Nothing completes a meal quite like wine does. The right wine can take any meal from good to great. The beauty about wine is that there are so many varietals. And with so many varietals come so many pairings! While learning which wines go with what type of food can be tedious, our beverage team has done all the work to make it easier for you to educate yourself.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine varietals. It is often referred to as the king of the noble grapes. The boldness of cabernets should be accompanied by a dish equally bold such as red meat, mushrooms, and hard cheeses.

Pinot Noir – This wine varietal is incredibly versatile and has a flavor profile ranging from red fruit to mushrooms and meat. Adding duck, mushrooms, salmon, or tuna to the menu? Pinot noir pairs perfectly with that.

Red Zinfandel – Don’t forget about Red Zinfandel! This very full-bodied wine gives off amazing notes ranging from coconut to vanilla (depending on how it’s aged)! For robust menus that include beef, burgers, sausage, BBQ, lamb, pork, poultry, pizza and much more, consider pairing it with a red zinfandel.  

Merlot – The flavor profile of this lush, black grape varietal can be quite fussy, and so much about this wine depends on the climate in which it’s grown. Although, most merlots typically do contain characteristics of red fruit.  This wine goes great with tomato-based dishes such as Italian, roasted chicken, mushrooms, parmesan, and of course steak.

Syrah (French) / Shiraz (Australian) – Syrah, or shiraz, is a full-bodied wine with black fruit, slight pepper, and dark chocolate attributes. You’ll find that it complements steak and other beef dishes, especially if it is grilled or cooked on an open flame. Pork, sausage, and BBQ are just a few dishes that go exceptionally well with this wine. 

Rosé – Rosé, the meet-me-in-the-middle of wines. This bright wine is not named after a grape-like most wines. Instead, it is a category of wine such as reds or whites. Rosé is marvelously refreshing and contains fresh and fruity notes. Pair it with all types of food. From spicy food to sushi and salads, to BBQ meats and chicken! 

Chardonnay – When the weather gets warmer, reach for chardonnay. Chardonnay is an amazingly refreshing wine that pairs well with seafood, poultry and even pork. Although, try to stay away from aggressively seasoned food when pairing it with chardonnay.  

Sauvignon Blanc – This white wine varietal is aromatic as well as highly acidic. Right away, you’ll notice the abundance of green fruit aromas. The characteristics of sauvignon blanc make it perfect for pairing with crab cakes, shellfish, and lightly seasoned meats like chicken or veal. Mild vinaigrettes, brine sauces, and green vegetables will also pair well.  

Pinot Gris (French) / Pinot Grigio (Italian) – Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio, are two different styles of the same wine. Pinot Gris is from France and tends to be fuller-bodied with hints of spicy tropical fruit. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is from Italy and will be lighter-bodied. There are a lot of similar characteristics between these wines, but each has its own distinctions. Both pair well with antipasti, citrus, seafood, chicken, and mild soft cheeses.

Champagne &  Sparkling Wine – Immediately, everyone knows what champagne and sparkling wine pairs with—celebrations! But in a more formal sense, this varietal can be paired with an array of different things such as steak, chicken, fried chicken, citrus, potatoes, lobster, salty snacks and any fruit-styled dessert.