Gewürztraminer + Persimmon Salad

The floral, fruity notes of Gewürztraminer highlight the sweetness of persimmon, while its medium acidity balances the citrus dressing. The wine’s soft texture pairs well with avocado and toasted nuts, keeping the salad bright and fresh.

Pairing principle:
Fruit-forward salads work best with aromatic whites that have moderate acidity and a touch of sweetness. They match the fruit without clashing with the dressing.

🍷 Alternative: Riesling (dry or off-dry) or Viognier

⏰ 30 min | 🥗 Vegetarian | Recipe

Sauvignon Blanc + Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of blue cheese and keeps the pear’s sweetness lively. Its herbal notes echo the greens, while the wine’s brightness balances the walnuts without making the salad feel heavy.

Pairing principle:
Salads with creamy cheese and sweet fruit need a wine with high acidity and freshness to lift the flavors and create balance.

🍷Alternative: Chenin Blanc or Pinot Grigio

⏰ 30 min | 🥗 Vegetarian | Recipe

Vermentino + Grilled Corn Salad

Vermentino’s citrus, herbal notes, and bright acidity balance the sweetness of the corn and complement the char. Its clean, slightly salty finish pairs well with feta and fresh herbs, keeping the salad crisp and refreshing.

Pairing principle:
Grilled vegetables with sweet and smoky flavors need a high-acid, herb-friendly white that keeps the dish light.

🍷 Alternative: Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc

⏰ 30 min | 🥗 Vegetarian | Recipe

Riesling (off-dry) + Green Salad with Oranges & Pecans

Off-dry Riesling’s bright acidity and light sweetness match the citrus and dried cranberries while keeping the greens crisp. Its fruitiness pairs naturally with the oranges, without making the salad feel heavy.

Pairing principle:
Fruit-forward salads work best with aromatic whites that have both acidity and a touch of sweetness to match the fruit and lift the greens.

🍷 Alternative: Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris

⏰ 23 min | 🥗 Vegetarian | Recipe

Сhablis + Crab Dip

Chablis’s sharp acidity and minerality cut through the creamy texture of the dip and highlight the natural sweetness of the crab. Its clean citrus profile keeps the flavor bright and prevents the dish from feeling heavy.

Pairing principle:
Delicate seafood with creamy elements needs a high-acid, mineral-driven white to lift sweetness and keep the palate fresh.

🍷 Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre) or Albariño

⏰ 15 min | 🦀 Crab | Recipe

Sauvignon Blanc + Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity cuts through the creamy texture and balances the richness of the cheese. Its herbal notes match the spinach and artichokes, keeping the dip tasting fresh instead of heavy.

Pairing principle:
Creamy, herb-forward dips need a crisp, high-acid white that complements the greens and lightens the richness.

🍷 Alternative: Vermentino or Pinot Grigio

⏱️ 30 min | 🥬 Vegetarian | Recipe

Sparkling Brut + Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries

Brut sparkling wine cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes and the saltiness of the Parmesan. The bubbles refresh the palate, keeping each bite crisp instead of heavy, and the acidity balances the roasted flavors.

Pairing principle:
Fried or roasted salty snacks need high acidity and bubbles to reset the palate and balance sweetness or richness.

🍷Alternative: Prosecco Brut or Cava

⏰ 40 min | 🥔Vegetarian | Recipe

Chardonnay (unoaked) + Cheese & Herb Potato Gratin

The bright acidity of unoaked Chardonnay lightens the richness of the cream and cheese, while its apple and citrus notes keep the herbs fresh.

Pairing principle:
Rich, creamy potato dishes need a fresh, non-oaky white with enough acidity to balance the fat and keep the flavors lifted.

🍷Alternative: Chenin Blanc or Pinot Blanc

⏰ 1h hr 20 min | 🥔 Vegetarian | Recipe

Zinfandel + Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

The berry fruit and soft spice of Zinfandel balance the bitterness of Brussels sprouts. The slight sweetness in the balsamic glaze matches the wine’s ripe fruit and keeps the pairing smooth.

Pairing principle:
Vegetables with bitterness and balsamic glaze need a fruity, medium-bodied red that softens sharp edges and complements caramelization.

🍷Alternative: Pinot Noir or Grenache

⏰ 50 min | 🥦 Vegetarian | Recipe

Pinot Noir + Parmesan Garlic Mushrooms

Pinot Noir’s earthy notes mirror the flavor of sautéed mushrooms, while its bright acidity lifts the Parmesan and garlic. The light body keeps the pairing balanced and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.

Pairing principle:
Earthy mushroom dishes work best with light reds that have bright acidity and subtle tannins to match the umami without overpowering it.

🍷Alternative: Beaujolais or Barbera

⏰ 20 min | 🍄 Vegetarian | Recipe

Chenin Blanc + Mashed Cauliflower

Chenin Blanc’s bright acidity and orchard-fruit notes lift the creamy texture of the cauliflower, while its freshness cuts through the roasted garlic and Dijon mustard.

