Wine and Snack Pairings: Because Every Glass Deserves a Plus-One

If loving wine and snacks is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

How often do you catch yourself snacking and suddenly craving a glass of wine to go with it? Maybe you’ve just polished off some Gonga (guilty pleasures, anyone?) and now you’re eyeing a White Castle burger with the perfect pour. But here’s the real question: what wine can actually complement your burger, sandwich, cookies, chips, popcorn, Doritos, or even something as simple as an apple or banana?

Good news—wine doesn’t always have to be serious and stuffy. With the right pairing, even your everyday snacks can turn into a mini gourmet experience. Here are some playful and surprisingly delicious pairings to try the next time snack cravings strike.

Fast Food

Let’s be honest—after a long, hectic day, who hasn’t rolled through the drive-thru for a quick bite? And while fast food may not always scream “fine dining,” the right glass of wine can take your meal from guilty pleasure to gourmet-in-disguise.

Take the classic McDonald’s Big Mac: its rich sauce, juicy patties, and tangy pickles are perfectly balanced by wines like Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, White Zinfandel, or a slightly off-dry Rosé. The hint of sweetness and acidity cut through the richness, making every bite even more satisfying.

Or maybe you’re more of a Filet-O-Fish fan? A crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate match. Its zesty citrus and herbaceous notes brighten up the fish and tartar sauce combo, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for the next bite.

Because sometimes, the best pairings are found in the most unexpected places—even under the golden arches.

Taco Bell cravings hit differently—and when they do, why not level up your order with the perfect glass of wine?

For those spicy favorites (think tacos with fire sauce or a cheesy burrito with a kick), go with wines that cool the heat. A slightly sweet, low-alcohol off-dry Riesling or a sweeter Chenin Blanc will soothe the spice while letting those bold flavors shine.

If you’re ordering something less fiery, like a bean burrito or cheesy quesadilla, try a Grüner Veltliner or a crisp dry Rosé. Both add just the right amount of freshness to balance the richness.

Feeling adventurous? Light red wines—such as an old-world Malbec, Tempranillo, Côtes du Rhône, or Rioja—are surprisingly delicious with Taco Bell’s seasoned meats and smoky spices.

Because honestly, who says a Chalupa can’t have a five-star pairing?

Craving comfort food but still want to keep it classy? Let’s talk about fun wine pairings for your favorite fast-food bites!

White Castle Burgers – Believe it or not, these little sliders shine with an off-dry Riesling, Rosé, or even a White Zinfandel. For regular hamburgers, go bold with a red blend or Beaujolais—especially if you’re heavy-handed with the ketchup. Cheeseburgers? They’re fabulous with Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, or Rosé. And if you’re indulging in a smoky bacon burger, reach for Rioja, Pinot Noir…or yes, even an ice-cold beer. Add mustard to the mix? That’s your excuse to pop some bubbly or crack open a beer!

Hot Dogs – Surprise! Hot dogs and Champagne are a match made in heaven. They also cozy up nicely to Gamay, dry Muscat, Merlot, Barbera, or an Oregon Pinot Noir. If you pile on the toppings, go for a juicy Zinfandel or a slightly sweet demi-sec Vouvray to keep the flavors balanced.

Fried Chicken (KFC or Popeyes) – KFC is finger-lickin’ good with sparkling wine or a smooth Pinot Noir. Popeyes, with its spicy kick, pairs beautifully with a dry Spanish Sherry—it cuts through the saltiness and resets your palate. Prefer something sweeter? A low-alcohol sparkling wine is perfect for taming the heat while keeping things festive.

Who knew fast food could taste so fancy with the right glass of wine? Cheers to guilty pleasures done right!

