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

Grape Pecan Chiken Salad

• 6 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
•  2-3 stalks ofcelery, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 4 cups red seedles grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced fresh dill
• 1/2 tablespoon Tarragon
• salt and pepper to taste to taste

Combine the celery, grapes, pecans, and chicken in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, tarragon, and salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken mixture and stir until well blended. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Sprinkle a small amount of Paprika is optional.

Sauvignon Blanc: This wine features zesty citrus and herbaceous aromas that complement creamy dressings and fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley.

Unoaked Chardonnay: Known for its clean, citrusy, and mineral-driven characteristics, this wine pairs well with lighter, herbaceous chicken salads.

Dry Riesling: Off-dry and with bright acidity, Dry Riesling is particularly well-suited for chicken salads that include grapes, nuts, or fruit. 

• 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 Foxen Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2024, Enjoy!

93 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Fermented in equal parts stainless steel and neutral puncheons, the 2024 Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard is a beautiful representation of the variety sourced from vines planted in 1966. It opens with an airy, ethereal bouquet that gradually blossoms with dried jasmine, tangerine, crushed stone and citrus peel aromas. The palate is broad, textural and glossy yet enlivened with invigorating acidity that runs through the vibrant, mouthwatering finish.

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!