiful property – don’t miss it!

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva 2023 Chardonnay, Mendoza Argentina

A perfect pairing with grilled lobster skewers and vegetables, this creamy chardonnay offers a vibrant balance of tropical fruit, citrus zest, stone fruit and a kiss of oak.

Imagery Estate Winery 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, California

Here’s a refreshing white with notes of lemon zest and grapefruit to sip alongside grilled fish or herb marinated chicken. Don’t let the screw closure fool you – your guests will think it tastes more expensive than its $17 price point.

Proyecto Las Compuertas Criolla Chica 2024 

From organically farmed vines in Las Compuertas, this small-lot, vegan-friendly red features notes of ripe just-picked strawberries, bright acidity, and a citrus-tinged finish. Naturally fermented and aged in unlined concrete eggs, it’s refreshing, authentic, and amazing slightly chilled.

Zuccardi 2023 Malbec, Mendoza Argentina

Argentinean wines naturally pair with an asado’s wood-fired grilled meats, and right now the South American wine scene is more exciting than ever. This value-packed medium-bodied malbec flaunts youthful aromas of plum, chopped herbs and lavender with full, ripe tannins.

Frank Family Vineyards 2023 Napa Valley Zinfandel

Count on this impressive “Goldilocks” wine to take you from summer’s ripe tomatoes with grilled crostini to fall’s first meat roasts with its peppery and jam-nuanced ripe dark fruit, luscious body, and firm tannin profile.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo courtesy Rombauer Vineyards

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living, BestWineries and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.