Georgian Wines for Every Summer Grill

24 July 2026

There are few things more British than making the most of a sunny weekend with friends, family and a barbecue. Whether you're grilling burgers in the garden, cooking seafood by the coast or serving colourful vegetable skewers, the right wine can take the whole meal up a notch.

While classics like Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Provençal rosé often get the spotlight, Georgian wine offers something just as versatile and perhaps a little more exciting. With over 8,000 years of winemaking history and a remarkable diversity of indigenous grape varieties, Georgia has a bottle for every barbecue.

Chicken, Pork & Summer Salads

Lighter grilled meats call for crisp, refreshing whites with enough fruit to complement marinades and fresh herbs.

A Kisi made in white style is an excellent place to start. Expect notes of orchard fruit, citrus and a refreshing acidity that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork skewers, lemon marinades and fresh salads.

Find this fragrant Kisi by Teliani Valley on Ocado.

Another reliable option is Tsinandali, Georgia's classic blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, which works equally well with grilled chicken, seafood and lighter barbecue dishes.

Find this crisp Tsinandali by Teliani Valley on Ocado.

Burgers, Sausages & Steaks

Rich, smoky meat deserves a wine with plenty of character. Georgians go for amber in this case, and red is an option more familiar for the Western palate. Why not try both?

Rkatsiteli made in qvevri with skin contact is something that throws a bridge between a British backyard and a Kakhetian ezo. 

Find this amber Qvevri Rkatsiteli by Tbilvino in Majestic, or order 39 Qvevri’s juicy Rkatsiteli on Saperavi Social.

Saperavi, Georgia's flagship red grape, is naturally full-bodied, deeply coloured and packed with black cherry, blackberry and spice. Its freshness balances rich burgers, while its structure stands up to grilled steaks and Cumberland sausages.

A great choice is M&S Found Saperavi - give it a try!

Sticky Ribs & Slow-Cooked Beef

For smoky ribs coated in barbecue sauce or slow-cooked brisket, reach for an oak-aged Mukuzani.

Made exclusively from Saperavi and aged in oak, Mukuzani develops deeper notes of dark fruit, cedar, spice and cocoa, making it a natural partner for richer barbecue dishes.

Order a bottle of quality Mukuzani from the Georgian Wine Society or the Georgian Wine Guild.

Halloumi & Grilled Vegetables

Vegetarian barbecues deserve more than an afterthought.

Georgia's lighter amber wines from Imereti, fermented with part of the skins, offer gentle tannins, savoury complexity and notes of ripe fruit and herbs. They shine alongside grilled aubergines, peppers, courgettes, mushrooms and salty grilled halloumi.

At the British market, Baia’s Tsolikouri is championing this style of wine. Give it a try!

Seafood on the Grill

Grilled prawns, salmon and sea bass pair wonderfully with fresh Georgian whites.

A Tvishi, made from the Tsolikouri grape, offers bright fruit, lively acidity, gentle sweetness and enough texture to stand up to seafood cooked over charcoal.

Order a bottle of Marani Tvishi from the Georgian Wine Guild or Dugladze Tvishi from Transylvania Wine.

Rosé for Sunny Afternoons

No barbecue is complete without a chilled bottle of rosé while the coals heat up.

Georgia produces some fantastic rosés from Saperavi, combining fresh berry flavours with vibrant acidity and great structure to accompany food.

Get a bottle of the summery Blushing Memories rose on Organica Wines!

So, next time you're planning a barbecue, look beyond the usual suspects. Georgian wines don't just pair with the food, but bring centuries of winemaking tradition and a sense of discovery to every glass.

If you work in wine and you'd like to learn more about Georgian wine and successfully sell it in the UK, sign up for our trade events here!