The Ultimate Guide to Food Pairings for Your Wine Tasting Party
If you're planning a wine tasting party, you know that choosing the right food to pair with your wines can make a big difference in how enjoyable the party is for your guests. Here's our guide to pairing food with wine for your next tasting party.
Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with hearty, meaty dishes. Try pairing with grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison. Dishes like beef bourguignon, roasted lamb chops, and venison stew are great choices.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir works well with both lighter and heavier dishes. Try pairing with roasted pork or chicken dishes. Dishes like pork tenderloin with a cherry and pistachio relish or roasted chicken with fennel and lemon are excellent options.
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is a bold, full-bodied wine that pairs well with spicy, smoky dishes. Try pairing with dishes like grilled steak with a smoky chipotle rub, spicy beef or lamb stew, or smoked pork belly.
Whites
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is an oaked white wine that pairs well with rich, buttery dishes. Try pairing with lobster, shrimp scampi, or chicken alfredo. Dishes like butter-poached lobster tails or creamy chicken pasta are great choices.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine that pairs well with light, fresh dishes. Try pairing with grilled fish, salads, or vegetarian dishes. Dishes like grilled halibut with a citrus herb dressing or a fresh summer salad are great options.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light and easy-to-drink white wine that pairs well with light, fresh dishes. Try pairing with grilled vegetables, seafood, or light pasta dishes. Dishes like grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers or a fresh pasta primavera are great choices.
Dessert Pairings
Port
Port is a sweet and fruity fortified wine that pairs well with rich, indulgent desserts. Try pairing with chocolate truffles, flourless chocolate cake, or cheesecake. Dishes like a rich chocolate mousse or caramel apple tart are excellent options.
Riesling
Riesling is a sweet white wine that pairs well with fruity desserts. Try pairing with fruit tarts, berry sorbets, or poached fruit. Dishes like a mixed berry crumble or poached pears with honey whipped cream are great choices.
Moscato
Moscato is a fizzy, sweet white wine that pairs well with light, fruity desserts. Try pairing with fresh fruit, light cakes, or sorbets. Dishes like a fresh fruit salad or lemon sorbet are great options.
By following this guide, your wine tasting party is guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. Remember, the key to a successful wine and food pairing is finding the balance between the wine and the dish.
Happy pairing!