Choosing the Right Wine for Your Meal

Last Updated on October 12, 2021 by Diane Hoffmaster

If you enjoy entertaining guests, choosing the right wine for your meal can be a challenge. My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine now and then. While we certainly do not consider ourselves wine snobs,  we can definitely taste the difference between a $3.00 bottle of wine and a $25.00 bottle.

I have learned over the years that I have definite preferences in terms of the variety of wine I enjoy.  The food I serve with it also plays a big part in how the wine actually tastes.  Food and wine can complement one another or hinder your ability to enjoy both of them. 

Choosing the right wine for your meal is important and there are several factors you need to keep in mind before you grab a bottle off the shelf.  Here are a few suggestions that might help you find the perfect match for your next meal!

Choosing the Right Wine for Your Meal

How heavy is your meal?

In general, red wines tend to be 'heavier', and white wines are 'lighter'.  If you are serving a meal with delicate flavors, choose a white wine.  If your meal is very robust and spicy, choose a red.

What type of protein are you serving?

In general, white meats, such as fish and chicken, should be eaten with white wine and red meats and sauces go better with red wine.  This is not a hard and fast rule, though, just a guide.

Ask for help

If you don't know what to choose, ASK.   When you are in a restaurant and your server asks you for your drink choice, ask them what wines they recommend. 

If you are in a liquor store, talk to the owner.  Let them know what flavors you have enjoyed in the past and how much you want to spend.

Pay attention to flavors

Pay attention to what you like.  When you have a glass of wine at a party or when you are out to dinner, take note of the region it comes from, the variety, and the year. 

Take note of how dry or sweet it is and the subtle flavors.  That way, you can order something similar the next time you are out.

Price doesn't always matter

Trust your pallet.  Just because a bottle of wine costs $100 doesn't mean you are going to like it.  Just like a $10 bottle of wine could be delicious!  Don't be afraid to experiment a little bit.

Do your research

Read blogs, magazines, books, and whatever else you need to find out what others are saying about a particular wine.  Reading opinions from a range of different pallets will help you get a feel for wine before you spend your money on a bottle.

Choosing the right wine for your meal doesn't have to be complicated.  You don't need to have a fancy wine degree or be a food snob to choose the right wine to pair with your dinner.

A little bit of reading and trying new flavors when you are out to eat will go a long way towards your wine pairing success! Pretty soon, you will be an expert and start hosting a wine and cheese party with friends and family. 

Like this post?  Here are a few more you may enjoy!

Creative Ways to Reuse Wine Bottles

White Wine Sangria Recipe

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy.  She has two college aged kids, one husband and more pets than she will admit to. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire  but left her career in science to become a stay at home mom. Years of playing with LEGO and coloring with crayons had her craving a more grown up purpose to her life and she began blogging and freelance writing full time.  You can learn more about her HERE.