Wine Pairings 101: Tips & Tricks for Matching Wine with Your Menu

By: Mona J. Stallard, Sr. Operations Manager, Northern California

Choosing the perfect wine to complement your menu can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re an event planner aiming to impress your guests or simply someone who loves hosting dinner parties, understanding how to match wine to food can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. As a Level 1 certified sommelier currently working toward my Level 2 WSET certification, I’ve spent years exploring the complexities and joys of wine pairing. Growing up in an Eastern European household, wine was always central to our celebrations, laying the foundation for my lifelong passion. My first trip to Napa Valley at age 16 only deepened my love, leading me to eventually call Wine Country home. In this article, I’ll share practical pairing principles, fun ways to break traditional rules, and insider tips that will help you confidently select wines that beautifully enhance any food experience.

Mastering the Basics (and Then Breaking Them)

Simple Strategies for Event Planners

New to wine pairings? Keep it easy and move progressively from lighter to heavier wines throughout the meal. Start fresh with whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, move into smoother reds like Pinot Noir or Grenache, and end with bold options like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. Finish on a sweet note with dessert wines like Port or Muscat. Pro tip: Avoid repeating the wines served during your cocktail hour; keep the surprises coming!

Ditching Old-School Wine Rules

Who says you can’t pair white fish with red wine? One of my favorite unexpected pairings is a delicate filet of sole in lemon butter sauce paired with a rich Bordeaux blend. Trust me, it’s delightful.

Common Pairing Mistakes (and How to Dodge Them)

Pairing steak with a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon? It’s a surprisingly common misstep. The robust tannins often mask the subtle umami flavors of the meat. Instead, choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Grenache. Save those powerful reds for bolder dishes like smoked brisket, game meats, or hearty stews.

Tailoring Your Pairings: Menus, Trends, and Unexpected Gems

Menu First or Wine First?

Deciding whether to choose your wines first or your menu first depends entirely on your event’s focus. Hosting a wine-centric event or winemaker dinner? Select your wines first and build the menu around them—bonus points if the winemaker contributes ideas! Alternatively, if your menu emphasizes local or seasonal ingredients, choose wines that complement those flavors. As the saying goes, “what grows together, goes together.” 

Pairings for Every Palate

When planning receptions or cocktail hours, opt for versatile wines with higher acidity and lower tannins—think Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. Adding Rosé always brings extra cheer! For adventurous pairings, surprise guests with spicy curries or pad Thai alongside slightly sweet Gewürztraminer or Riesling. Vegetarian menus shine when paired with natural, unfiltered wines that accentuate the fresh flavors of plant-based dishes.

Sustainable, organic, and natural wines are capturing attention, showcasing authentic grape characteristics perfect for diverse pairings. White wines are increasingly popular, sophisticated rosés are having their moment, and unique “orange” wines (white wines left longer on yeast) are gaining fans for their deeper hues and richer flavors.

Don’t overlook a crowd favorite like sparkling wine. It’s festive, versatile, and universally appealing. Want an unexpected combo that hits the spot? Try pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with buttery popcorn (seriously, it’s addictive!). Ultimately, though, nothing beats the perfect pairing of great wine shared with great company. Awww.

Navigating Wine Lists Like a Local (or a Rebel!)

Living in Napa, you’d think I’d always opt for local vintages. My cellar is already bursting with local bottles, so when I’m dining out, I jump at the chance to explore wines from around the globe. French wines with French cuisine? Absolutely. Italian reds with Ossobuco? Sign me up!

Beyond Napa: Discover California’s Hidden Gems

Don’t limit yourself to Napa and Sonoma. California’s wine scene is rich, diverse, and accessible! Lesser-known vineyards and hidden wine regions prove fantastic wine doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.

So go ahead… sip, savor, and surprise yourself. Wine pairing should be an enjoyable adventure, not an intimidating task. Questions? Reach out to our Napa team here!