The Ultimate BC Wines Braai Pairing Guide
From the Fire to the Glass
There are few things more South African than gathering around a braai with family and friends. The crackle of the fire, the smell of sizzling meat, and the laughter that carries late into the evening are all part of the experience.
Choosing the right wine can elevate every bite, bringing out flavours you might never have noticed otherwise. Whether you're planning a casual weekend braai or celebrating a special occasion, here's our guide to pairing some of BC Wines' favourites with classic braai dishes.
Lamb Chops & BC Cabernet Sauvignon
Rich, juicy lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, garlic and coarse salt deserve a wine with enough structure to stand alongside them.
BC's Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of dark berries, subtle spice and firm tannins that complement the savoury richness of grilled lamb without overpowering it.
Best served with:
Garlic and rosemary lamb chops
Grilled mushrooms
Roasted baby potatoes
Mint sauce on the side
Sticky Braai Chicken & BC Chardonnay
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats on the braai, especially when glazed with honey, lemon or a mild barbecue sauce.
BC's Chardonnay brings bright fruit flavours and gentle oak influence that balance the sweetness of the glaze while adding freshness to every bite.
Perfect alongside:
Honey mustard chicken
Lemon herb chicken pieces
Corn on the cob
Creamy potato salad
Boerewors Rolls & BC Bacchanté
A classic boerie roll deserves something just as easy-going.
BC's Bacchanté, with its approachable semi-sweet style and vibrant fruity character, works beautifully with the smoky spices of boerewors and the sweetness of caramelised onions or tomato relish.
It's an unexpected pairing that quickly becomes a favourite.
Try it with:
Boerewors rolls
Caramelised onions
Tomato relish
Braaied peppers
Beef Steak & BC Pinotage
Few pairings are as iconic as a perfectly grilled steak and a bold Pinotage.
BC's Pinotage delivers ripe berry flavours with hints of spice and subtle oak that stand up beautifully to a juicy sirloin, rump or ribeye.
Add to the plate:
Garlic butter
Braaied mushrooms
Grilled asparagus
Crispy potato wedges
Sticky Pork Ribs & BC Shiraz
Sweet, smoky ribs need a wine with generous fruit and a peppery edge.
BC's Shiraz balances ripe dark fruit with savoury spice, making it an ideal companion for barbecue marinades and slow-cooked pork.
Serve with:
Sticky pork ribs
Braaied mielies
Coleslaw
Fresh bread
Gourmet Beef Burgers & BC Ruby Cabernet Merlot
Whether topped with mature cheddar, bacon or caramelised onions, gourmet burgers pair wonderfully with BC's Ruby Cabernet Merlot.
Its smooth texture and generous fruit profile complement grilled beef without overwhelming the flavours.
Great toppings include:
Mature cheddar
Bacon
Onion marmalade
Gherkins
Braaied Snoek or Line Fish & BC Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh fish cooked over open coals is a true South African favourite.
BC's Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp citrus notes and refreshing acidity that enhance delicate seafood flavours while cutting through richer butter or herb sauces.
Ideal accompaniments:
Lemon wedges
Herb butter
Braaied vegetables
Fresh green salad
Braaied Camembert & BC Tienuur
When entertaining, a whole Camembert baked over the coals is always guaranteed to impress.
BC's Tienuur brings extra depth and complexity, with layered citrus, tropical fruit and subtle savoury notes that beautifully complement creamy, melted cheese.
Serve with crusty bread, preserves and roasted nuts for an effortless starter.
Potjie or Braaied Short Rib & BC Halftien
Long, slow cooking develops incredible depth of flavour, and our Halftien is made for these richer dishes.
Its generous body, ripe fruit and elegant structure pair beautifully with slow-cooked beef, hearty potjies and richly flavoured braai dishes.
Excellent with:
Beef short ribs
Oxtail potjie
Venison potjie
Roasted root vegetables
Finish on a Sweet Note
No braai is complete without dessert.
Serve BC's Red Muscadel lightly chilled alongside:
Malva pudding
Peppermint Crisp tart
Baked peaches
Vanilla ice cream
Dark chocolate brownies
Its luscious sweetness and rich fruity flavours make it the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal.
Bring Your Braai to Life with BC Wines
The best braais aren't just about what's on the grill. They're about the memories made around it.
From crisp whites and refreshing semi-sweet wines, to bold reds made for open-fire cooking, BC Wines has the perfect bottle for every occasion.
Cheers to great food, great company, and even better wine!
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