Wine and food can be a perfect match. It does not need to be complicated. You do not need a sommelier’s qualification, technical jargon or strict rules that end up spoiling your evening. The most important rule is simple: enjoy it.

That said, a few basic tips can help wine and food work better together. A fresh white wine can lift a dish, a full-bodied red wine can complement roasted flavours, and a sparkling wine can often be more versatile than expected.

In this guide, we show you which wine goes with which food, from steak and fish to pasta, pizza, cheese, vegetarian and vegan dishes. There are no rigid rules, just practical tips for your next evening of good food and well-chosen wine.

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Table of contents

• The most important food pairing rules
• Food pairing table at a glance
• Which wine goes with meat?
• Which wine goes well with fish?
• Which wine goes well with pasta?
• Which wine goes well with pizza?
• Which wine goes well with barbecued dishes?
• Which wine goes well with cheese?
• Which wine goes well with vegetarian dishes?
• Which wine goes well with vegan dishes?
• Which wine goes well with Asian food?
• Which wine goes well with asparagus?
• Which wine goes well with desserts?
• Food pairing by season and occasion
• Frequently asked questions about food and wine pairing

The most important food pairing rules at a glance

In a nutshell: Food pairing is about combining wine and food so that both taste better. A few simple principles can help: light dishes with lighter wines, full-bodied dishes with fuller wines, acidity with acidity, and sweetness with spice.

Light dishes go well with light wines

Delicate dishes such as fish, vegetables, white meat or salads are best with fresh, lighter wines. Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc or a delicate rosé are often excellent choices.

Hearty dishes go well with full-bodied wines

If a dish has roasted flavours, bold seasoning or plenty of body, the wine can be more robust. Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Primitivo or fuller-bodied blends pair well with steak, game, lamb or stews.

Acidity works with acidity

Dishes with lemon, tomatoes, vinegar or fresh sauces need wines with lively acidity. Otherwise, the wine can seem flat. Fresh white wines are a reliable choice with tomato sauce, ceviche, salads or asparagus.

Sweetness balances heat

Wines with a touch of fruit or slight residual sweetness often work better with spicy dishes than dry, heavy reds. Riesling, Traminer or fruity rosés are good matches for curries, chilli dishes and Asian cuisine.

Regional wines often suit regional cuisine

An Italian wine with pasta, a Grüner Veltliner with Wiener schnitzel or a Provence rosé with Mediterranean vegetables often works well. Food and wine from the same region have developed together over time.

9wines tip:
If you are unsure, choose a fresh rosé or a lively white wine. Both are versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes, from vegetables and fish to lighter barbecued dishes.

Discover more simple tips on enjoying wine

Food pairing table: Which wine goes with which food?

In a nutshell: This table offers a quick overview when you want a simple answer. The method of preparation is key: whether a dish is grilled, fried, creamy, spicy or fresh makes a significant difference when choosing the right wine.

Which wine goes well with meat?

In a nutshell: The best pairing depends on how the meat is prepared. Meat can work with full-bodied red wines, fresh white wines or rosé. Steak and game usually suit red wine, while veal and pork often pair well with white wine.

Which wine goes well with steak?

Full-bodied red wines are a natural match for a juicy steak. Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Malbec complement roasted flavours, meat juices and smoky notes from the barbecue.

For a fine fillet, a more elegant wine works well. With ribeye, T-bone or entrecôte, you can choose something with more body. The wine should support the flavours rather than overpower them.

Discover full-bodied red wines to pair with steak

Which wine goes with beef?

Beef is versatile. Structured red wines suit quickly seared cuts, while softer, round wines are ideal for braised dishes. Blaufränkisch, Bordeaux blends, Merlot or Primitivo are reliable choices.

Which wine goes well with pork?

Pork does not always need a heavy red wine. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt or a juicy rosé often pair very well with roast pork, pork chops or grilled pork.

Which wine goes well with veal?

Veal is delicate and tender. Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner or an elegant Pinot Noir work particularly well. The wine should enhance the dish without dominating it.

