Hamburgers & Wine Pairing

Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with a hamburger, offering bold, fruity flavours that can handle the hearty, juicy beef patty and a range of toppings. The wine’s ripe berry notes and hints of black pepper bring out the savoury character of the meat, while its moderate tannins provide structure without overpowering. Zinfandel’s slight spice and occasional smoky undertones match well with char-grilled patties, especially those topped with tangy or spicy condiments like barbecue sauce or pickles, balancing richness with a lively kick.

A Bordeaux pairs well with a hamburger by adding layers of structure and dark fruit flavour to the experience. The wine’s firm tannins interact well with the beef’s juiciness and fat, creating a balanced, rich mouthfeel. Bordeaux's notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy undertones bring a refined twist, complementing both simple and more gourmet toppings, like caramelized onions, mushrooms, or aged cheese. The wine's acidity also refreshes the palate, ensuring each bite remains satisfying without becoming too heavy.

Cabernet Sauvignon's bold flavour profile makes it an excellent match for hamburgers. This full-bodied wine offers rich notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and often a hint of green bell pepper. Its firm tannins stand up well to the protein in the burger, while its oak-derived flavours of vanilla and cedar add complexity. The wine's acidity helps cut through the fat, refreshing the palate with each bite.

In addition, a younger Cabernet Sauvignon is going to have brash and bratty tannin that will be smoothed out by the protein in the meat. Tannin also breaks down the proteins in your beef, making them taste more savoury and delicious. Thus, this is a pairing where the food and wine make each other taste better. Beware, however, Cabernet Sauvignon won't be a great match if you have lots of acidic toppings on your burger like ketchup, mustard or pickle. This pairing works best for naked Hamburgers (Bun & Burger).

Malbec offers a bold, fruity profile that aligns well with the robust flavours of a hamburger. The wine’s ripe blackberry and plum notes provide a juicy contrast to the savory meat, while its moderate tannins help to soften the richness of the burger. The wine’s hints of chocolate and spice can also complement various toppings, such as grilled onions or a smoky barbecue sauce.

Shiraz is a bold and flavourful red wine that pairs beautifully with hamburgers, especially those loaded with rich toppings. Its intense fruit notes, often featuring blackberry, plum, and black pepper, can stand up to the hearty flavours of the beef. The wine’s natural tannins and full-bodied structure provide a pleasing balance to the juicy, savoury character of the burger, while its peppery finish can complement spices in the patty or seasonings in the toppings. Whether you’re enjoying a classic cheeseburger or one topped with barbecue sauce and crispy onions, Shiraz offers a robust and satisfying match that enhances the overall dining experience.

Syrah is a fantastic choice for pairing with hamburgers, particularly those topped with robust ingredients like blue cheese, barbecue sauce, or spicy jalapeños. This full-bodied red wine typically features bold flavours of dark fruits, black pepper, and sometimes smoky or meaty notes, which resonate well with the rich, juicy characteristics of a grilled burger. The wine’s firm tannins can stand up to the hearty nature of the meat, while its acidity helps cut through the fat, making each bite and sip feel balanced and satisfying. Whether you're enjoying a classic beef burger or one with unique toppings, Syrah adds depth and complexity to the experience.

Baco Noir, a hybrid grape variety, produces wines with deep colour and high acidity that pair well with hamburgers. This wine typically offers flavours of black cherry, plum, and often a hint of smoke or tobacco. Its high acidity cuts through the richness of the burger, while its bold fruit flavours complement the savoury meat. The wine's moderate tannins provide structure without overpowering the dish, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

An IPA brings a bold, hoppy intensity that pairs well with a juicy hamburger, creating a satisfying balance between richness and bitterness. The beer’s vibrant citrus and pine notes cut through the fattiness of the burger, cleansing the palate and keeping each bite as flavourful as the first. IPAs with a hint of malty sweetness also pair well with savoury burger toppings like caramelized onions or cheddar, creating a dynamic, full-flavoured combination. If you’re looking for a pairing with kick and personality, an IPA with your burger is a solid choice.

Châteauneuf du Pape Red, a prestigious French blend, offers a luxurious pairing for hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically presents complex flavours of ripe red and black fruits, often with notes of herbs, spices, and a touch of earthiness. Its robust structure and firm tannins stand up well to the rich flavours of the burger, while its depth and complexity elevate the dining experience. The wine's herbal notes can complement various burger toppings, creating a sophisticated yet satisfying pairing.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a versatile Italian red, makes an excellent companion to hamburgers. This medium to full-bodied wine typically offers flavours of ripe red cherries and plums, often with hints of herbs and spices. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity cut through the richness of the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the savoury meat. The wine's rustic charm complements the casual nature of the dish, creating a satisfying and unpretentious pairing.

