The best wines to pair with hot dogs are Beaujolais, Zinfandel, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio as all three are versatile, acidic (to some degree), and relatively inexpensive.

The problem with pairing wine with Hot Dogs is that there are so many toppings available, and when you try to think of the various combinations someone might toss on their hot dog – well, you enter some sort of Marvel Movie Multiverse of Madness conundrum.  The second problem with pairing wine with hot dogs is that they are junk food.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a hot dog on occasion (or daily, as when I worked at a golf club, I ate one every day during the golf season for a decade).  However, these fleshy tubes of fat, protein, salt and processed meat are a dietician’s nightmare and I find myself a bit ethically challenged in recommending you try this combination.

However, I do recognize you might be having a bbq of some sort where hot dogs are on the menu amongst other things, like fresh salads and other grilled meats.  In this instance, I would encourage you try some of these wines.

+ Click on the plus sign in the table below to expand upon why these individual pairings work! +

Best Wine with Hot Dogs

Beaujolais & Hot Dogs with the Works

Beaujolais-Villages pairs well with hot dogs because of its bright acidity and juicy red fruit flavours. The wine’s notes of tart cherry, raspberry, and strawberry provide a lively contrast to the salty, savoury bite of a grilled hot dog. Light tannins and a smooth texture allow it to cut through the richness without overwhelming the simple, satisfying flavours of the dish. Hints of spice and earth in the wine also work well with classic hot dog toppings like mustard, onions, and sauerkraut.

The hot dog’s smoky, meaty profile pairs well with the fruit-forward and slightly chilled nature of Beaujolais, making for an easygoing and refreshing combination. When topped with ketchup, the wine’s natural fruitiness echoes the condiment’s sweet-tart balance, while mustard brings out the wine’s zippy acidity. If served with chili or cheese, Beaujolais still holds up thanks to its vibrant freshness and lack of heavy tannins. This pairing is a playful mix of high and low, proving that even a humble hot dog can shine with the right wine.

Rosé & Hot Dogs at a Picnic

A dry rosé, with its bright acidity and crisp red berry flavours, is a fantastic match for hot dogs at a picnic. Notes of strawberry, watermelon, and a hint of citrus add a refreshing contrast to the salty, smoky bite of a grilled sausage. The wine’s light body and subtle herbal or floral undertones pair effortlessly with classic toppings like mustard, relish, and even a touch of mayo. Its lively, dry finish keeps the pairing fresh, making it an easy-drinking option for a laid-back outdoor meal.

At a picnic, where fresh salads are abundant, rosé’s versatility truly shines. Its acidity and fruit-forward character make it a natural companion for dishes like a bright tomato salad, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp cucumber and feta mix. The wine’s delicate structure won’t compete with vinaigrettes or herbs, allowing it to bridge the gap between fresh greens and grilled meats. Whether sipping in the sun or pairing with a bite of a fully loaded hot dog, rosé brings a light, breezy balance to the meal.

Pinot Grigio & Hot Dogs with Salads

Pinot Grigio is a crisp, light-bodied white wine with bright citrus, green apple, and pear notes that make it a refreshing match for hot dogs at a summer barbecue. Its high acidity cuts through the salt and fat of the sausage, keeping each bite feeling fresh and lively. Subtle mineral undertones and a clean finish prevent the wine from overpowering the simple, savoury flavours of a grilled hot dog. The slight hint of lemon or lime zest in some Pinot Grigios also works well with tangy condiments like mustard and relish.

At a BBQ, where fresh salads are on hand, Pinot Grigio becomes an even more versatile pairing. The wine’s crispness complements light, zesty dishes like coleslaw, cucumber salad, or a bright tomato and basil mix. Its delicate fruit flavours won’t clash with vinaigrettes or herbs, making it an easy sip between bites of fresh greens and smoky grilled meats. Whether enjoying a classic dog with simple toppings or a more gourmet version with avocado and arugula, Pinot Grigio keeps the meal feeling bright and refreshing.

Best of all Pinot Grigio is super popular, and incredibly refreshing. Refreshing is a must with hot dogs as the salts, fats and various discarded animal parts that have been tossed in the blender to make them can give you the meat sweats fast.

Zinfandel & Hot Dogs with Ketchup

A medium-bodied Zinfandel with bright red fruit, mild spice, and soft tannins pairs surprisingly well with a hot dog topped with ketchup. The wine’s notes of ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum mirror the sweet-tart profile of ketchup, creating a natural harmony between sip and bite. Gentle peppery spice and a touch of earthiness in the wine add depth, balancing the richness of the sausage and the acidity of the condiment. With a smooth, juicy finish and minimal oak influence, this style of Zinfandel enhances the smoky, savoury elements of the grilled hot dog.

This pairing works especially well in a casual backyard setting, where grilled foods and relaxed flavours take centre stage. The wine’s fruit-forward nature makes it an easy match for other barbecue favourites, from baked beans to grilled hamburgers. If additional toppings like caramelized onions or mild cheddar are in play, Zinfandel’s spice and berry notes keep the combination lively and satisfying. With its balanced richness and fresh fruit character, this wine makes a hot dog with ketchup feel just a little more indulgent while still staying approachable.