A Wine and Snacks Pairing Guide

Wine is one of a kind.

Every glass of wine you enjoy is as unique as a bite of a meal, from the aroma to the mouthfeel. There’s no better way to take the experience from mere sipping to a revelation than pairing wine with snacks that amplify their qualities. It’s genuinely a sense-awakening experience.

So whether you’re about to host a get-together and want to wow your friends or simply want to know what snacks go well with wine for your edification and enjoyment.

Red Wine

There are myriad options to consider when selecting from all the red wines in the world. Everything, from the amount of water the grapes get to the sunlight and the barrels in which the grapes are fermented, influences the final product you’re currently enjoying.

You can find a sweet red that gives you the sense of biting into fresh fruit. Or, you can find a bold, dry red with notes of spices and wood. If you’re looking to find the perfect pairing of wine and snacks, keeping the varietal's unique characteristics in mind before checking out is essential.

Don’t lay out snacks with glasses of wine before reading through some quick tips.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabs are fierce. Each sip is like a firework going off. Any snack you pair with a Cab must be hearty enough to match it.

Cheese and wine are old friends that age well together. Cheese is a must for anyone looking to pair wine and snacks, and Cabs are no exception. Be sure to choose cheeses with sharp flavor profiles, such as aged Cheddar, Gouda, Havarti, or truffle Brie.

You are snack-poor if you don’t have any cheese in your refrigerator. Don’t walk; sprint to the store! Or, if you want to host a party with many co-stars and no go-to aged cheese, many other snacks go well with Cabernets, including pretzels, Hummus dip, beef jerky, and dark chocolate.

Malbec

Malbecs are as unique a wine varietal as the stars. You’re also likely to get as many opinions as the stars when you discuss Malbec with wine aficionados. It profiles with coffee, leather, vanilla, and smoke flavors. Ask any experienced wine drinker about the food that comes to mind when they think of Malbec, and you’re likely to hear “steak” mentioned at least once.

But Malbec is versatile and a fantastic option if you’re hoping to pair wine and snacks. The smokiness of Malbec makes it an ideal match for meat snacks, including salami and ham. And, like Cabernet Sauvignon, it goes well with several cheeses, such as cheddar, Stilton, and Taleggio. A good rule of thumb with Malbec is to search for smoky or spicy snacks or foods since this Argentinian wine will enhance those flavors. Empanadas are another tasty pairing with a Malbac.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is to Rioja what Cabernet Sauvignon is to Bordeaux. Most Tempranillos are medium-bodied and more versatile than Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs. Sticking with slightly salty or acidic foods is a good idea when pairing wine and snacks.

Olives are old pals with wine, as well. They’re saltier than many cheeses and are a long-time favorite for those searching for a wine and snack pairing for Tempranillo. You might also consider roasted vegetables, chips, and salsa—especially salsas made with lime or the juice of another citrus fruit—as well as traditional Spanish tapas such as sardines and chorizo sausage. In a pinch, pizza works well here, too.

Of course, not everyone enjoys red wine. If you consider yourself more of a white wine drinker and are wondering what snacks go well with it, don’t worry. White wine snack pairings are as plentiful as blackberries!

White Wine

For many wine drinkers, red wine offers a symphony of notes and flavors; white wine is more like an arietta. White wine is typically lighter than red wine, with flavor notes of fruits such as green apple, apricot, and melon. If you love white wine and snacks, here are a few pairing ideas for two more popular wine varietals.

Riesling

Rieslings are fun, crisp, acidic, sweet, and perfect for summer. Good snack pairings make these properties sing. Think crabcakes with a sweet chili sauce here or smoked salmon crostini.

Try salt and vinegar chips if you’re trying to enhance the acidity of Riesling. Or, if you’re looking to tone down the wine’s acidity, try fresh vegetables such as celery or cucumber dipped in cream cheese.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider milk chocolate with a Riesling. Other fun possibilities include apple cheesecake or vanilla ice cream with bananas and a caramel sauce.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a bright and herbaceous wine. It’s a beautiful match for fresh and tangy snacks.

Goat cheese is a great choice to pair with Sauvignon, as is an artichoke dip. Some other cheese options to consider include Colby Jack and Muenster. Sauvignon Blanc goes well with tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, too. If you're an ambitious snacker, you can drink it with seafood, such as mussels and clams.

When it’s time to celebrate, nothing is better than popping a bottle of bubbly. Fortunately, there are snack pairings for all sparkling wines.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wine takes the experience of enjoying a glass of wine to a new level with floral and fruit-inspired notes that tickle and delight. Some favorite snacks to pair with these festive wines include baked Brie with either raspberry or apricot compote, Oysters Rockefeller, or buttered popcorn. So, pop a bottle and grab some snacks to start the party.

Brut

Brut is an upscale wine that should have no hint of sweetness, and it pairs well with many snacks. From almonds and other nuts to potato chips, egg rolls, and cheeses such as Parmesan, Gouda, and Cheddar, Brut sparkling wines truly can’t be beaten if you’re looking for wine and snacks for your next party.

Come and Enjoy Bites and Wine at Lone Point Cellars

If you’re still wondering what snacks go well with your favorite wine, our restaurant can help you find an answer. We’ve thoughtfully paired each of our wines with handcrafted bites and hearty meals. Book your reservation at our vineyard-to-table restaurant today. Or, if you’d like to discover new pairings on your own, browse our collection of award-winning wines today.