Hamburgers are a truly classic comfort food, and it’s no surprise. They are the perfect option for pleasing everyone. No, really. Let’s break it down. They are easy to cook, limitlessly customizable, and great for feeding practically any size group. Now, what could be better than grilling a burger with friends on a warm day? Enjoying a delicious glass of Missouri wine with that burger, that’s what!

Missouri Chambourcin with its earthy flavors and soft tannins is a great pairing for hamburgers. You can’t go wrong with a glass of Chambourcin and a burger, but if you like to ramp up you burger with barbecue sauce or blue cheese, a Missouri Norton is also a good choice. Or you can break out of the norm and try a dry rosé at your next cook-out. Rosés are  fruity and light, making them incredibly versatile when paired with food. Make it simple and grab a bottle of each to have alongside burgers at your next gathering.

The components of a great burger bar:

(Pro-tip: If you set your burger bar up in this order, building your best hamburger couldn’t be easier!)

• Bread: Start with a great selection of buns and rolls. A classic white and wheat are great, but consider spicing things up a little with sesame, onion or ciabatta rolls.
• Patties: Offering a couple of patty options is sure to keep everyone happy. Beef is the classic choice and is quite delicious, but consider having a few turkey or chicken burger patties and even a veggie burger option if you’re feeding a variety of people.
• Cheese: A hamburger is great, but a cheeseburger is superb. There are so many delicious cheese options out there, but some frequent favorites include cheddar, swiss, bleu cheese, muenster and pepper jack. (If you think the cheese is the best part of a cheeseburger, you’ll like this wine and cheese pairing guide.)
• Extras: The “extras” are where you get to have the real fun. Some classic options: lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized or fried onions… Out of the box options: coleslaw, avocado or guacamole, jalapenos, bacon jam, or anything else that happens to sounds good to you at the time.
• Condiments: You can’t forget the condiments! They are the finishing touch to any good burger. Mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup are the regulars, but barbecue sauce, sriracha, horseradish, and rhubarb-wine ketchup are also great ideas to spice up your burger bar. This handy infographic can tell you which Missouri wines pair with your favorite condiment.

Assemble your best burger bar just in time for Memorial Day! Plus, May happens to be National Beef Month. How convenient is that?

Missouri wine pairs well with your favorite burger!