Wine Pairings
Courtesy Maryland Wineries Association
"White with chicken. Red with beef.
Or not.
Despite the common "rules," selecting the perfect wine for the perfect meal is really an individual choice. Food preparation and individual style of wines affect food and wine pairings. While many wine drinkers stick to popular pairings, many people are discovering that a white wine may complement a steak, or that a robust red wine adds great balance to grilled fish. Just as there are many varieties of delicious Maryland wine, there are different tastes and pairings.
But when guests are on the way and you're not sure what wine to get, it may be best to follow the traditional preferences for wine and food pairing. Just find your favorite dish below, and pick up a bottle of Maryland wine that is a "tried-and-true" accompaniment to your meal."
Planning a wine and cheese party? Be sure to have these Maryland wines available to complement your selection of cheeses.
"White with chicken. Red with beef.
Or not.
Despite the common "rules," selecting the perfect wine for the perfect meal is really an individual choice. Food preparation and individual style of wines affect food and wine pairings. While many wine drinkers stick to popular pairings, many people are discovering that a white wine may complement a steak, or that a robust red wine adds great balance to grilled fish. Just as there are many varieties of delicious Maryland wine, there are different tastes and pairings.
But when guests are on the way and you're not sure what wine to get, it may be best to follow the traditional preferences for wine and food pairing. Just find your favorite dish below, and pick up a bottle of Maryland wine that is a "tried-and-true" accompaniment to your meal."
| If you are serving | We suggest |
| Chicken | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval, Vidal Blanc |
| Chocolate | Cabernet, Merlot, Port, Riesling |
| Ham | Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, blush wines |
| Lamb | Cabernet, Chambourcin, Merlot, Pinot Noir |
| Lobster | Dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wine |
| Crab (MD-style with Old Bay) | Pinot Gris, Riesling (off-dry), Vidal Blanc, Seyval |
| Softshell crab | Vidal Blanc, Seyval |
| Crabcakes | Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Seyval |
| Oysters | Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling |
| Pasta with red sauce | Cabernet, Merlot, Chambourcin, Pinot Noir |
| Pasta with white sauce | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Vidal Blanc, Seyval |
| Seafood with cream sauce | Chardonnay, Seyval, Vidal Blanc |
| Seafood with light sauce | Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Shrimp | Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval, Vidal Blanc |
| Spicy food | Cabernet, Chambourcin, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Seyval, Vidal Blanc |
| Steak and beef dishes | Cabernet, Merlot, Chambourcin, Pinot Noir |
| Turkey | Chambourcin, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir |
| Veal | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Seyval, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin |
Planning a wine and cheese party? Be sure to have these Maryland wines available to complement your selection of cheeses.
| If you are serving | We suggest |
| Baby Swiss | White wine |
| Bleu | Red wine |
| Boursin | White wine - Gewürztraminer |
| Brie | Vintage white wine - sparkling wine |
| Brie | U.S. red wine - Cabernet |
| Camembert | red or white wine - Cabernet |
| Caraway | white wine - Gewürztraminer |
| Cheddar, mild | white wine - Chardonnay, sparkling wine |
| Cheddar, strong | red or white wine - Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Cheshire | white wine - Riesling |
| Chevre | white wine - Gewürztraminer, sparkling wine |
| Colby | white wine - Riesling, sparkling wine |
| Cream cheese | white wine |
| Danish Blue | red wine - Cabernet |
| Edam | white wine - Riesling, dry sparkling wine |
| Feta | red wine |
| Goat cheese | white wine |
| Gorgonzola | white wine |
| Gouda | white wine - Riesling, sparkling wine |
| Gruyere | white wine - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Havarti | red wine |
| Monterey Jack | white wine - Riesling |
| