Partygoers Guide to Offbeat Food and Wine Pairings

What comes to mind when someone mentions wine pairings? Do you think of lofty folks, noses in their glasses, discussing the notes of leather, tobacco, or smoke in their glass? Maybe you think of uncomfortable dinner situations where you’re just not sure which wine to bring, if you should even bring wine at all? I mean, isn’t it trés important to pair just the right wine with just the right dish? Good heavens, what if you’re wrong? There’s good news if you fear the snooty wine crowd–they really don’t exist. I mean, I’m sure there’s some close approximation out there, but far and wide, wine drinkers are ready and willing to accept you into the fold, and no matter what you like, you can’t be wrong. The truth is, wine is for everyone, and food and wine pairings can be far more fun than you ever imagined.

I’m partnering with Wente wines to help you make the most of the holiday season by sharing the holiday cheer with some quality, can’t-go-wrong wines. Ever since I attended a wine tour years ago and the guide recommended buttered popcorn as the best pairing for one of their varietals, I’ve been fascinated with fun, unexpected food and wine pairings–the more offbeat the better.

So, in the spirit of keeping things fun, casual, and endlessly interesting (and being inclusive of those who think they can’t “wine” with the best of ’em), I give you some of my favorite fun pairings (dare I call them junk food and wine pairings?) Nah, I just prefer to call these my “keep it casual” options.

Unexpectedly Fun Food and Wine Pairings

Today’s partnership with Wente Wines is one that I’m pretty excited about, because their goal this holiday season is to help save you time. They know what a precious commodity it is, and how the holiday season can turn into a crazy ride of hustle and hurry. My goal is always to help make life a little easier while maintaining the fun that comes with food, friends and family, and I am thrilled to be teaming up with a company that shares that goal. (See below for a huge holiday offer from Wente Wines.)

Create memorable moments and wrap the year up right with Wente Vineyards.

Of course, I understand a love of cooking, so if you want to pull off a mind-blowing family meal, with wines for each course, I applaud that. I bow down to you, in fact. But if time is of the essence, grab a bottle or two and some of the fun pairings below. They’ll serve as conversation starters, for sure, and you can have your hostess gift all tied up in minutes. And if you’re hosting? Friday night with friends just got a whole lot easier. 😉

Pair This with That

Syrah – Beef jerky, pepperoni, cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, cherry pie, Thin Mints

Merlot – Quesadillas, cheeseburgers, chocolate chips, toasted marshmallows

Pinot Noir – BBQ Chips, mushroom pizza, PB&J

Port – Dark Chocolate, Sea Salted Caramels, Turtles, Pecan Pie

Chardonnay – Butter cookies, peanut butter cups, coconut macaroons, oatmeal cookies, buttery popcorn

Gewurtztraminer – Apple Pie, cream filled donuts, sour gummies, banana split

Cabernet Sauvignon – Dark Chocolate cake, salted peanut candy bars, chocolate covered coffee beans

Pinot Grigio – Lemon Meringue Pie, Mozzarella sticks

Zinfandel – Chocolate covered cherries, cream-filled cupcakes, walking tacos

Rosé – Apple crisp, grilled cheese, roasted garlic hummus, sushi

Riesling – Cheesecake, Butter cookies, crème brulee, crispy rice treats, green apple lollipop

Sauvignon Blanc – Caramel apples, pineapple upside down cake, key lime pie

Brut (Sparkling) – Potato Chips, Parmesan fries, Buffalo dip, glazed donuts, vanilla wafers

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Pretty fun pairings, right? You can bet that when you show up with Sauvignon Blanc and caramel apples or serve grilled cheese with rosé, you’ll always find friends to share a good time and a glass of wine.