Fall in Birmingham means football Saturdays, backyard barbecues, Sunday dinners with family, and cooler evenings that make it the perfect time to open something new. As grills stay hot and holiday gatherings begin to fill the calendar, autumn is all about choosing wines that work with the way you actually cook and entertain.
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 encourages shoppers to think beyond the label and start with the meal.
His first question is simple: “How are you making it?”
That approach makes finding the right bottle easier, whether you’re planning a tailgate, roasting dinner at home, or stocking up for friends coming over to watch the game.
Tailgates, Barbecue, and Birmingham Football Weekends
Football season is one of the best reasons to explore bold, food-friendly wines. Tailgates often feature smoked meats, burgers, ribs, sausage, wings, and barbecue—all with different seasonings that influence the best pairing.
Scott’s advice is to focus on the preparation.
“The preparation, the herbs, the recipe. All of that indicates.”
For barbecue, one wine stands above the rest.
“Barbecue is the uniquely American food. Zinfandel is the uniquely American wine.”
The rich fruit, peppery spice, and generous body of Zinfandel stand up beautifully to smoked meats, burgers, ribs, and pulled pork.
When Alabama barbecue is on the menu, Scott doesn’t hesitate.
“Alabama stuff… Memphis dry rub, Zinfandel, Zinfandel, Zinfandel.”
Before heading to your next tailgate, stop by The Pig and ask the wine team which Zinfandel best matches what’s going on your grill.
Roast Chicken, Pork, and Cozy Fall Dinners
As temperatures cool, weeknight dinners often shift toward roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, casseroles, and comfort foods. Rather than choosing wine based solely on the main ingredient, Scott recommends looking at the complete recipe.
“So again, it all depends on the recipe.”
A roasted chicken with fresh herbs may call for something entirely different than chicken covered in a creamy sauce. Pork with apples brings out different flavors than pork with barbecue seasoning. The herbs, sauces, and cooking method all influence the best pairing.
That’s why Scott starts every recommendation with the recipe instead of simply asking whether you’re serving chicken, pork, or beef.
Italian Reds Make Fall Easy
If you’re looking for one category that works with a wide variety of autumn meals, Scott recommends Italian reds.
“Italian reds are way more versatile.”
Many Italian wines naturally balance bright acidity with moderate body, making them excellent partners for pasta, pizza, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and hearty weeknight dinners. They’re flexible enough to move from casual family meals to dinner with guests without missing a beat.
Whether you’re serving baked pasta after a Friday night football game or enjoying Sunday dinner with family, Italian reds are dependable bottles to keep on hand throughout the season.
Sparkling Wine Isn’t Just for Celebrations
As holiday gatherings begin to fill the calendar, don’t overlook sparkling wine.
“Sparkling wine is way more versatile than people think.”
Sparkling wines pair well with appetizers, fried foods, charcuterie boards, seafood, roasted poultry, and even many traditional holiday dishes. They’re equally at home before dinner as they are throughout the meal.
Scott also reminds shoppers that wine does more than simply match food.
“It’s also a condiment to the experience.”
The right bottle brings people together, complements the meal, and helps make gatherings feel just a little more special.
Make The Pig Your Weekend Wine Stop
Whether you’re planning a football tailgate, firing up the grill one more time before cooler weather settles in, cooking pasta for the family, or getting ready for holiday entertaining, the wine department at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham makes choosing the right bottle simple.
Scott Atkinson and The Pig’s wine team are ready to help you find wines that fit your menu, your budget, and your weekend plans.
Browse the selection anytime at Pig Wine Online.
You can also stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham before the weekend and ask for a recommendation. We’ll help you find a bottle that fits your recipe, your gathering, and the season.
For more wine inspiration, explore our Best Wines by Occasion, Wine Pairing Guide, and Meat and Wine Pairings resources.
See you at The Pig this fall. #thepigbham