The Best Wines for Grilled Seafood (Yes, You Can Drink Red)

The Grill & the Glass Series, Part 2 of 5

There's a rule in the wine world that goes something like: white wine with fish, red wine with meat. And like most rules, it's a starting point — not a law. Because when you put seafood on a grill, something magical happens. The smoke, the char, the caramelization — suddenly your delicate piece of salmon has opinions. And those opinions sometimes call for a light red.

We're here for all of it. Let's talk grilled seafood and the wines that make it sing.

What Grilling Does to Seafood (And Why It Changes Everything)

Raw fish is delicate. Grilled fish is bold. The Maillard reaction — that beautiful browning that happens when protein hits high heat — creates depth of flavor that changes the pairing equation entirely. A lightly poached salmon wants a delicate Pinot Gris. A salmon fillet with grill marks and a miso glaze? That's a different conversation.

The same goes for shrimp, scallops, swordfish, and tuna. The grill adds a layer of complexity that opens the door to wines with more body, more texture, and yes — sometimes a little tannin.

The Wines We're Pouring

For Grilled Shrimp + Scallops

The 2025 Bodega Garzon Albaríno Reserva, Maldonado, Uruguay — $28.00 is your go-to. Albaríno is practically engineered for seafood — it's the grape they drink on the coast of Galicia, Spain, where the Atlantic breeze and the seafood are both legendary. This sustainably farmed Uruguayan version brings citrus zest, stone fruit, and a saline minerality that makes grilled shrimp taste like a vacation. Family-owned, sustainably farmed, and absolutely stunning.

For Grilled Salmon

Two options, depending on your mood. If you want to stay in the white wine lane, the 2024 Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa — $13.99 (Black-owned, Fair Trade) brings the herbaceous brightness that cuts through salmon's richness beautifully. But if you're feeling adventurous — and we hope you are — try the 2023 MNW OPP "Other People's Pinot Noir," Washington — $23.00. Black-owned, silky, and light enough to complement rather than overpower. Grilled salmon with Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for a reason. This bottle just makes it more fun.

For Grilled Swordfish + Tuna Steaks

These are the "meaty" fish — the ones that can handle a little more wine. Enter the 2024 Villiera Jasmine, Western Cape Blend, South Africa — $18.00. This woman-owned, aromatic white blend — Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Muscat, Muscatel — has enough body and perfume to stand up to a swordfish steak without overwhelming it. It's floral, slightly exotic, and the kind of wine that makes people lean in and say, "What is that?" Tell them it's from a woman winemaker in South Africa. Watch their eyes light up.

For the Seafood Boil Situation

If you're doing a full seafood spread — crab legs, lobster tails, corn, potatoes — you need something celebratory. The NV BIDO Sparkling Brut Rosé, Loire Valley, France — $26.99 is a Black-owned, woman-owned sparkling rosé that brings the party energy your seafood boil deserves. Bubbles, bright red fruit, and a dry finish that refreshes between every bite. This is the bottle that makes the whole table feel like a celebration.

The Seafood Pairing Cheat Sheet

• Shrimp + scallops → Albaríno
• Grilled salmon → Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir
• Swordfish + tuna → Aromatic white blend
• Seafood boil → Sparkling Brut Rosé

Don't Forget

Free shipping on 6 bottles or more. Mix your seafood wines with the rest of the series and ship them all at once. Your future self — the one standing at the grill with a glass in hand — will thank you. 🚚🍷

Shop the BBQ & Grilling Wines Collection →

Explore More Summer Wine Collections

Not done shopping for summer? We've got you covered. Browse all of our warm-weather wine picks:

• Top 20+ Summer Wines | Best Picks for BBQs & Picnics — Our most popular summer picks, all in one place.
  
• Limited Wine Box Series — The Summer Sizzle Box — A limited-edition box built for the season.