Which wine goes well with lamb?

Lamb pairs well with full-bodied red wines. Syrah, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon or southern French blends are excellent choices, especially with herbs, garlic or roasted flavours.

Which wine goes well with game?

Game benefits from wines with depth, spice and fruit. Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, Syrah or mature red wines are good options. With venison, roe deer or wild boar, the wine can show more character.

Find out more about game and wine

Which wine goes well with fish?

In a nutshell: Fresh white wines are usually the best match for fish. Preparation is important: steamed fish calls for different wines than grilled salmon or tuna.

White wine is not the only option, but it is often the most suitable. Whether the fish is steamed, fried, grilled or served with a creamy sauce will influence the pairing.

Which wine goes well with salmon?

Salmon has more body than many other fish. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or a dry rosé work well. With pan-fried salmon, the wine can have slightly more weight.

Which wine goes well with trout?

Trout pairs well with fresh, crisp wines such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Blanc. It works particularly well with herbs and lemon.

Which wine goes well with sea bream?

Grilled sea bream suits Mediterranean styles. Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or a Provence rosé pair well with herbs, olive oil and lemon.

Which wine goes well with tuna?

Tuna is firm and meaty, so a light red wine can work. Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, rosé or a lighter Blaufränkisch are good options.

Which wine goes well with seafood?

Fresh white wines and sparkling wines pair well with prawns, mussels, oysters or calamari. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Loire wines or a dry sparkling wine are excellent choices.

Discover fresh white wines to pair with fish and seafood

Which wine goes well with pasta?

In a nutshell: With pasta, the sauce is key. Tomato sauces need freshness, creamy sauces benefit from fuller wines, mushrooms suit wines with depth, and seafood calls for fresh white wine.

This is why pasta is so versatile. It can work with red, white, rosé or sparkling wine. The important thing is to match the wine to the sauce.

Which wine goes well with pasta in tomato sauce?

Tomato sauce needs freshness. Sangiovese, Chianti, Zweigelt or a fresh rosé balance the acidity and keep the dish lively.

Which wine goes well with carbonara?

Carbonara is rich and creamy. Fresh white wines with some body, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Grüner Veltliner, work well. A dry sparkling wine is also a good choice.

Which wine goes well with mushroom pasta?

Mushrooms pair well with wines that offer some depth. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Grüner Veltliner complement both simple and more intense mushroom dishes.

Which wine goes well with seafood pasta?

Fresh white wines provide the right balance for pasta with prawns, mussels or calamari. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner or Vermentino work well.

Which wine goes well with lasagne?

Lasagne is rich and flavourful. Sangiovese, Chianti, Barbera or a full-bodied Zweigelt are good matches. With creamy sauces, the wine should still offer enough freshness.

Find out more about wine with pasta

Which wine goes well with pizza?

In a nutshell: Pizza pairs well with juicy, medium-bodied red wines. Sangiovese, Chianti, Barbera or a lighter Primitivo are good choices. Rosé or white wine can also work, especially with lighter toppings.

Pizza is simple, but the topping still matters. A Margherita requires a different wine from a salami or vegetable pizza.

Wine with Pizza Margherita

Tomato, mozzarella and basil suit fresh, fruity wines. Sangiovese, Chianti, Barbera or a fresh rosé are reliable choices.

Wine with a salami pizza

Salami adds richness and spice. Juicy reds such as Primitivo, Zweigelt or Barbera pair well.

Wine with vegetarian pizza

Rosé, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir or a fresh white wine suit vegetable toppings. With grilled vegetables, a fruitier wine works well.

Discover Italian wines to pair with pizza

Which wine goes well with barbecued dishes?

In a nutshell: Barbecued dishes call for wines with body, fruit and enough depth to match smoky flavours. Red wine suits steak and burgers, rosé is a versatile choice, and fresh white wines work beautifully with grilled fish and vegetables.

Barbecuing brings smoke, toasted notes, marinades and plenty of flavour. That is why barbecue wines can be simple, but never dull.

