Let’s face it—some nights you’re just trying to survive dinner without someone crying into their lasagna. Other nights? You actually want the meal to feel like a moment. A little luxurious. A little elevated. And that’s where food pairing comes in.
No, you don’t need to memorize wine varietals or own a cheese cave. But knowing just enough about what goes well together can turn your next meal into a damn experience. Here’s how to do it—without becoming insufferable at dinner parties.
Why Pairing Even Matters
Ever taken a sip of wine that was fine, then had a bite of something and suddenly—bam—it tasted incredible? That’s pairing magic. When flavors complement or contrast just right, they don’t just add up. They multiply.
It’s not about being snobby. It’s about unlocking flavor bombs that were already hiding in your fridge.
The Wine & Cheese Vibe Check
Let’s start with the most classic combo of all: wine and cheese. The French didn’t invent this for nothing—it just works.
Best Pairings to Try Tonight:
- Triple Cream Brie + Sparkling Wine: The bubbles cut through the richness like a foam roller on a tight back.
- Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon: Big, bold, and made for each other—like Beyoncé and a wind machine.
- Manchego + Rioja: Spanish tapas party in your mouth. You’re welcome.
- Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc: Acid meets acid = bright, zippy heaven.
Sacramento Local Twist:
Grab goat cheese from the Davis Farmers Market and pair it with a bottle from Turkovich Family Wines. Local + delicious = double win.
Check out more info on wine and food pairing here
Pasta & Wine: Not Just for Italians
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “What grows together, goes together.” It’s true. But you can also wing it with a little logic.
Sauce-First Pairing Strategy:
- Red sauces (like marinara or arrabbiata): Stick with medium-acidity reds like Sangiovese or Chianti. Acid loves acid.
- Cream sauces (Alfredo, carbonara): Go for round, buttery whites like Chardonnay.
- Pesto or herb-based sauces: Pair with citrusy whites like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
🍽 Hack: Pair based on the dominant flavor in the dish. It’s not the chicken—it’s the lemon cream or spicy red it’s swimming in.
Street Food Pairings (Because You’re Fancy and Lazy)
Not everything needs to be a sit-down meal. Let’s honor the real MVPs: tacos, sliders, and burgers.
Try These Wildcards:
- Spicy Tacos + Off-Dry Riesling: The sweetness balances heat like a fire extinguisher in a bottle.
- Korean BBQ + Light Red (like Gamay or Pinot Noir): Smoky meat + fruity sip = balance.
- Fried Chicken + Bubbly: Champagne and Popeyes? Hell yes.
- Burgers + IPA: Especially with blue cheese or bacon. The bitterness cuts the fat like scissors on a silk dress.
Local Pairing Tip: Hit up Urban Roots Brewery or Device Brewing Co and match one of their IPAs with your favorite smashburger.
Dessert + Drinks: When Sweet Meets Boozy
A dessert pairing done right is like the encore of a concert. Don’t screw it up.
Sweet Combos Worth a Try:
- Dark Chocolate + Ruby Port: Rich meets rich. Feels like a cashmere blanket for your tongue.
- Apple Pie + Bourbon: Apple, spice, and everything nice.
- Cheesecake + Late-Harvest Riesling: Creamy meets crisp, and no one feels bloated afterward.
Pro Tip: Your drink should always be sweeter than your dessert. Otherwise, it’ll just taste sour and sad.
The WTF Pairings That Work
Feeling bold? These oddball pairings might sound weird, but they slap.
Try These:
- French Fries + Champagne: Salt, fat, and bubbles. Literally perfect.
- Butter Popcorn + Chardonnay: Movie night with main character energy.
- PB&J + Lambrusco: Trust us. It’s like childhood and adulthood kissed.
Guilty Pleasure: Take Ginger Elizabeth’s salted caramel chocolates and pair with a smoky Scotch for a sexy grown-up treat.
Sacramento Favorites Worth Pairing
Let’s keep it local and support the neighborhood legends.
Build a Pairing Board from These Local Spots:
- Cheese from The Rind
- Bread from Grateful Bread Company
- Charcuterie from Smoking Goose or Taylors Market
- Honey from local hives (check out Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op)
- Wine from Lodi or Clarksburg wineries
Put it all together and you’ve got yourself a board that rivals Napa. Plus, you can brag about it on Instagram without leaving town.
Quick Food Pairing Rules That Actually Work
Don’t want to overthink it? Follow these:
- Match intensities: Delicate with delicate, bold with bold.
- Use contrast: Rich foods love acidity. Sweet dishes like salt.
- Sauce matters more than the meat.
- Experiment: Some of the best pairings come from happy accidents.
Final Thoughts: Pairing Is for Everyone
You don’t need a sommelier certification or a fancy kitchen to elevate your meals. Whether you’re sipping $10 wine or making magic with leftovers, food pairing is about enhancing joy, tasting more, and honestly, impressing yourself a little.
Because when the flavors hit just right? You feel like you’re winning at life—even if the kids are eating dinosaur nuggets in the next room.
For more info also check out the basics of food pairing here
Check out our latest blog on way croissants will always be a trend here