Pairing principle:
Creamy purées with garlic or mustard need a high-acid white that adds structure, balances savory flavors, and keeps the dish fresh.

🍷Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

⏰ 20 min | 🥦 Vegetarian | Recipe

Pinot Noir + Roasted Root Vegetables

Pinot Noir’s bright red fruit and earthy undertones match the natural sweetness of root vegetables. Its light body and clean acidity lift the caramelized edges and keep the dish balanced instead of heavy.

Pairing principle:
Earthy, sweet vegetables pair best with light reds that have good acidity and subtle tannins to highlight caramelization without overpowering the dish.

🍷 Alternative: Zinfandel or Beaujolais

⏰ 60 min | 🥕 Vegetarian | Recipe

Chardonnay (unoaked) + Green Bean Casserole

Unoaked Chardonnay’s bright acidity cuts through the creamy sauce and fried onions, keeping the dish lighter. Its clean citrus-apple notes complement the green beans without clashing with the mushroom base.

Pairing principle:
Creamy vegetable casseroles need a fresh white with acidity to balance richness and avoid heaviness.

🍷 Alternative: Pinot Blanc or Chenin Blanc

⏰ 1 h 20 min | 🥗 Vegetarian | Recipe

Zinfandel + Honey Baked Ham

infandel’s ripe berry fruit and soft spice balance the sweetness of the honey glaze and match the smoky, savory flavor of the ham. Its medium body and smooth tannins keep the pairing juicy and round without overwhelming the dish.

Pairing principle:
Sweet-and-savory meats work best with fruity reds that can handle sugar and salt at the same time.

🍷 Alternative: Grenache or Beaujolais

⏰ 1 h 30 min | 🍖 Meat | Recipe

Pinot Noir + Honey Roast Duck

Pinot Noir’s red fruit, acidity, and subtle earthiness balance the richness of duck and the sweetness of the honey glaze. Its light tannins keep the pairing smooth, while the wine’s brightness cuts through the fat and highlights the crispy skin.

Pairing principle:
Rich, sweet-glazed duck needs a fresh, medium-bodied red with high acidity to cut through the fat and complement the sweetness.

🍷 Alternative: Zinfandel (lighter style) or Grenache

⏰ 2 h 10 min | 🦆 Duck | Recipe

Beaujolais (Cru) + Thanksgiving Turkey

Cru Beaujolais has bright red fruit, high acidity, and soft tannins that keep lean turkey juicy and highlight the herbs in the rub. Its light, fresh style works with both white and dark meat and doesn’t overpower the mild flavor of the turkey.

Pairing principle:
Herb-roasted turkey pairs best with light reds that have good acidity and subtle tannins to keep the meat vibrant and balanced.

🍷 Alternative: Pinot Noir or Zinfandel (lighter style)

⏰ 3 h 50 min | 🍗 Turkey | Recipe

Cabernet Sauvignon + Beef Tenderloin Roast

Cabernet Sauvignon’s dark fruit, firm tannins, and structure match the richness of tenderloin and complement the crust from roasting. The wine’s depth brings out the beef’s flavor without overwhelming its delicate texture.

Pairing principle:
Rich red meat needs a structured red with tannins to balance fat and enhance savory flavors.

🍷 Alternative: Merlot, Syrah, Bordeaux Blend

⏰ 45 min | 🥩 Meat | Recipe

Zinfandel + Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Zinfandel’s ripe berry fruit and warm spice complement the sweet honey glaze and the savory garlic. Its medium body and soft tannins match the tender texture of pork, while the wine’s richness balances the caramelized edges.

Pairing principle:
Sweet-savory pork dishes need a fruity red with gentle tannins to match sweetness and keep the pairing juicy.

🍷 Alternative: Grenache or Barbera

⏰ 35 min | 🥩 Meat | Recipe

Moscato d’Asti + Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Moscato d’Asti’s light sweetness and gentle bubbles highlight the warm spices in pumpkin bread and balance its earthy pumpkin flavor. The low alcohol and bright acidity keep the pairing fresh instead of sugary.

Pairing principle:
Spiced pumpkin desserts pair best with lightly sweet, aromatic wines that lift the spices and soften earthy notes.

🍷 Alternative: Late Harvest Riesling or Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine

⏰ 50 min | 🎃 dessert | Recipe

Moscato d’Asti + Chocolate Banana Bread

Moscato d’Asti’s light sweetness and gentle bubbles lift the banana flavor and soften the cocoa. Its bright acidity keeps the bread tasting fresh, while the floral notes pair naturally with almond flour and warm spices.

Pairing principle:
Banana- and chocolate-based desserts work best with lightly sweet, aromatic wines that balance fruitiness and soften cocoa bitterness.

🍷 Alternative: Late Harvest Riesling or Brachetto d’Acqui

⏰1 h 5 min | 🍌🍫 dessert | Recipe