Wine with grilled meat

Blaufränkisch, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo or Malbec pair well with steak, ribs or burgers. The wine should have enough body without feeling too heavy.

Wine with barbecued vegetables

Rosé, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine pair well with courgettes, peppers, aubergines, sweetcorn or mushrooms. Rosé, in particular, is a reliable all-round choice for barbecues.

Wine with sausages

Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, rosé or a fresh white wine go well with bratwurst, Käsekrainer or salsiccia. If mustard, ketchup or hot sauces are served, the wine should not be too dry or harsh.

Wine with grilled fish

Grilled fish pairs well with a wider range of wines than steamed fish. Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, rosé or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent options, especially with herbs, lemon and olive oil.

Discover rosé wines for your next barbecue

Which wine goes well with cheese?

In a nutshell: White wine often pairs better with cheese than red wine. Sparkling wine, Riesling, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner or sweet wine are often the better choice, depending on the type of cheese. Red wine can work, but not always.

Cheese and wine are a classic pairing, though not necessarily cheese and red wine. This is one of the most common wine myths. Many cheeses pair far better with white wine, sparkling wine or sweet wine.

Why red wine is not always ideal with cheese

Many red wines contain tannins. Combined with salt, fat and strong cheese flavours, this can make the pairing feel heavy. Fresh white wines, mature white wines, off-dry Rieslings or sparkling wines are often the more balanced choice.

Which wine goes well with hard cheese?

Red wine is not automatically the best choice for hard cheese. Depending on maturity, full-bodied white wines, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling or even a lighter red wine can work well. The spicier and saltier the cheese, the more suitable wines with freshness or a touch of sweetness become.

Which wine goes well with soft cheese?

Creamy soft cheeses pair well with sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or mature Grüner Veltliner. The freshness of the wine balances the creaminess and keeps the palate lively.

Which wine goes well with blue cheese?

With blue cheese, sweetness is usually the best match. Sweet wine, Auslese, port or a slightly off-dry Riesling pair well with its saltiness, spice and creaminess.

Which wine goes well with goat’s cheese?

Goat’s cheese pairs particularly well with Sauvignon Blanc. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling or a fresh rosé also work well, especially when served with herbs, honey or salad.

Good to know:
When serving a cheese platter, a fresh white wine or sparkling wine is often a safer choice than a heavy red wine, especially when offering a variety of cheeses.

Find out more about wine and cheese

Which wine goes well with vegetarian dishes?

In a nutshell: Fresh white wines, rosé, sparkling wine and light red wines pair well with vegetarian dishes. The key factor is whether the focus is on vegetables, mushrooms, cheese, herbs, pulses or roasted flavours.

Vegetarian cuisine offers much more than side dishes. Mushrooms, pumpkin, risotto, roasted vegetables, pasta, pulses or cheese-based dishes can all be rich in flavour. The right wine depends mainly on seasoning, sauce and preparation.

Wine with mushroom dishes

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner or mature white wines go well with mushrooms. With porcini, king oyster mushrooms or mushroom risotto, the wine can have more depth.

Wine with risotto

Risotto is creamy and calls for a fresh wine. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or a dry sparkling wine are excellent choices. Pinot Noir is also a good option with mushroom risotto.

Wine with pumpkin

Pumpkin adds sweetness and creaminess to a dish. Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling or a fruity rosé are suitable choices. A light red wine can also work with spiced, oven-roasted pumpkin.

Wine with oven-roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables pair well with rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or light red wines. Where roasted flavours are present, the wine can have more fruit and spice.

Wine with vegetarian pasta

With vegetarian pasta, the sauce is key. Tomato-based sauces pair well with Sangiovese or Barbera, mushroom-based sauces with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, and vegetable-based sauces with Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or rosé.

Find out more about wine and pumpkin

Which wine goes well with vegan dishes?

In a nutshell: Fresh white wines, rosé, sparkling wine or light red wines pair well with vegan dishes, depending on the style. Bowls, falafel and vegetables benefit from freshness, curry suits fruitier wines, and tofu depends mainly on the marinade.

