For camping, pack California Zinfandel, Italian Pinot Grigio, Albariño and Australian Shiraz; each suits campfire food, from burgers and ribs to grilled fish. Choose screw-cap bottles: they reseal easily and you will not need a corkscrew.
Sitting around the campfire, looking at the stars, with a great glass of wine: is there anything better on a warm summer evening? Here are our favorite wines for camping, the camping-friendly foods to pair with each, and a few tips for bringing wine into the great outdoors.
At a glance
California Zinfandel: burgers, BBQ pork ribs, grilled sausage.
Italian Pinot Grigio: trout, light grilled fish, chips and salsa.
Albariño: fish tacos, clams, oysters, mussels, carne asada tacos.
Australian Shiraz: steaks, chicken and beef skewers, grilled vegetables.
Pack screw caps, keep wine in the ice chest, and bring insulated tumblers.
1. California Zinfandel
Ripe, jammy fruit and peppery spice make Zinfandel an easy choice for your next outdoor adventure. Zins from California often have a higher alcohol content and can taste great slightly chilled, which makes them perfect for storing in the cooler.
They are a great pairing for grilled burgers and BBQ pork ribs. Zinfandel also suits some of the funkier flavors you might bring on your trip: try it with a grilled sausage and sauerkraut.
Refreshing acidity and bright citrus flavors are hallmarks of Italian Pinot Grigio and make it an ideal white wine for camping in warm weather. Because it is often quite affordable, it is a natural choice for buying in larger quantities and bringing on the road.
If you plan to fish, Pinot Grigio is a great pairing for freshly caught trout and other light grilled fish. It also goes with snacks like chips and salsa, where its lighter body and zingy acidity balance salty flavors.
With minerality and crisp citrus and stone fruit flavors, Albariño is a summer favorite and an ideal camping wine. This coastal wine goes well with other coastal flavors. Try it with grilled fish tacos, or if you are camping on the beach, pour a glass with a clam bake, fresh oysters or campfire mussels.
It also complements carne asada tacos with green salsa and onions, as its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. For more on the style, see our guide to Albariño from Rías Baixas.
Australian Shiraz has its own personality, with flavors and aromas of intense blackberry, fruitcake, menthol, tobacco leaf and umami. It pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables of all kinds, which makes it a perfect wine to take camping.
Try it with chicken or beef skewers with vegetables, or throw steaks or chicken breasts on the grill for a smoky pairing. The intense fruit balances the charred flavors of the meat, and the wine's tannin cuts through fattier cuts and rich sauces.
Barossa, South Australia, Australia ● Syrah/Shiraz
92 Wine Spectator
$23.97
$23.97
5. Tips for Camping with Wine
Shoot for a screw top.Screw caps are easier to secure after opening, and many camping favorites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and others) come standard with them. Plus, there is no need to remember a corkscrew.
Send your wine ahead and pick it up on the way. With Wine.com's local pickup option, you can ship your camping wine to a pickup location and collect it on your way. You will not waste room in the car, and on extended road trips you can keep ordering as you go and pick up at your next stop.
Have the right accessories. Insulated tumblers and bottles, picnic totes and, yes, a corkscrew make a camping trip easier and your wine more enjoyable. Keep a few staples in the car or your camp kit.
Do not be afraid of a little ice. It is hard to keep wine at the right temperature when camping. Put it in the ice chest, or enjoy your whites à la piscine (with an ice cube in the glass) to cool them down. For more, see how to chill wine fast.
Camping Wine Questions, Answered
What wine is best for camping?
California Zinfandel, Italian Pinot Grigio, Albariño and Australian Shiraz all pair well with campfire and cookout food.
Should I bring screw-cap wine camping?
Yes. Screw caps are easier to secure after opening, and many camping favorites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir come with them, so no corkscrew is needed.
What wine goes with grilled fish while camping?
Pinot Grigio for trout and other light grilled fish; Albariño for fish tacos, clams, oysters or mussels.
What wine goes with burgers and ribs at a cookout?
California Zinfandel, whose ripe, jammy fruit and peppery spice suit grilled burgers and BBQ pork ribs.
How do you keep wine cold while camping?
Keep it in the ice chest, or add an ice cube to a glass of white wine (à la piscine).
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California ● Zinfandel
California ● Zinfandel
