When pairing wine with grilled and BBQ foods, there are many varietals you can try. A few of our favorites are Zinfandel, Shiraz, Gewurztraminer and Rosé. Zinfandels are great partners for smoky BBQ because they carry big fruit (which can cool down smoke and BBQ) and lots of spice (which can accentuate those same flavors) and are incredibly smooth and easy drinking. For your backyard BBQ, we recommend a hearty Zin, such as the 2005 Peachy Canyon's Westside Zin ($23.99) that is filled with sweet oak and supple tannins. Shiraz is another fine companion for BBQ because of its fruit forward nature, spicy finish and typical soft oak nuances. We like the 2004 Wakefield Shiraz/Cabernet ($14.99) blend; the black currant nose and plummy mouth feel end in a long peppery finish making it food friendly while still being great to drink on its own. It's also a perfect match for sausage with onions and peppers! Gewurztraminer is a fresh, fruity wine with a little frizzante! It smells like honeysuckle and orange zest, and the palate has a stony minerality with a slightly off-dry finish. But don't think dessert wine. Its fruitiness makes it the perfect pair to even the spiciest of cuisines. One of our favorites - 2006 Valckenburg Gewurztraminer ($12.49); try it with Blackened Salmon or Cajun Scallops.

Rosés - aahhh, what a treat. But don't think sticky sweet, which is a common misconception about these pink wines. Think beautiful red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and cherry. One of our favorites is the 2007 Crios Rosé of Malbec ($12.49). It's not only remarkable to look at, but superb will grilled chicken and potato salad! Another one of our Rosé favorites is 2007 Domaine de Fenouillet Cotes du Ventoux ($13.49).

With wine, there are many different flavor profiles that can go wonderfully with your backyard BBQ. These are just some of our favorites, but don't be intimidated to experiment on your own. For other recommendations, ask our staff. We want nothing more than to make your meal memorable.