The Ideal Food and Wine Pairings for Winter

Winter is truly an underrated season for food and wine lovers. The cold weather makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a glass of wine and a good meal. There are so many rich, hearty dishes to enjoy, and the wines that pair well with them are just as robust and warming. Here are some of our favorite winter food and wine pairings to help you make it through the cold months in style!

Meat Pairings

Winter is the perfect time to break out the big, bold red wines. Their full-bodied flavors stand up well to winter dishes like steak, lamb, and venison. Try a cabernet sauvignon or Bordeaux with your next steak dinner, or go for a Rhône wine like a syrah or grenache with lamb or venison.

Poultry Pairing Options

Roast chicken is a winter classic, and it pairs well with so many different wines. Chardonnay is always a safe bet, but for something a little different, try a white Bordeaux or Sémillon. These wines have enough body to stand up to the rich flavors of winter poultry dishes.

Seafood and Wine Pairings

Yes, seafood can be enjoyed in winter! Hearty seafood dishes like lobster, crab, and shrimp are perfect for pairing with white wines. Heartier seafood dishes like roasted salmon or baked scallops are perfect for winter. For these dishes, you’ll want a wine that is full-bodied but not too heavy. Chardonnay is always a good choice, but you could also try a richer wine like an oaked Chenin Blanc or Viognier. For something a little different, go for a sparkling wine like prosecco or Champagne.

Vegetarian Pairing Ideas

There are plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes to enjoy in winter, from creamy soups and stews to roasted vegetables. White wines are again a good choice here, particularly ones with some acidity to balance out the richness of the dishes. Try a Sauvignon blanc or Pinot grigio with your next winter meal. Winter vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are perfect for hearty vegetarian dishes. For these dishes, you’ll want a wine that is light-bodied but still has some acidity to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables. A pinot noir or Beaujolais are both good choices.

Dessert and Wine Choices

Winter desserts are typically richer and more decadent than those in other seasons, so they call for wines that can stand up to their bold flavors. Fortified wines like port, Madeira, and sherry are always a good choice, or you could go for a dessert wine like a Moscato d’Asti or Late Harvest Riesling. If you’re serving chocolate desserts, try pairing them with a red wine like cabernet franc or merlot.

These are just a few of our favorite winter food and wine pairings. Get creative and experiment with different wines to find what you like best. And don’t forget, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself!

Enjoy Winter Food and Wine Pairings at McCray's Tavern

Winter is the perfect time to visit McCray's Tavern and enjoy some of our delicious winter dishes paired with the perfect wine from our Midtown drinks menu. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you choose the right wine for your meal. So, come on in and enjoy the best of winter at McCray's Tavern in Midtown!