10 Must-Try Wine and Food Pairings for Your Next Dinner Party

The Art of Pairing Wine and Food

Pairing wine with food isn’t about rigid rules, but about finding flavors that complement one another.
The basic guideline for pairing is to match the weight of the wine to the dish. So, if you have a heavier or bolder wine, pair it with a similar style of food. And with a lighter or more crisp wine, try pairing it with something fresh and light. These are just a few classic guidelines, but there are numerous different combinations and flavors to try.

Let’s explore 10 must-try wine and food pairings that will impress your guests and make your next dinner party memorable.

Best Wine with Vegetarian Dishes: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect wine to pair with vegetarian or veggie-focused dishes. The acidity and bright flavors of the wine complement the earthy notes of vegetables and plants without overpowering the more mild ingredients. It’s an easy win with a starter salad, grilled veggies, or anything using fresh spring vegetables.

Best Wine with Steak: Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, flavorful, and rich, cabernet sauvignon and steak couldn’t be better for each other. The intense flavors of the wine match the richness of the meat, making the whole meal feel like a treat. It’s a classic pairing that feels warm, inviting, and a little indulgent.

Best Wine with Creamy Dishes: Chardonnay

Chardonnay and creamy dishes just get each other. The smoothness of the wine couldn’t pair better with the buttery, rich, saucy goodness on your plate. Pure comfort in your glass and on your fork.

Best Wine with Chicken: Chardonnay

This pairing is an easy win every time. If you’re wondering what wine pairs well with chicken, chardonnay should be your go-to. No matter if you’re serving the chicken grilled, roasted, tossed in a sauce, or in pasta, it’s an effortless pairing your guests will love.

Chianti and Spaghetti

Chiani and spaghetti = an amazing Italian meal everyone will swoon over. The fruity notes in the Chianti pair perfectly with the acidity and rich flavors in the tomato sauce. It’s the kind of cozy night in-specialty that never fails to impress.

Zinfandel and BBQ

Everyone loves hosting a good BBQ just as much as they love attending one, and choosing a perfect wine to pair with perfectly grilled goodies will make your gathering memorable. Pair your dishes with a Zinfandel and you’re all set. The wine’s juicy fruit and spicy hints perfectly complement the smoky, saucy BBQ flavors.

Rosé and Salad

On a warm summer day, a crisp glass of Rosé and a fresh green salad hits the spot every time. Similar to Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé is bright and fruity, helping to bring out the best in veggies. It’s a simple pairing, but it still impresses and is ideal for a laid-back gathering with friends.

Pinot Noir and Risotto

Risotto is a beloved dish here on the Wine Train, and it’s easy to see why. Creamy and rich, yet never too heavy, it’s a dish that can lean into so many flavors and cuisines. Pair it with a Pinot Noir, a lighter red, and you’ll have a meal with just the right amount of warmth.

Sparkling Wine and Popcorn

Sparkling wine and popcorn may sound like an unexpected pairing, but trust us, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as a welcome appetizer or after-dinner snack, the bubbly and salty combination hits just right.

Riesling and Cheesecake

Now for dessert! Although sometimes the wine is dessert, a glass of Riesling paired with a slice of cheesecake is the best way to wrap up the evening—refreshing and sweet.

From the Wine Train to Your Dinner Party

We hope these pairing suggestions provide a little inspiration for your next dinner party.
At the Napa Valley Wine Train, we’re all about creating memorable experiences for our guests, and that includes our culinary offerings. Tasting on the Rails is one of our most immersive experiences: a three-hour train ride through Napa Valley with seven gourmet courses, each with thoughtful wine pairings. Our carefully crafted food and wine pairings show how food and wine can bring people together and create special moments.

Would you like to try our perfect pairings? Join us on board for a Gourmet Express Lunch, a four-course meal aboard the Vista Dome, or even an Afternoon Tea. We have so many experiences waiting for you.