Amber ale and hamburgers make for a satisfying pairing, with the ale’s malty richness and caramel notes playing off the beefy, chargrilled flavours of a well-made burger. The beer’s moderate bitterness and light sweetness can stand up to savoury toppings like cheese, onions, or bacon without overwhelming them. Its smooth body and balanced flavour profile also offer a refreshing lift between bites, making each mouthful feel well-rounded and complete. Amber ale's slightly toasty finish matches especially well with burgers featuring a smoky element or grilled flavour.

A pilsner with a hamburger creates a refreshing pairing that cuts through the richness of the meat without overshadowing the flavours. This light-bodied beer’s crisp carbonation and gentle malt sweetness provide a clean backdrop for the beefy patty, allowing the toppings—whether classic lettuce and tomato or bolder additions like pickles and cheese—to shine. The subtle bitterness of a pilsner helps keep each bite lively, balancing out the fat and seasoning in the burger while bringing a satisfying, refreshing quality that makes for an easygoing yet flavourful experience.

A Côtes du Rhône pairs well with a hamburger, bringing a satisfying mix of dark fruit and spice that plays nicely against the beef’s juiciness. The wine's hints of blackberry, pepper, and subtle earthy tones add depth to the classic hamburger flavours, especially if the burger includes caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or a smoky barbecue sauce. With its approachable structure, Côtes du Rhône adds character without overpowering, making it a solid choice for enhancing the warmth and heartiness of a well-made burger.

Merlot's smooth and fruity character pairs beautifully with hamburgers. This medium-bodied wine typically features flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, and often hints of chocolate or herbs. Its soft tannins create a velvety texture that complements the juicy burger patty. Merlot's moderate acidity helps balance the richness of the meat, while its fruit-forward profile adds a layer of complexity to each bite.

Merlot is not my favourite pairing with hamburgers, but, every time I do pair them together, I always marvel to myself that I need to drink more Merlot!

The creamy, sweet texture of a milkshake offers a nice contrast to the savory, juicy flavours of a hamburger. This combination can be especially enjoyable with classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The richness of the milkshake can help cut through the richness of the meat, creating a satisfying balance on the palate. Whether you opt for a classic vanilla shake or a more adventurous flavour like chocolate or strawberry, the playful interplay of tastes and textures makes for a fun and nostalgic meal that brings comfort and satisfaction.

The only problem I've had with a milkshake is if the burger is dry, as the milkshake is too thick to wash everything down and quench your thirst.

Red IPA, known for its balance of hop bitterness and malt sweetness, makes a great match for hamburgers. This beer style typically features a prominent hop profile with citrus and pine notes, complemented by a caramel malt backbone. Its bitterness helps cut through the burger's fat, while the malt sweetness enhances the meat's savoury flavours. The beer's medium to full body complements the substantial nature of the burger, resulting in a well-rounded pairing.

American Brown Ale, with its balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, makes an excellent companion to hamburgers. This beer style typically features flavours of caramel, chocolate, and toasted nuts, with a moderate hop presence providing earthy or citrusy notes. Its malty backbone complements the savoury meat, while the hop bitterness helps cut through the burger's richness. The beer's medium body and smooth mouthfeel enhance the overall dining experience.

Pale Ale offers a versatile pairing for hamburgers with its balanced profile of malt and hops. This beer style typically presents a mix of biscuity malt flavours and citrusy, floral hop notes. Its crisp finish and moderate bitterness help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich burger. The beer's aromatic qualities enhance the overall flavour experience, while its carbonation helps cut through the meat's fat content.

Altbier, a German-style ale, provides a unique pairing for hamburgers. This beer style offers a clean, crisp maltiness with subtle fruity notes and a balanced hop bitterness. Its copper colour and toasty malt flavours complement the char on a grilled burger patty. The beer's dry finish and moderate bitterness help refresh the palate, making each bite of the burger as enjoyable as the first.

Schwarzbier, a dark German lager, creates an interesting contrast with hamburgers. Despite its dark colour, this beer style is surprisingly light-bodied with subtle roasted malt flavours of coffee and chocolate. These roasted notes complement the char on a grilled burger, while the beer's crisp, clean finish helps cut through the richness of the meat. Its low bitterness allows the flavours of the burger to shine through.

Rioja Reserva, known for its elegance and complexity, offers a sophisticated pairing for hamburgers. This Spanish wine typically features flavours of red berries, vanilla, and often hints of leather and tobacco from oak aging. Its refined tannins provide structure without overwhelming the burger, while its acidity helps cut through the meat's richness. The wine's subtle oak influence complements the char on a grilled patty, elevating the overall dining experience.

Petit Verdot, typically used as a blending grape, creates an intriguing pairing with hamburgers when used as a varietal wine. This full-bodied wine offers intense flavours of blackberry and black currant, often with floral notes of violet and hints of spice. Its firm tannins and high acidity cut through the richness of the burger, while its deep fruit flavours complement the savoury meat. The wine's complexity adds depth to the overall dining experience.

Petite Sirah, known for its inky colour and bold flavours, makes a robust pairing for hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically presents intense flavours of blueberry and blackberry, often with notes of black pepper and dark chocolate. Its firm tannins and full structure stand up well to the protein in the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the savoury meat. The wine's spicy undertones can enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish.

Nerello Mascalese, a Sicilian grape variety, offers a unique pairing for hamburgers. This medium-bodied wine typically features red fruit flavours like cherry and raspberry, often with earthy undertones and a hint of smokiness. Its high acidity and moderate tannins help cut through the richness of the burger, while its subtle smoky notes complement the char on a grilled patty. The wine's elegance and complexity add a sophisticated touch to this casual dish.

The wine's dark fruit flavours of blackberry and cherry complement the savoury beef patty, while its peppery notes add an intriguing dimension to the meal. The wine's moderate tannins provide a pleasant grip that stands up to the juicy texture of the burger. Its refreshing acidity helps balance the richness of cheese and other toppings, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Montefalco Rosso DOC, a blend from Umbria, Italy, offers an intriguing pairing for hamburgers. This wine typically features a mix of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and other local varieties, resulting in flavours of red berries, plums, and often hints of herbs and spices. Its medium to full body complements the burger without overpowering it, while its balanced acidity helps cut through the meat's richness. The wine's complexity adds depth to the pairing, elevating the overall dining experience.

Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerful Italian red, creates a bold pairing with hamburgers. This full-bodied wine is known for its intense tannins and flavours of dark fruits, often with notes of leather and spices. Its robust structure stands up exceptionally well to the rich flavours of a burger, while its complexity adds depth to the pairing. The wine's firm tannins help cleanse the palate between bites, making it an excellent choice for hearty, meat-based dishes.

Rosso di Montalcino, the younger sibling of Brunello, provides an elegant pairing for hamburgers. This Sangiovese-based wine typically offers flavours of red cherries and berries, often with hints of herbs and earth. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the burger, while its moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming the dish. The wine's versatility allows it to complement various burger toppings, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

Budweiser Lager, known for its crisp and clean taste, pairs well with hamburgers, making it a popular choice for casual dining. The lager’s light body and mild flavour profile allow the rich, juicy qualities of the hamburger to shine through without overshadowing them. Its carbonation provides a refreshing contrast, cutting through the fat of the meat while enhancing the overall eating experience. Whether you're enjoying a classic cheeseburger or a more adventurous variant, Budweiser’s smooth finish complements the savoury elements of the burger, creating a satisfying pairing that’s perfect for any casual gathering or barbecue.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager, with its balanced malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness, is an excellent choice for pairing with hamburgers. The beer's rich, bready malt profile complements the juicy, savoury flavours of the beef patty, while its crisp finish cleanses the palate between bites. Whether you're enjoying a classic cheeseburger or a gourmet creation with bold toppings, the lager's smooth character and refreshing carbonation help to accentuate the burger's flavours without overwhelming them. This combination offers a satisfying and classic American dining experience that celebrates both the beer and the beloved hamburger.

Bobal, a Spanish grape variety, creates an interesting pairing with hamburgers. This medium to full-bodied wine typically offers flavours of dark berries and cherries, often with earthy undertones and a hint of spice. Its moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming the burger, while its bright acidity helps cut through the meat's richness. The wine's rustic charm complements the casual nature of the dish, resulting in a satisfying and unpretentious pairing.

Corbières Red, a blend from southern France, pairs well with hamburgers. This wine typically features a mix of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, resulting in flavours of red and black fruits, often with notes of herbs and spices. Its medium to full body complements the burger without overpowering it, while its balanced acidity helps cut through the meat's richness. The wine's herbal notes can enhance various burger toppings, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired pairing.

Ribeira Sacra, a Spanish wine primarily made from Mencía grapes, offers a unique pairing for hamburgers. This medium-bodied wine typically presents flavours of red berries and cherries, often with floral notes and a hint of minerality. Its bright acidity and moderate tannins help cut through the richness of the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the savoury meat. The wine's elegance adds a touch of sophistication to this casual dish.

Douro Tinto, a Portuguese red blend, creates a robust pairing with hamburgers. This wine typically offers rich flavours of black fruits, often with notes of herbs and spices. Its firm tannins and full body stand up well to the protein in the burger, while its complexity adds depth to the pairing. The wine's fruit-forward nature provides a juicy contrast to the savoury meat, resulting in a satisfying and flavourful combination.

A Burgundy can be a surprisingly enjoyable pairing with a hamburger, especially one topped with mushrooms. Although the wine’s lighter body might not match the full richness of a hefty burger, its earthy notes and delicate tannins make it a natural partner for mushroom-topped versions. The subtle red fruit and forest-floor aromas of Burgundy add an elegant layer of flavour without overpowering, the meat.

Unfortunately, however, everything that makes Burgundy great, will be overshadowed by the hamburger. Thus, I'd usually recommend a different wine, especially, considering the high cost of Burgundy.

Chianti’s bright acidity and subtle tannins make it an appealing match for a hamburger, especially one topped with classic ingredients like tomato, lettuce, and a slice of cheddar. The wine’s red fruit notes, such as cherry and plum, balance nicely with the savoury flavours of the beef while cutting through its richness, refreshing the palate. Chianti also works well with herb-based condiments or Italian-inspired toppings like basil, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic, adding an extra layer of character to this casual pairing.

Dolcetto d'Alba makes an inviting match with a hamburger, thanks to its soft tannins and bright acidity, which can cut through the richness of the beef without overwhelming it. The wine’s notes of black cherry, plum, and a touch of almond create a lively balance with the savoury, meaty flavours of the burger. Dolcetto's mild bitterness also shines when paired with earthy or slightly bitter toppings, like arugula or sautéed mushrooms, bringing a satisfying layer to each bite while still letting the burger’s flavours take centre stage.

This pairing is more about refreshment, as the meaty flavours of your burger will overwhelm the Dolcetto. Still, not a bad pairing, especially at lunch time, as Dolcetto is lower in alcohol, the meal won't feel as heavy - and there is less chance you'll need a nap shortly after. Also a good pairing if you like your hamburgers topped with spicy hot condiments like ghost peppers or jalapenos.

Lemonade brings a refreshing, lively contrast to a hamburger, with its bright acidity and touch of sweetness balancing the richness of the meat. The tartness of the lemonade helps to cut through any fattiness in the burger, keeping each bite feeling fresh and light, while the sweetness softens any sharpness from toppings like onions or pickles. This pairing works especially well on a hot day, offering a cool, citrusy sip between bites that refreshes the palate without competing with the flavours of the burger.

Pinot Noir's lighter body and elegant profile create an okay pairing with hamburgers, but I would really consider a bolder red wine. The wine's red fruit flavours, typically cherry and raspberry, offer a refreshing contrast to the savoury meat. Its earthy undertones and subtle spice notes complement the beef without overpowering it. The wine itself, however, will be overwhelmed by the meat.

If I were going to pick a Pinot Noir to drink with a hamburger, I'd probably go with a burger that was cooked well-done, and that was dry, as the acidity of Pinot Noir would be quite refreshing in this instance. Well-Done burgers have a lot of the fat cooked out of it, making it a bit flavourless, meaning you'd taste some of the cherry and strawberry flavours of Pinot Noir. Add some mushrooms to this burger, and a bit of cheese, and Pinot Noir turns out to be a pretty good pairing.

Rosé presents a refreshing and versatile option when paired with a hamburger. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward notes of strawberries, cherries, and citrus can cut through the richness of the meat, while its light to medium body allows it to sit comfortably alongside a variety of toppings. Whether the hamburger is topped with fresh vegetables, a tangy sauce, or creamy cheese, the crispness of the rosé provides a delightful contrast, making each bite feel lighter and more vibrant.

Rosé is not my top choice, but, if you are enjoying a hamburger at a family picnic where lots of summer salads are present, along with vegetable based side dishes, you most likely don't want a heavy wine, making Rosé a fitting choice.

Rosado, a refreshing Spanish rosé wine, pairs nicely with hamburgers, especially those featuring fresh toppings or grilled vegetables. Its vibrant acidity and fruity notes, often reminiscent of strawberries and raspberries, provide a delightful contrast to the savoury richness of the meat. The wine's light body allows it to complement a variety of burger styles, from classic cheeseburgers to more inventive combinations with bold flavours. Additionally, the subtle herbal and floral undertones in many rosados can elevate the overall dining experience, making this pairing a refreshing option for outdoor gatherings or casual meals.

Vienna Lager provides a subtle yet complementary pairing for hamburgers. This amber-coloured beer offers a malty sweetness with notes of toasted bread and subtle caramel. Its clean, crisp finish helps cut through the richness of the burger, while its moderate body doesn't overpower the food. The beer's slight nuttiness can enhance the flavours of a toasted bun, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

Frappato, a light-bodied Sicilian red, offers a refreshing pairing for hamburgers. This wine typically presents bright red fruit flavours like strawberry and cherry, often with floral notes and a hint of spice. Its light tannins and high acidity help cut through the richness of the burger without overpowering it. The wine's fruity character provides a pleasant contrast to the savoury meat, while its refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for light dining.

Chianti Classico brings a lively acidity and cherry-driven character that works well with hamburgers topped with ketchup. The wine’s bright red fruit flavours, along with subtle herbaceous notes, find a natural balance with the sweetness and tang of ketchup, while its tannins add structure to handle the juiciness of the beef.

With ketchup, you tend to want a red wine with some acidity, like Chianti Classico. But you also need some tannin (which Chianti has). If you lean too hard towards tannin, the ketchup might clash with the red wine. And if you lean too close to an acidic red wine, the beef of your hamburger might overshadow the wine. Chianti is like that goldilocks wine, where you have the best of both worlds.

Apothic Red Wine, a blend known for its smooth and bold flavour profile, pairs well with hamburgers topped with ketchup. This wine typically offers rich flavours of black cherry and ripe red fruits, often with hints of vanilla and mocha. Its subtle sweetness complements the sweetness in the ketchup, while its full body stands up to the savoury meat. The wine's soft tannins provide structure without overwhelming the burger, creating an enjoyable pairing.

St-Joseph pairs deliciously with a cheeseburger, offering a mix of dark berry notes, pepper, and herbaceous undertones that works well with the rich, savoury layers of beef and melted cheese. The wine’s structure, with its fine tannins and moderate acidity, cuts through the juicy burger, balancing the fatty richness while lifting the flavours of any tangy toppings like pickles or caramelized onions. This Rhône Syrah provides a bold profile that holds its own, making each bite of the cheeseburger feel well-matched yet not overpowered.

Black IPA, with its unique blend of hop bitterness and roasted malt flavours, pairs excellently with cheese-topped hamburgers. This beer style offers a complex profile of citrusy, piney hop notes balanced by dark chocolate and coffee undertones from the roasted malts. Its robust bitterness cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, while the roasted flavours complement the char on the burger.

Oatmeal Stout, with its rich, creamy texture and roasted flavours, pairs wonderfully with cheese-topped hamburgers. This beer style offers notes of coffee, chocolate, and sometimes a hint of nuttiness, all of which complement the savoury meat and melted cheese. Its smooth mouthfeel, imparted by the oats, contrasts nicely with the texture of the burger. The beer's subtle sweetness balances the salt in the cheese, while its roasted character enhances the overall flavours of your cheeseburger.

Syrah and a bacon-topped cheeseburger make for a delicious duo. The bold, smoky notes in Syrah, often with hints of black pepper, dark berries, and subtle earthy undertones, pair nicely with the rich, savoury flavour of bacon and juicy beef. The wine's acidity and structured tannins balance the cheeseburger's fatty textures, while its robust profile complements the bacon's saltiness, amplifying the burger's depth without overshadowing it.

Furthermore, Syrah, especially ones from Rhone, will have some savoury bacon/meat flavours, which you know are going to jive well with the bacon on your cheeseburger!

Zinfandel's bold and spicy character makes it an excellent match for grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine showcases intense flavours of ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum, often with notes of black pepper and cinnamon. Its high alcohol content and jammy fruit profile stand up well to the robust flavours of a grilled burger. The wine's subtle smoky undertones complement the char from the grill, while its structure balances the meat's protein and fat content.

Cabernet Sauvignon's robust character makes it an ideal companion for grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine offers concentrated flavours of black currant, blackberry, and often notes of tobacco and cedar. Its firm tannins pair excellently with the charred exterior of the grilled patty, while its oak-influenced flavours complement the smoky notes from the grill.

Monastrell, known for its bold and robust character, makes an excellent companion to grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine boasts intense flavours of blackberry and plum, often accompanied by notes of herbs and black pepper. Its firm tannins stand up well to the protein in the burger, while its inherent smokiness complements the char from the grill. The wine's rich fruit profile adds depth to the savoury meat.

Shiraz, with its full-bodied and spicy profile, pairs exceptionally well with grilled hamburgers. This wine typically offers rich flavours of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, often with hints of smoke and leather. Its bold fruit character complements the savoury meat, while its peppery notes enhance the char-grilled flavours.

Kentucky Common, a lesser-known American beer style, pairs excellently with grilled hamburgers. This beer typically offers a malty profile with notes of caramel and toast, balanced by a subtle hop bitterness. Its light to medium body complements the burger without overpowering it, while its slight sweetness enhances the caramelized flavours from the grill. The beer's crisp finish helps cleanse the palate (washes away all the fats and carbs), making each bite of the burger as enjoyable as the first.

Cornas, a robust Syrah from the Northern Rhône, makes an excellent match for grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically offers intense flavours of black fruits, often with notes of black pepper, violets, and sometimes a hint of smokiness. Its firm tannins and full structure stand up well to the char-grilled flavours of the burger, while its depth and complexity elevate the overall dining experience. The wine's peppery notes can enhance the seasoning in the burger patty, creating a harmonious flavour combination.

Cahors, known as the 'black wine' of France, offers a robust pairing for grilled hamburgers. This Malbec-based wine typically presents intense flavours of black fruits, often with notes of tobacco and leather. Its firm tannins and full body stand up exceptionally well to the char-grilled flavours of the burger. The wine's earthy undertones complement the smoky taste from the grill, while its depth and complexity elevate the overall dining experience.

Creemore Springs Premium Lager, a Canadian craft beer, pairs excellently with grilled hamburgers. This lager typically offers a clean, crisp taste with subtle malty sweetness and a balanced hop bitterness. Its refreshing nature helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, grilled burger. The beer's light toasty notes complement the char on the patty, while its carbonation cuts through the meat's fat, enhancing the overall flavour experience.

Douro Tinto pairs exceptionally well with grilled hamburgers. The wine's rich black fruit flavours and often smoky undertones complement the char-grilled taste of the burger beautifully. Its firm tannins and full body stand up to the robust flavours of the grilled meat, while its complexity enhances the overall dining experience. The wine's spicy notes can accentuate the seasoning in the burger patty, creating a deeply satisfying pairing.

Rosso Conero DOC, made primarily from Montepulciano grapes, offers an excellent pairing for grilled hamburgers. This Italian red typically presents flavours of ripe cherries and plums, often with hints of herbs and spices. Its medium to full body complements the rich flavours of the grilled burger, while its balanced acidity helps cut through the meat's fat.

Piwo Grodziskie, a light and smoky Polish beer, pairs wonderfully with grilled hamburgers. Its delicate smokiness complements the char-grilled flavours of the burger patty. The beer's high carbonation and crisp wheat notes help cleanse the palate between bites. Its subtle herbal hints add complexity to the pairing, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the meal.

English Brown Ale pairs beautifully with grilled hamburgers, adding a layer of toasty maltiness that brings out the caramelized crust on the meat. The ale’s smooth, nutty notes and light bitterness mingle well with smoky grill flavours, especially when the burger has rich toppings like cheddar cheese, onions, or mushrooms. With moderate alcohol and a gentle sweetness, the Brown Ale refreshes the palate without overwhelming the burger, making each bite and sip feel balanced and satisfying. It’s an ideal match for those who enjoy a hearty, full-flavoured combination.

Côtes du Rhône reds, typically a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, offer a medium-bodied profile that pairs well with grilled hamburgers. These wines often feature red fruit flavours like cherry and raspberry, complemented by herbal notes and a touch of spice. The wine's moderate tannins and acidity cut through the burger's fat, while its fruit-forward nature balances the charred flavours from the grill.

I'd recommend Côtes du Rhône with a Grilled Hamburger where you have lots of toppings, as the focus shifts away from the burger meat to all these added elements, such as mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickle, fried eggs, onion strings, lettuce, etc. The lighter nature of Côtes du Rhône ensures you can actually taste these toppings, plus, it still jives with the beef.

Côtes du Rhône is also best with hamburgers that are cooked to well-done, as the red wine brings some vibrancy to the drier and less flavourful meat.

Merlot's approachable flavour profile pairs wonderfully with grilled hamburgers. This medium to full-bodied wine typically presents flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, and often hints of cocoa or herbs. Its soft tannins create a smooth texture that complements the juicy grilled patty. Merlot's subtle oak influences can enhance the smoky flavours from the grill, while its fruit-forward nature adds a pleasant contrast to the savoury meat.

Amber Ale, with its balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, pairs excellently with grilled hamburgers. This beer style typically offers caramel and toasted malt flavours, complemented by moderate hop bitterness and often citrus or pine notes. Its malty backbone enhances the savoury flavours of the grilled meat, while the hop presence helps cut through the burger's richness.

Nero d'Avola, Sicily's most important red grape, makes an excellent companion to grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically presents rich flavours of black cherry and plum, often with notes of black pepper and licorice. Its robust structure and firm tannins stand up well to the char-grilled flavours of the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a juicy contrast to the savoury meat. The wine's spicy undertones can enhance the overall taste experience.

Rauchbier, a German smoked beer, offers an exceptional pairing for grilled hamburgers. This unique beer style features a distinct smoky flavour derived from malts dried over beechwood fires. Its smoky character perfectly complements the char on grilled burgers, enhancing the overall barbecue experience. The beer's underlying malty sweetness balances the savoury meat, while its crisp finish helps cleanse the palate. This pairing creates a harmonious blend of smoky and meaty flavours.

Ribera del Duero Reserva, a robust Spanish red, pairs excellently with grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically offers intense flavours of black fruit, often with notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. Its firm tannins stand up well to the protein in the burger, while its complex flavour profile complements the char-grilled taste. The wine's long finish enhances the overall dining experience, making each bite of the burger more enjoyable.

Saumur Red, a Cabernet Franc-based wine from the Loire Valley, offers a refreshing pairing for grilled hamburgers. This medium-bodied wine typically presents flavours of red berries and bell peppers, often with a characteristic herbal note. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the grilled meat, while its subtle tannins provide structure without overwhelming the burger. The wine's herbaceous qualities can complement various burger toppings, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

This pairing is lovely if you include a lot of in season vegetables like bell peppers, lettuce, onion, grilled zucchini, or cucumbers on your hamburger.

Saperavi, a bold Georgian red wine, offers an intriguing pairing for grilled hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically presents intense flavours of black fruits, often with notes of spice and a touch of smokiness. Its high tannins and acidity stand up well to the rich, grilled meat, while its robust structure complements the char on the burger. The wine's unique profile adds an exotic touch to the meal, elevating the dining experience.

Garnacha, known for its fruity and spicy profile, makes an refreshing companion to grilled hamburgers. This wine typically offers ripe red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry, often with hints of white pepper and herbs. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity cut through the richness of the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the char-grilled flavours.

Garnacha is going to be a little too light for a simple grilled burger, as the meat will overwhelm the wine. However, once you start tossing in a bunch of toppings, this pairing becomes better, as you'll have a wide berth of flavours to contend with.

Lambrusco, a slightly sparkling red wine from Italy, offers a unique and refreshing pairing for grilled hamburgers. This wine typically features flavours of red berries and cherries, with a touch of sweetness balanced by bright acidity. Its effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich burger, while its fruity character provides a pleasant contrast to the char-grilled flavours. The wine's lower alcohol content makes it a refreshing choice for casual dining, where you don't want something too heavy or too boozy so you can continue on with your day without a nap.

Another fairly light red wine that focuses more on refreshment. Once you start adding a bunch of toppings, however, this pairing's rating improves as the lightness of the wine allows you to taste the variety of flavours.

Grenache, known for its fruity and spicy profile, makes a delightful pairing with grilled hamburgers. This wine typically presents ripe red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry, often with hints of white pepper and herbs. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity cut through the richness of the burger, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the char-grilled flavours. The wine's subtle spiciness can enhance the seasoning in the burger patty.

I'd say to pair this one with burgers with a lot of light and fresh toppings, as the meat alone, in the hamburger, will overshadow this lighter red wine.

Another instance I'd pick this pairing would be if the hamburgers were cooked to well-done. The more you cook a burger, the more fat (also known as flavour) out of it. Heavier reds will then completely dominate what flavour is left in your sad and dry hockey puck of a burger, while a lighter red, such as Grenache, will come off as refreshing and vibrant.

