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Wine and pie: perfect pairings for sweet and savory flavors
Your complete guide to wine and pie pairings, covering holiday favorites and everyday comfort food
Pies have always been one of the most versatile comfort foods: sweet, fruity, creamy, or savory, they fit every occasion from cozy family dinners to festive holidays. And when you add wine, pies become even more exciting. The right wine doesn’t just complement a slice; it transforms it.
With the right wine, an apple pie feels brighter, a pumpkin pie more elegant, and a chicken pot pie even cozier. Сhoosing the right wine can turn a simple dish into something truly special.
Understanding the Basics of Wine and Pie Pairings
The foundation of pairing is balance. Sweet pie wine pairings depend on acidity: a refreshing Riesling or Moscato can highlight the sweetness of fruit pies without overwhelming them.
For example, the best wine with apple pie often has just enough freshness to cut through the sugar and bring out the spice.
On the savory side, pies with hearty fillings need structure. A savory pie wine pairing could be a creamy Chardonnay for chicken pot pie or a medium-bodied red for mushroom or beef pies. These wines complement richness while keeping the palate refreshed.
Matching Sweetness and Acidity
Sweetness in pies is tricky and must be matched carefully with the right wine. If the wine is drier than the pie, it may taste harsh. Instead, choose wines with balanced acidity or gentle sweetness.
For example, the best wine with pumpkin pie could be Sauternes with honeyed notes, while berry pies shine with sparkling rosé or Moscato d’Asti that add a lively contrast.
💡 Quick tip: Always match the sweetness of the pie with at least equal sweetness in the wine, otherwise, the wine risks tasting flat or even bitter.
Considering Texture and Ingredients
Texture is just as important as flavor. A flaky crust loves wines that add crispness, while a creamy filling benefits from a wine with freshness in the glass.
Wine with chicken pot pie pairs beautifully when the wine mirrors its richness but still lifts the palate. For fruit pies, juicy wines like Riesling or sparkling rosé highlight the filling, while savory pies such as mushroom or beef pies pair best with structured reds or fuller-bodied whites.
💡 Quick tip: Think of contrast. Creamy pies need freshness, flaky pies need structure, and fruit pies need wines that echo their natural brightness.
By keeping these principles in mind, sweetness, acidity, texture, and ingredients, you’ll have a complete guide to choosing the best wine with pie, whether it’s a sweet holiday favorite or an everyday savory slice.
What’s the difference between pie, tart, and quiche?
A pie can be sweet or savory, usually baked in a pastry crust and filled with fruit, nuts, meat, or vegetables.
A tart is more refined: always open-faced, baked in a shallow pan with a firm, buttery crust, and often filled with fruit or creamy custard.
Quiche, on the other hand, is a type of savory tart that comes from French cuisine. It’s typically made with eggs, cream or milk, cheese, and vegetables or meat. Unlike sweet pies, quiche is always savory and egg-based, sometimes with crust, sometimes crustless.
👉 In short: pie is comfort, tart is elegance, and quiche is always savory.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to put them into practice. Below you’ll find a collection of sweet and savory pies, from holiday classics like pumpkin pie and pecan pie to comfort food favorites like chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie.
Pie’s Pairing
For each dish, you’ll see a recommended wine pairing, the principle behind it, and alternatives if you’d like to explore different styles. These pairings are here to inspire you, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
While there are some general principles to food and wine pairing, remember that taste is personal. We all experience flavors differently, and what delights one person might not work for another. So trust your own preferences, explore with curiosity, and, above all, enjoy the experience.
 image by lazycatkitchen Pinot Noir + Mushroom PieEarthy mushrooms baked in a flaky crust with herbs and vegetables find a perfect partner in Pinot Noir. Its red cherry fruit, subtle spice, and forest floor notes enhance the mushrooms’ depth while keeping the pairing elegant and light. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Chianti or Nebbiolo ⏰ 1 hr 35 min | 🌱 Vegan |  image by natashaskitchen Chardonnay + Chicken Pot PieThis creamy chicken pot pie with vegetables and a flaky crust pairs wonderfully with oaked Chardonnay. Notes of apple, citrus and vanilla echo the richness of the sauce, while the wine’s acidity balances the buttery pastry and tender chicken. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Viognier or Pinot Noir (for a lighter red option) ⏰ 50 min | 🍗 Meat-based |
 image by eatingbirdfood Chenin Blanc + Cottage Cheese QuicheThe creamy, light texture of cottage cheese quiche pairs beautifully with Chenin Blanc. Its crisp acidity and flavors of apple, pear, and honey bring freshness to the dish while highlighting the subtle dairy notes. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio ⏰ 1 hr 10 min | 🥚 Vegetarian |  image by eatingbirdfood Sauvignon Blanc + Kale & Feta Crustless QuicheThis light and savory crustless quiche, packed with kale and creamy feta, finds freshness in Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s zesty acidity and herbal notes echo the greens, while citrus flavors balance the richness of the cheese. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Vermentino or Assyrtiko ⏰ 1 h 15 min | 🥬 Vegetarian |