Snacks

• Potato Chips– Champagne or sparkling wines, BBQ Chips– Zinfandel
• Dorito’s– Sparkling Wines
• Pork Rinds– Beer, Sherry, or Sparkling wine
• Cheese Puffs or Cheese Sticks– acidic wines work pair well, Barbara, Chablis, Burgundy red & white, Macon-Villages, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines
• Popcorn– Sparkling wines or buttery Chardonnays
• Hostess Twinkie– Asti Spumante
• Doughnuts– Asti Spumante, Moscato Asti

Salsa & Tortilla Chips– Sparkling wines including Cava, New Zealand or California Sauvignon Blanc, Chianti

Cookie Pairings

Pairing wine with cookies can be simplified: the darker the dessert, the darker the wine! For example, a dark chocolate cookie often pairs well with a rich dark red wine or a sweet Italian sparkling red. When pairing with biscotti, opt for an Asti or a demi-sec Champagne, choosing sweet varieties over dry ones.

Your Favorite Sandwich

Turkey Sandwhich-Turkey is typically made from all white meat and has a low-fat content. Ideal wine pairings for a turkey sandwich include full-bodied whites like Chardonnay and Viognier. Dry Riesling also complements turkey sandwiches. For those who prefer red wines, medium-bodied options with low to medium tannin and relatively high acidity, such as Beaujolais, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Dolcetto, work well. Additionally, a Turkey Club pairs nicely with Rosé and Champagne.

Ham Sandwich– Beaujolais, Rosé, Sparkling wine, Ham & Cheese, Pinot Gris, Cotes du Rhone

Pastrami– Beaujolais, Zinfandel, and sparkling wines

Roast Beef– Beaujolais, Merlot, Riesling (German Spatlese, Valpolicella)

Egg Salad– Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Beaujolais, Rose

Egg Salad Recipe

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
•  chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• sprinkle of paprika
• salt and pepper to taste, pinch of Dill

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop. Transfer eggs to bowl, and mix in mayonnaise, and green onion, mustard then add the spices. Let the salad sit for 30 minutes then serve.

Clos Amador Rosa Cava pairs wonderfully with an egg salad sandwich. This wine showcases aromas and flavors of dried strawberries, accompanied by a subtle hint of savory earthiness. Dry sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco, complement any egg-based dish. Clos Amador offers a light, crisp, and fruity flavor, and the combination of egg salad and Cava will linger on your palate as you sip!

• BLT– Beaujolais, Chianti, Rosé, Chardonnay, Sparkling wines
• Tuna Salad– Rosé, with relish, Sauvignon Blanc
• Hummus– White Burgundy, Rosé, Champagne, Italian, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Riesling

Veggie Hummus Wrap

• 2 cups chopped cucumber seedless
• 1 cup chopped tomato, no seeds
• 1/2 plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried or fresh mint
• 1/2 cup Hummus
• 1/4 cup purple cabbage & carrots are optional
• lettuce is optional
• flour tortillas
• salt & pepper to taste

PREP: 12 minutes – Cook: 3 minutes

Mix cucumber, tomato, yogurt, chopped mint, lettuce, and salt & pepper in a bowl for taste. Let set for 10 minutes. Warm tortillas wrapped in tin foil and placed in an oven at 300 for 5-10 minutes or warm single tortillas in a skillet. Spread each tortilla with hummus and a half cup of cucumber mix to each and roll up.

This wrap would pair nicely with Lucien Lucbrecht, Riesling Reserve 2020

Flatbread-Spin, Perfect pairing

My flatbread spin pairs perfectly with Tania et Vincent Careme Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc. Enjoy!

The grapes Terre Brûlée Le Blanc are 100% Chenin Blanc and sourced from blocks in the Swartland region which are predominantly shale and granite soils. Swartland is an area that is gaining acclaim, located about an hour north of Cape Town with pockets of vineyards spread throughout the foothills of the Piketberg, Porterville, Riebeek and Perdeberg mountains and along the banks of the Berg River.

Fruits & Nuts

Banana- Gewurztraminer, Champagne
Apple- Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, (off- dry to sweet)
Strawberry- Moscato d’, Asti, Ice Wine, Brochette d’ Acqui, Sauternes
Pears- Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest Riesling, Semillon
Peaches- Amaretto. Asti, Madeira, Sparkling Wine, demi-sec
Almonds- Prosecco, Sauternes, Cote-Rote, Muscatel, Madeira
Peanuts- Oaked Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and (avoid red wine)
Pistachios- Asti, Chardonnay,
Walnuts- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Oaky Chardonnay, Port

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