Vegan dishes can be fresh, spicy, creamy, hot or hearty. There is no single perfect wine. What matters is whether the focus is on vegetables, pulses, tofu, tempeh, curry, herbs or roasted flavours.

Which wine goes well with bowls?

Fresh white wines, rosé or sparkling wine pair well with vegan bowls. Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complement vegetables, herbs, rice, quinoa and dressings.

Which wine goes well with tofu?

Tofu has a mild flavour, so the marinade is key. Riesling, Grüner Veltliner or Sauvignon Blanc work well with soya sauce, ginger and sesame. Rosé also pairs well with fried tofu.

Which wine goes well with tempeh?

Tempeh has a nuttier and more robust flavour than tofu. It pairs well with Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, rosé or light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Zweigelt.

Which wine goes well with falafel and hummus?

Falafel, hummus, tahini and herbs pair well with fresh wines. Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling or a crisp rosé are good choices.

Which wine goes well with vegan curry?

Riesling, Traminer, a fruity rosé or an aromatic white wine pair well with vegan curry. With spicy dishes, a touch of fruit or slight sweetness works well.

Is there such a thing as vegan wine?

Yes, vegan wine exists. It is not about the grapes, which are naturally plant-based. The difference usually lies in the winemaking process. If this matters to you, look for wines labelled accordingly.

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Which wine goes well with Asian food?

In a nutshell: Aromatic white wines, rosé or sparkling wines often pair well with Asian food. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner and Traminer handle spice, sweetness, acidity and herbs particularly well.

Asian dishes often combine heat, sweetness, acidity, umami and herbs. For this reason, fresh and aromatic white wines and rosés are usually the best choice.

Which wine goes well with sushi?

Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine pair well with sushi. The wine should be fresh and not too heavy, so the balance of fish, rice, soya sauce and wasabi is maintained.

Which wine goes well with Thai curry?

Thai curry calls for freshness and fruitiness. Riesling, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc or rosé are suitable choices. High alcohol and heavy red wines can intensify the heat.

Which wine goes well with Indian food?

Aromatic white wines, Riesling, Traminer or fruity rosés pair well with Indian dishes. Creamy curries suit fuller-bodied wines, while fruitiness helps balance spice.

Which wine goes well with Chinese food?

With Chinese dishes, the sauce is key. Sweet and sour, soya sauce, ginger or chilli pair well with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, rosé or sparkling wine. Heavy red wines are rarely the best choice.

Find out more about wine with sushi

Which wine goes well with asparagus?

In a nutshell: Fresh white wines such as Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc or Grüner Sylvaner pair well with asparagus. With hollandaise sauce, the wine can be fuller-bodied, while a lighter style suits asparagus salad.

Asparagus is a classic, but can be challenging to pair with wine. Green asparagus, with its slightly bitter notes, benefits from fresh wines that are not too heavy.

Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc or Grüner Sylvaner are excellent choices. With hollandaise sauce, the wine can have more body, while a fresher style works better with salads.

Wine with white asparagus

White asparagus is delicate, slightly sweet and tender. It pairs well with Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Grüner Sylvaner or a restrained Chardonnay.

Wine with green asparagus

Green asparagus is more savoury and robust. Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner or a fresh Riesling are particularly suitable.

Discover Grüner Veltliner with asparagus

Which wine goes with desserts?

In a nutshell: The wine served with dessert should be at least as sweet as the dessert. Otherwise, it can taste thin, sour or harsh. Sweet wine, Moscato, Auslese or port are often suitable choices.

Wine with chocolate

Port, full-bodied sweet wines or red dessert wines pair well with dark chocolate. With milk chocolate, the wine can be softer and rounder.

Wine with fruit tarts

Auslese, Moscato, sweet Riesling or light sweet wines pair well with fruit tarts, complementing the fruit flavours.

Wine with crème brûlée

Crème brûlée pairs well with sweet wine, Sauternes, Beerenauslese or Moscato. The richness and caramel notes require a wine with enough intensity.

