Flame & Flavor: Exploring Alternative Grilling Options with Award-Winning Wine Pairings

Summer grilling isn’t just for steaks and sausages anymore. As plant-based lifestyles grow in popularity and curiosity about global cuisines expands, so does the creative potential of your grill. From halloumi to cauliflower steaks and marinated tofu to grilled peaches, non-meat grilling opens up a world of flavor—especially when paired with the right wine. Here’s a roundup of standout vegetarian and pescatarian grillables, each matched with a wine from top producers, including several 2024 Santé Magazine Gold Medal winners.

1. Grilled Halloumi with Lemon & Herbs

Wine Pairing: Fakin Malvazija 2022 (Istria, Croatia) – Gold Medal Winner
Halloumi’s salty, squeaky richness holds up beautifully on the grill. A brush of olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, and a touch of chili flakes transforms it into a Mediterranean star. Pair it with Fakin Malvazija—a dry, aromatic white with crisp acidity and stone fruit notes that balance the salt and elevate the lemony zest. 

2. Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce

Wine Pairing: JOLO Pilot Fog Cynthiana 2022 (North Carolina, USA) – Gold Medal Winner
Cauliflower steaks take on a smoky edge when grilled, especially when topped with nutty, peppery romesco sauce. JOLO’s Pilot Fog Cynthiana, with its medium body, dark cherry notes, and soft tannins, complements the earthiness of the cauliflower and the depth of the sauce without overpowering. 

3. Miso-Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku)

Wine Pairing: Brecon Estate Albariño 2023 (California, USA) – Gold Medal Winner
When grilled until caramelized, eggplant becomes lush and tender. A miso glaze adds umami, sweetness, and complexity. Brecon’s Albariño brings citrus, saline brightness, and a minerally backbone, offering the perfect contrast to the glaze and texture. 

4. Grilled Portobello Burgers with Pesto & Mozzarella

Wine Pairing: Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2022 (California, USA) – Gold Medal Winner
Portobellos are a satisfying meat alternative—dense, juicy, and packed with umami. With pesto and melted mozzarella, they’re even more decadent. The herbal and red-fruited notes of AVV’s Cabernet Franc align beautifully, with just enough structure to stand up to the richness. 

5. Tandoori-Spiced Paneer Skewers

Wine Pairing: Miguel Caratachea Venerable Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Napa Valley, USA) – Gold Medal & Best of Show Winner
Paneer holds its shape on the grill and soaks up spicy marinades like a dream. Miguel Caratachea’s Venerable Vines Cabernet Sauvignon cools the heat with bright strawberry and watermelon notes while keeping the spice alive on the palate. 

6. Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with Arugula

Wine Pairing: J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2022 (Arroyo Seco, USA) – Silver Medal Winner
Sweet, smoky peaches, creamy burrata, and peppery arugula combine for a stellar starter or side. J. Lohr’s Arroyo Vista Chardonnay offers ripe pear and toasty vanilla notes with refreshing acidity to cut through the creaminess and match the sweetness of the fruit. 

7. Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Maple-Dijon Glaze

Wine Pairing: Rayson Winery Pinot Noir (North Carolina, USA) – Silver Medal Winner
For pescatarians, grilled salmon is a classic. The sweet-savory maple glaze pairs impeccably with Rayson’s cool-climate Pinot Noir. Its cranberry, forest floor, and spice notes enhance the glaze while honoring the delicacy of the fish. 

8. Smoky Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Wine Pairing: El Capricho Reserve Tannat 2017 (Uruguay) – Gold Medal Winner
A smoky, spicy, lime-laced corn cob is summer on a stick. El Capricho’s Reserve Tannat bursts with citrus zest, green herbs, and a touch of tropical fruit—perfect for cutting through chipotle heat and echoing lime brightness. 

Grill Smarter, Sip Better

Grilling without meat doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means unlocking new combinations that sizzle in their own right. And when matched with thoughtful wines from world-class producers, these dishes become a feast of balance, contrast, and seasonal joy. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a curious foodie, or just trying to cut back on meat, this pairing guide offers a fresh take on grilling and sipping your way through summer.