Summer in Birmingham means backyard cookouts, afternoons by the pool, fresh seafood, porch dinners, and gathering with family and friends long after the sun goes down. Whether you’re grilling burgers, picking up fried chicken on the way to the lake, or planning a seafood dinner at home, the right bottle of wine can make every meal even better.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, voted Best Place to Buy Wine in Birmingham by the readers of About Town for eight consecutive years, Birmingham Wine Specialist Scott Atkinson helps shoppers find wines that fit the occasion instead of overcomplicating the decision.
From sparkling wines to refreshing rosés and versatile white wines, here are some of Scott’s favorite recommendations for enjoying summer around Birmingham.
Sparkling Wine Belongs at More Than Celebrations
Many people think of sparkling wine only for holidays or special occasions, but Scott encourages shoppers to keep a bottle chilled all summer long.
“Sparkling wine is way more versatile than people think.”
Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio, bringing appetizers to a neighborhood gathering, or looking for something refreshing on a warm evening, sparkling wine fits surprisingly well.
It’s especially good with some of summer’s favorite foods.
“Fried foods love sparkling wine.”
From fried chicken and fried shrimp to onion rings and appetizers, the bubbles help complement crispy, flavorful dishes.
When you’re unsure what everyone will be eating, Scott keeps the recommendation simple.
“If you don’t know anything else about the food or anything, sparkling.”
A bottle of sparkling wine is one of the easiest crowd-pleasers to bring to any summer gathering.
Discover the best wines for summer by pairing crisp, high-acid white wines with seafood, fresh vegetables, and light seasonal dishes for a refreshing outdoor dining experience.
Rosé Is Made for Alabama Summers
Rosé has become a summer favorite for good reason.
“Rose is more versatile than I think a lot of people realize.”
Rosé feels just as comfortable beside burgers on the patio as it does with grilled chicken, fresh salads, charcuterie boards, or lighter pasta dishes. It’s an easy choice for afternoons by the pool, evenings on the porch, or dinner with neighbors.
Keeping a bottle of rosé chilled in the refrigerator means you’re always ready for an impromptu cookout or a relaxing evening outside.
Dry Riesling and Crisp White Wines Keep Summer Simple
When Birmingham temperatures climb, lighter white wines become easy companions for warm-weather meals.
Scott is especially quick to recommend one style.
“Dry Riesling… is very, very versatile.”
Dry Riesling pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, spicy foods, and many lighter summer dinners. It’s approachable enough for newer wine drinkers while offering plenty of character for longtime wine lovers.
Other crisp white wines are also excellent choices for summer entertaining, especially when you’re serving fresh seasonal meals and looking for bottles that stay refreshing from the first course to the last.
Seafood and Summer Go Hand in Hand
Fresh seafood is a staple of Alabama summers, and Scott has favorite pairings that make choosing wine easy.
“Scallops, sparkling wine, shrimp cocktail, champagne.”
Whether you’re grilling shrimp, serving oysters, enjoying crab cakes, or preparing a seafood dinner at home, sparkling wines are a natural fit.
For lighter seafood dishes, Scott points shoppers toward white wines.
“Flaky fishes… white wines with some acidity.”
A crisp white wine complements delicate seafood without overpowering it, making it an excellent choice for grilled fish, snapper, grouper, or other flaky catches.
Make The Pig Your Summer Wine Stop
Whether you’re filling the cooler for a weekend at the lake, planning a backyard cookout, hosting friends on the patio, or putting seafood on the table, the wine department at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham has bottles for every summer occasion.
Scott Atkinson and The Pig’s wine team are ready to help you choose wines that fit your menu, your budget, and your gathering.
Browse the selection anytime at Pig Wine Online.
You can also stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham and ask for a recommendation before your next cookout or dinner party. We’ll help you find the right bottle for every summer meal.
For more inspiration, explore our Wine Pairing Guide, Shop by Taste, and Best Wines by Occasion resources.
Stock your cooler, patio, and dinner table with great wine this summer from The Pig. #thepigbham