What Wines to Drink This 4th of July

It’s true beer and cocktails have long been the go-tos for washing down burgers, sausages, ribs and chicken wings on the Fourth of July, but with more and more folks discovering grapes they love, these days, wine is just as likely to appear at an Independence Day party.

Whether you’re planning a barbecue for your nearest and dearest, watching the fireworks show from your rooftop, setting up a picnic in the park, or heading to a friend’s for the festivities, there’s no shortage of stellar wines to sip on the 4th of July.

As a winemaking country, America boasts incredible diversity and versatility in its wines—just what you’d want for classic Independence Day dishes like fried chicken, pasta salads, hot dogs and burgers.

So, look to America’s great wine regions and winemakers to bring out the best of your 4th of July fare. Our recommendations below are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

Browse our full selection of American wines.

4th of July Wines for Your Festivities

Sauvignon Blanc

You can find great-quality Sauvignon Blanc in many of the world’s top wine regions, but there’s something unique and special about Sauvignon Blanc from California, with its luscious fruity flavors.

The French grape has found a home away from home here, particularly in California. Californian Sauvignon Blanc bursts with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, unlike Sauvignon’s from Bordeaux, Loire Valley, or New Zealand, which tend to be more earthy. Look to Napa and Sonoma for the best examples. Some get a touch of oak treatment, and the grape is also sometimes blended with Semillon (as it is in Bordeaux).

Harmonious, with balanced, refreshing acidity, heady tropical and stone fruit notes, and ample citrus, California Sauvignon Blanc should be the first port of call for anyone enjoying a vegetarian option this 4th of July. Grilled bell peppers and pasta salads laden with vine-ripened tomatoes and tossed in a tangy dressing served with a glass of Sauvignon are too good to be missed.

Looking for a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc to complement your festivities? Shop our mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay appeals to a wide group of wine lovers because it’s made in a delicious array of styles.

There are two distinct, extreme Chardonnay styles.

The oaky, buttery, ripe, lush, tropical Chardonnay, tends to be produced in warmer climates such as California. The other is crisp, steely, clean and mineral-driven, with notes of citrus and orchard fruit more associated with Chardonnays produced in cooler climates such as Burgandy.

There’s a Chardonnay for any occasion, so it’s a perfect 4th of July wine. You’ll want to have a bottle or two on ice.

Chardonnays are a great wine pairing for barbecues and are delicious paired with barbecued fish. Fish is highly underrated as a barbecue food. A little grilled salmon dressed in lemon juice is a perfect, lighter choice for your next backyard grilling fest. Since salmon and other grilled fish or grilled chicken with Ceasar salads are lighter choices, look to a crisper, leaner style of Chardonnay. Oak-aged Chardonnays is the style to match bacon-wrapped scallops or buttered lobster when they’re on the menu.

Discover our range of luscious Chardonnays—perfect for your 4th of July celebrations.

Pinot Noir

The search for the ultimate hot dog wine is officially over.

Pinot Noir, especially from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or California’s Central Coast AVAs, is a legendary pairing for hot dogs and corn dogs dressed in mustard and ketchup. Wines from these slightly cooler regions have a higher acidity, and delicious ripe cherry notes, which lend themselves to that smoky, sweet/savory flavor we love in hot dogs.

Pinots go phenomenally well with other Fourth of July staples like pork ribs (or any grilled or barbecued pork, for that matter), portobello mushroom burgers, ahi tuna steaks, and salmon burgers as well. If you prefer a lighter option, fruity, ripe Pinot Noir rosés will hit the spot.

Check out our selection of Pinot Noirs.

Sparkling Wine

When it’s time to watch the fireworks, it’s impossible to go wrong with fizz.

After all, sparkling wine is made for a celebration. That bright, palate-cleansing acidity is a must with some of the heavier dishes that may appear in a Fourth of July spread. While many prefer to stick with American wines, a classic Prosecco is never out of place. Its peachy, melon, and apple notes make it a winner with everything from lobster and mac and cheese to summer fruit tarts.

Of course, there are plenty of exquisitely made traditional method bubblies to discover from the U.S., too. Often dry (‘brut’) in style, American-made sparkling wine boasts the same finesse as those from France but can be a touch riper. Check out examples from California, Oregon, and New York. That said, you can’t go wrong with Champagne, either.

P.S. Pour a glass of sparkling wine if you’re planning fried chicken on the Fourth. It’s easily one of the Top 10 greatest pairings of all time.

Help your 4th of July fireworks go with a bang with the perfect bottle of sparkling wine.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel and burgers are a match made in heaven.

Why? Its black and red fruit flavors, smoky undertones, and black pepper spice make stellar foil to the smoky flavors in a well-seasoned burger. Supple tannins and ripe fruit mean Zinfandel wines are also incredibly good with marinated meats and pork. Zinfandel enhances pork's flavor to perfection. If you’re firing up the grill this Fourth of July, California Zins make an incredible pairing with classic barbecue sauce. The like-for-like, sweet, lightly spiced notes in both sauce and wine hit all the right notes.

For a smart pairing with spicy dishes, White Zinfandel (aka “blush” to those of a certain age) is a rosé wine featuring loads of gorgeous red fruit flavors and a generous off-dry to sweet taste. Think grilled Cajun chicken, firecracker meatballs, al pastor tacos, or barbecued meats smothered in sweet sauces and marinades.

Discover your barbecue-perfect Zinfandel this 4th of July.

Tips for Serving 4th of July Wine

So, you’ve selected your wines. Now the question is...how to serve them.

First off, you’ll need to determine how many bottles of wine to order for your 4th of July gathering. Assuming you and your crew will be hanging out from early afternoon ’til the fireworks start, you’ll want to aim for one bottle per two people or one bottle per person if you’re amongst serious wine lovers. You can even order an extra bottle or two to be double sure.

Rosés and lighter reds (i.e. Pinot Noir) should be served around 55 to 60°F. Bigger reds like Zinfandel, Cabernets, or Cab blends are best at 60 to 65°F. Most white wines should be served between 45 and 50°F. As for bubbles? Keep it to 40 to 45°F.

Chill whites, rosés and sparkling wines ahead of time, about two to three hours before you plan to serve them. Need to chill your wine more quickly? Simply mix 50/50 ice and water in a cooler and plunge the bottles into the ice bath for 10 to 15 minutes.

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