In South Africa, few things bring people together like a proper braai. The smell of sizzling meat, the sound of friends laughing, and the table filled with delicious sauces and sides. But one element often overlooked is the wine pairing.
The right bottle doesn’t just complement your braai – it can actually enhance the flavour of your meat and sauce, turning a good meal into an unforgettable one.
Let’s explore how different wines pair with popular braai sauces so your next braai truly sings.
Smoky BBQ Sauce + Bold Red Wines
Smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauces are braai classics. Their rich flavour calls for a wine that can stand up to the intensity.
A Pinotage is a fantastic match because it often carries smoky, earthy, and dark fruit notes that complement grilled meat beautifully. Try pairing your BBQ-glazed ribs or steak with a glass of African Horizon Pinotage for a bold and satisfying combination.
Another great option is Vin-C Dry Red, which balances the sweetness of BBQ sauce with its smooth structure and deep flavour.
Best with:
BBQ ribs
Steak with smoky glaze
Braai wors with sticky sauce
Sweet & Sticky Glazes + Fruit-Forward Reds
Sweet braai sauces like honey, teriyaki-style marinades, or chutney glazes work beautifully with fruit-forward red wines.
A wine with juicy berry notes complements sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The smooth character of Memories Last Forever Shiraz pairs particularly well with sticky lamb chops or glazed chicken wings.
Best with:
Honey-glazed chicken
Sticky lamb chops
Sweet pork ribs
Tomato-Based Sauces + Easy-Drinking Reds
Tomato-based braai sauces have natural acidity, which pairs well with balanced red wines that have good structure.
The smooth and approachable character of GlenWood Old Boys Dry Red makes it an excellent choice with burgers, boerewors rolls, or grilled steak topped with tomato relish.
Best with:
Burgers
Boerewors rolls
Steak with tomato relish
Spicy Sauces + Off-Dry or Aromatic Wines
Spicy braai sauces can be tricky with wine because heat can make strong tannins feel harsher. Instead, reach for a wine with freshness or a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
A lightly chilled glass of OneGrape Sweet Rosé works beautifully with spicy chicken wings or peri-peri prawns, cooling the heat while adding refreshing fruit notes.
Best with:
Peri-peri chicken
Spicy wings
Chilli-glazed prawns
Creamy or Herb Sauces + White Wines
Not every braai sauce is bold and smoky. Creamy garlic sauces or herb marinades pair wonderfully with fresh white wines.
A crisp and versatile option like Memories Last Forever Chenin Blanc Chardonnay brings refreshing acidity and soft fruit flavours that complement grilled chicken or fish with herb butter.
Best with:
Garlic butter steak
Grilled chicken with herb marinade
Braaied fish
The Secret to a Perfect Braai Pairing
The key to pairing wine with braai sauces is balance.
Bold sauces → Bold wines
Sweet sauces → Fruit-forward wines
Spicy sauces → Refreshing wines
Creamy sauces → Crisp whites
When the flavours complement each other, every bite and sip becomes better.
Raise a Glass at Your Next Braai
A braai is about great food, great company, and great wine. With the right bottle on the table, your favourite braai dishes can reach a whole new level of flavour.
Explore the full range of wines at OneGrape Wines and discover the perfect bottle to make your next braai truly unforgettable. 🍷🔥
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