Gewürztraminer's aromatic and slightly sweet profile creates an intriguing pairing with hamburgers topped with sweet pickle relish. This wine typically offers floral notes of rose and lychee, along with spicy hints of ginger. Its off-dry nature complements the sweetness of the relish. The wine's low acidity and full body provide a lush mouthfeel that contrasts nicely with the textures of the dish.

Gewurztraminer is not really the best pairing with the meat unfortunately - but, the pairing works well with the Sweet Pickle Relish, and will keep you refreshed.

White Zinfandel, with its light sweetness and fruity character, offers a playful pairing for hamburgers with sweet pickle relish. This wine typically presents flavours of strawberry and melon, with a crisp, refreshing finish. Its subtle sweetness echoes the sweet notes in the relish, while its light body and bright acidity help cut through the richness of the burger.

I've tried this pairing, and it's not bad for a summer picnic out in the hot sun. It's not the first pairing I'd reach for, but, it's not bad.

A medium-bodied Zinfandel is excellent with Hamburgers that have been cooked to well done. The reason is the juicy acidity found in Zinfandel. Acidity brings out more flavour, and since a large portion of fat has been cooked out of a well-done burger, a big tannic red would overwhelm the meal.

Another reason why this pairing works is that well-done burgers can be a bit dry. The juicy flavours of Zinfandel, thus come off as refreshing, where as a tannic red like, Cabernet Sauvignon would come across as heavy.

Primitivo, known for its bold and fruity character, pairs excellently with well-done hamburgers. This full-bodied wine typically offers rich flavours of ripe black fruits, often with notes of pepper and baking spices. Its higher alcohol content and robust tannins stand up well to the stronger flavours of a well-done burger. The wine's natural sweetness balances the charred taste of the meat, while its acidity helps cut through the density of the well-cooked patty.

You have to remember as well, the more you cook a hamburger, the less fat it will contain. Seeing as fat is the main source of flavour, you need a red wine that is medium-bodied and refreshing (acidity makes it refreshing) as well-done burgers are going to be dry and a bit flavourless. Bold red wines might be too tannic, and completely overshadow what flavours that remain with your hamburger.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs wonderfully with mushroom-topped hamburgers. This medium to full-bodied wine typically offers flavours of ripe red cherries and plums, often with hints of herbs and spices. Its moderate tannins and acidity balance the richness of the burger and complement the earthy flavours of the mushrooms.

Châteauneuf du Pape Red pairs well with mushroom-topped hamburgers, but there is a bit of danger you might not taste anything, if your burger is lacking in the flavour department (overcooked burgers for example), as this red wine is a beast! This full-bodied blend typically offers a bouquet of dark fruits, herbs, and spices, which complement the earthy flavours of mushrooms beautifully. Its robust tannins and structure balance the richness of the burger, while its complex flavour profile enhances the umami notes in the mushrooms. The wine's long finish can prolong the enjoyment of each bite, creating a harmonious and luxurious dining experience.

Ribera del Duero Reserva pairs wonderfully with mushroom-topped hamburgers. This Spanish red typically presents intense flavours of black fruit, often with notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. Its firm tannins and full body stand up well to the rich combination of beef and mushrooms, while its complex flavour profile adds depth to the pairing. The wine's subtle earthy notes complement the umami flavours of the mushrooms.

This wine is pricey, so I wouldn't go out of my way to try this pairing, unless Hamburgers with mushrooms is one of your favourite meals. Or you've got more money than you know what to do with.

Garnacha Tinta, known for its fruity and spicy profile, creates a delightful pairing with hamburgers topped with smoked Gouda. This wine typically offers ripe red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry, often with hints of white pepper. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, while its fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast. The wine's subtle spiciness complements the smokiness of the Gouda, creating a harmonious flavour combination.

Grenache pairs exceptionally well with hamburgers topped with smoked Gouda. The wine's ripe red fruit flavours and subtle spiciness complement the smoky notes in the cheese beautifully. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity help cut through the richness of both the cheese and the burger patty. The wine's fruit-forward nature provides a pleasant contrast to the savoury elements, while its body stands up well to the majority of the flavours of this dish.

Burgundy and a Big Mac might sound unconventional, but it brings an intriguing twist to the classic fast-food experience. A lighter red Burgundy, with its cherry and earthy notes, can actually pair surprisingly well with the Big Mac’s layers of beef, cheese, and tangy sauce. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the burger, keeping each bite fresh. Burgundy’s finesse adds a touch of elegance to the Big Mac, enhancing the savoury elements without overpowering the iconic flavours.