The Ultimate Labor Day Wine Guide: 4 Crowd-Pleasers That Won’t Break the Bank

August is here, and with it comes the bittersweet feeling that summer’s golden days are numbered. But before we trade our swimsuits for sweaters, there’s one last, glorious long weekend to celebrate: Labor Day.

It’s the grand finale of the barbecue season, the last official hurrah for patio parties and poolside lounging. Whether you’re hosting the whole neighborhood or heading to a friend’s cookout, the question is always the same: “What wine should I bring?”

You need something that can handle a chaotic menu of burgers, grilled chicken, pasta salads, and whatever else shows up. You need a wine that will please both your picky father-in-law and your trend-chasing cousin. And, in the spirit of Wine Bounty, you need it to be an incredible value.

Forget the guesswork. This is your ultimate guide to the four types of wine you need for the perfect Labor Day bash.

1. The Can’t-Miss Crisp White: Sauvignon Blanc

Before the heavy-hitting food comes out, you need a wine that’s pure refreshment. Sauvignon Blanc is the answer. With its zesty grapefruit and lime flavors and mouth-watering acidity, it’s the perfect white to sip while standing around the grill or pairing with lighter fare like grilled chicken, salads, and veggie skewers.

• Your Mission: Skip the expensive Sancerre for the weekend crowd.
• The Bounty: Look for bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley’s Touraine region in France, or grab a consistently zesty and affordable bottle from Chile. You’ll get all the refreshment for a wallet-friendly $12-$18.

2. The Essential Pink Drink: A Food-Friendly Rosé

You can’t have a summer party without rosé. But for a BBQ, you need one with a bit more personality than the super-light Provençal styles. A rosé with good fruit and a touch of body will stand up to smoky flavors and a wider variety of foods.

• Your Mission: Find a rosé that does more than just look pretty.
• The Bounty: Look for a dry Rosado from Spain (regions like Navarra are fantastic) or a darker-hued rosé from the Languedoc in France. These wines have vibrant strawberry and cherry notes that are perfect with everything from grilled salmon to hot dogs. Expect to pay just $13-$20 for a bottle that punches way above its weight.

3. The “Chillable” Red Everyone Will Love: Gamay or a Spanish Garnacha

This is the secret weapon for a hot day when you still crave a red wine. You need a red with plenty of fruit, low tannins, and bright acidity that not only pairs with burgers and ribs but actually tastes better with a slight chill.

• Your Mission: Avoid big, heavy, oaky reds that will feel sluggish in the heat.
• The Bounty: Your top choice is a Cru Beaujolais (look for Morgon or Fleurie on the label). Made from the Gamay grape, it’s bursting with fresh berry flavors. Alternatively, a young Spanish Garnacha (without a lot of oak) is juicy, spicy, and incredibly versatile. Pop either of these in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. For $15-$25, you’ll have the most popular bottle at the party.

4. The Surprise Hit: Dry Lambrusco

Want to really impress your friends? Bring a bottle of dry Lambrusco. Forget the sweet stuff from the past; authentic Lambrusco from Italy is a dry, fizzy red wine with lively notes of dark cherry and wild berries.

• Your Mission: Bring the bottle that gets everyone talking.
• The Bounty: Served chilled, its bubbles and acidity are the ultimate foils for fatty, rich foods like Italian sausages, ribs, or a cheesy burger. It’s fun, it’s different, and at $15-$20, it’s one of the best value food-pairing wines in the world. Look for “Secco” (dry) or “Semisecco” (off-dry) on the label.

With this lineup, you’re not just bringing wine; you’re bringing the perfect answer to every possible taste and dish. Have a wonderful and delicious Labor Day weekend!