Planning a dinner party? Don't let wine pairing stress you out! I remember my first "adult" dinner party - I was so worried about picking the right wines, I nearly forgot the main course! (Spoiler: it was a slightly burnt roast chicken, but the wine pairings saved the day!).

Light & Bright: Whites for Fresh and Delicate Dishes

If your meal is on the lighter side (think seafood, chicken, salads, or creamy pastas), white wine is your friend. So grilled lemon-herb shrimp with a crisp Sauv Blanc. Perfection! A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with fresh flavors, while a buttery Chardonnay works wonders with richer, cream-based dishes.

• Easy Picks:
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Grilled fish, goat cheese, citrusy salads. This is my go-to for summer gatherings!
  • Chardonnay (oaked): Creamy pastas, roast chicken, lobster. Think of this as the "comfort food" of wines.
  • Pinot Grigio: Light seafood, fresh greens, simple pasta dishes. Simple and refreshing.

Bold & Savory: Reds for Hearty Meals

Steak, lamb, rich tomato-based pastas, and anything with deep, umami flavors deserve a wine that can hold its own. That’s where reds come in. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon is great with grilled meats, while a silky Pinot Noir can balance out earthy dishes like mushroom risotto. Personally, I love a good Malbec with a smoky BBQ!

• Easy Picks:
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Steaks, burgers, braised short ribs. This one's a crowd-pleaser.
  • Pinot Noir: Roasted salmon, mushroom dishes, duck. Elegant and versatile.
  • Malbec: BBQ, spicy dishes, grilled meats. This adds a punch of flavour.

Spicy, Sweet & Unexpected: Wines That Play Well with Bold Flavors

If your dinner has a little heat (Thai, Indian, or Mexican food) go for something slightly sweet. A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer helps tame the spice while enhancing the flavors. And if you're serving something salty (like a charcuterie board), a bubbly Champagne or Prosecco is a perfect match. 

• Easy Picks:
  • Riesling (off-dry): Spicy Thai, Indian curries, BBQ. This is like a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Gewürztraminer: Sweet & spicy dishes, sushi, stir-fry. An aromatic delight.
  • Champagne/Prosecco: Salty snacks, fried foods, oysters. Bubbles make everything better!

Wildcard Pairings That Always Work

If you're not sure what to serve, you can't go wrong with Sparkling Wine. Bubbles add a festive touch to any meal. Plus, it pairs with almost everything!

Simple Rule to Remember:

• Match intensity: Light foods with light wines, bold foods with bold wines.
• Acid loves acid: If your dish has citrus or vinegar, pair it with a high-acid wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Tame the spice: Sweet wines balance spicy foods.
• Fat needs structure: Rich, fatty foods pair well with wines that have good acidity or tannins.

At the end of the day, the best pairing is the one you enjoy. So pop the cork, pour a glass and let your taste buds decide. Happy hosting!