Wine with tiramisu

Tiramisu pairs well with sweet sparkling wines, Moscato or lighter dessert wines.

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Food pairings by season and occasion

In a nutshell: Many pairing questions return each year, from asparagus in spring to barbecues in summer, pumpkin in autumn and festive dishes in winter. Choosing wine to suit the occasion is often the best approach.

Which wine goes well with raclette?

Raclette pairs well with fresh white wines, sparkling wine or light red wines. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Noir work well without adding heaviness.

Which wine goes well with fondue?

Cheese fondue pairs well with white wine, sparkling wine or wines with lively freshness. Heavy red wines are usually too much. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc or dry sparkling wine are better options.

Which wine goes well with Christmas goose?

Red wines with fruit and freshness pair well with goose. Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt offer flavour without overpowering the dish.

Which wine goes well with an Easter meal?

This depends on the dish. Spicy red wines pair well with lamb, while Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir suit veal. Fresh white wines are a good choice with spring vegetables and asparagus.

Find out more about wine for Christmas

Frequently asked questions about food pairing

What is food pairing?

Food pairing means combining food and wine so that both are enhanced. It is not about strict rules, but about balance, freshness, intensity and enjoyment.

Which wine goes well with steak?

Full-bodied red wines such as Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Malbec pair well with steak. Pinot Noir is also a good option for a tender fillet.

Which wine goes well with pizza?

Sangiovese, Chianti, Barbera, Zweigelt or a light Primitivo pair well with pizza. Rosé is also a good choice with vegetarian pizza.

Which wine goes well with fish?

Fish usually pairs well with fresh white wines such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Light red wines can also work with fuller-flavoured fish such as tuna or pan-fried salmon.

Which wine goes well with pasta?

With pasta, the sauce is key. Tomato sauces pair well with Sangiovese or Barbera, mushroom sauces with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, and seafood with fresh white wines.

Which wine goes well with cheese?

White wine often pairs better with cheese than red wine. Sparkling wine, Riesling, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner or sweet wine are often the better choice.

Which wine goes well with vegetarian dishes?

Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rosé, Pinot Noir or Zweigelt pair well with vegetarian dishes. Preparation and seasoning are key.

Which wine goes well with vegan food?

Fresh white wines, rosé, sparkling wine or light red wines pair well with vegan food. Riesling and Traminer are particularly suitable for curries.

Can you drink red wine with fish?

Yes, it can work. Light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Zweigelt pair well with fuller-flavoured fish such as tuna or pan-fried salmon.

Does red wine always have to be served with meat?

No. White wine, rosé or sparkling wine often pair well with white meat, pork or veal. It depends on how the dish is prepared.

Does red wine always go with cheese?

No, this is a common myth. Many cheeses pair better with white wine, sparkling wine or sweet wine. Full-bodied, salty or creamy cheeses can be difficult to match with heavy red wines.

Which wine goes well with spicy food?

Spicy food pairs well with wines that are fruity, fresh or slightly sweet. Riesling, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc or rosé are often better choices than heavy, dry red wines.

Which wine goes well with sushi?

Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine pair well with sushi. The wine should be fresh and not overpower the delicate flavours.

Which wine goes well with asparagus?

Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc or Grüner Sylvaner pair well with asparagus. With hollandaise sauce, the wine can be fuller-bodied.

Which wine goes well with barbecues?

Juicy red wines, fresh rosés and lively white wines pair well with barbecues. Red wine suits steak, rosé works with vegetables and white wine pairs well with fish.

Our conclusion: anything goes, as long as you like it

Food pairing does not have to be complicated. Keeping a few simple principles in mind makes it easier to find the right wine for your favourite dish. Light dishes suit lighter wines, hearty dishes can handle fuller-bodied styles, spicy food benefits from fruit, and cheese does not automatically require red wine.

Ultimately, the best rule is simple: drink what you enjoy. Trying new combinations can make pairing wine with food even more enjoyable.

And as the right glass can enhance the experience, it is worth exploring our guide to choosing the right one.

Find out more about the right wine glass

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