 image by aspicyperspective Chenin Blanc + Irish Potato PieThis hearty pie with layers of tender potatoes, cheese, and herbs pairs perfectly with Chenin Blanc. The wine’s crisp acidity and notes of apple, pear, and honey refresh the creamy texture of the pie, while its roundness complements the richness. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Lightly oaked Chardonnay or Pinot Gris ⏰ 1 hr 10 min | 🥔🥓 Meat-based |  image by aspicyperspective Pinot Gris + Vegetarian Pot PieThis comforting pot pie filled with carrots, peas, mushrooms, and potatoes pairs beautifully with Pinot Gris. The wine’s crisp acidity and flavors of pear, citrus, and subtle spice brighten the creamy filling while complementing the flaky crust. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir ⏰ 50 min | 🌱 Vegetarian |
 image by cookedandloved Grüner Veltliner + Cabbage PieThis rustic cabbage pie with a flaky crust pairs beautifully with Grüner Veltliner. The wine’s crisp acidity, subtle citrus, and peppery herbal notes highlight the cabbage’s natural sweetness and balance the richness of the pastry. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Dry Riesling or Pinot Noir ⏰ 35 min | 🥬 Vegetarian |  image by spendwithpennies Chianti + Spaghetti PieThis hearty spaghetti pie baked with tomato sauce and cheese finds its perfect match in Chianti. The wine’s bright cherry fruit and herbal notes echo the tomato flavors, while its acidity balances the richness of cheese and pasta. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Barbera or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ⏰ 60 min | 🍝 Meat-based |
 image by bakeitwithlove Syrah/Shiraz + Shepherd’s PieThis hearty dish of seasoned ground lamb and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with Syrah. The wine’s bold blackberry fruit, peppery spice, and earthy notes complement the savory richness of the filling, while its structure balances the dish’s creamy texture. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux Blend ⏰ 1 hr 10 min | 🥩 Meat-based |  image by spendwithpennies Chianti + Tomato PieJuicy tomatoes baked with herbs and cheese in a flaky crust find their perfect partner in Chianti. The wine’s bright acidity and notes of cherry and dried herbs mirror the tomato’s tang and basil’s freshness, while its structure balances the richness of the cheese. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc or Barbera ⏰ 45 min | 🍅 Vegetarian |
 image by thebigmansworld Gewürztraminer + Apple pieThe spiced sweetness of an apple pie meets its ideal match in Gewürztraminer. This aromatic wine, with its notes of lychee, rose, and stone fruits, enhances the cinnamon warmth and ripe apple flavors, turning a simple pie into an elegant pairing. Pairing principle: Aromatic wines with fruity sweetness and balanced acidity highlight the spices in apple desserts while echoing their natural fruitiness. 🍷Alternative: Off-dry Riesling or Moscato d’Asti ⏰ 50 min | 🍏 Vegetarian |  image by therecipecritic Sparkling Rosé + Strawberry PieFresh strawberries in a buttery crust pairs well with a glass of sparkling rosé. The wine’s lively bubbles and notes of red berries mirror the pie’s fruitiness, while its bright acidity balances the natural sweetness for a refreshing finish. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Moscato d’Asti or off-dry Riesling ⏰ 45 min | 🍓 Vegetarian |
 image by thebigmansworld Dry Riesling + Key Lime PieThe zesty tang of key lime pie with its creamy coconut filling finds harmony in Riesling. A dry or off-dry Riesling, with its crisp acidity and notes of green apple, citrus, and peach, mirrors the lime’s brightness while adding a gentle fruitiness that balances the creaminess of the pie. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño ⏰ 35 min | 🍋🟩 Vegetarian |  image by thebigmansworld Sauternes + Pumpkin PiePumpkin pie with its creamy texture and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg finds a luxurious partner in Sauternes. This golden sweet wine brings notes of honey, apricot, and candied citrus that echo the pie’s richness while its lively acidity keeps every bite balanced and elegant. Pairing principle: 🍷Alternative: Tokaji Aszú or Gewürztraminer ⏰ 45 min | 🎃 Vegetarian |
 image by eatingbirdfood Tawny Port + Pecan PieThe nutty richness of pecan pie pairs seamlessly with Tawny Port. The wine’s flavors of caramel, dried fruits, and roasted nuts mirror the pie’s filling, while its smooth texture complements the buttery crust. Together, they create a warm, indulgent pairing. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Madeira or Oloroso Sherry ⏰ 50 min | 🌰 Vegetarian |  image by livinghealthywithchocolate Vin Santo + Chocolate Pecan PieThe rich, nutty sweetness of chocolate pecan pie finds an elegant match in Vin Santo. This Italian dessert wine, with its flavors of dried figs, honey, and toasted almonds, mirrors the pecan filling while lifting the chocolate with warm, lingering notes. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Tawny Port or Madeira ⏰ 1 h 15 min | 🍫 Vegetarian |
 image by spendwithpennies Moscato d’Asti + Banana Cream PieThe silky sweetness of banana cream pie pairs perfectly with Moscato d’Asti. Its light bubbles and fruity notes of peach and tropical fruit highlight the banana flavor, while gentle sweetness complements the creamy filling. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Late Harvest Riesling or Ice wine ⏰ 25 min | 🍌 Vegetarian |  image by onceuponachef Riesling + Coconut Cream PieThe silky coconut custard and whipped cream topping of coconut cream pie pair beautifully with late harvest Riesling. Its notes of tropical fruit, honey, and citrus highlight the coconut’s sweetness, while lively acidity refreshes the palate after each creamy bite. Pairing principle: 🍷 Alternative: Moscato d’Asti or Ice wine ⏰ 1 h 15 min | 🥥 Vegetarian |
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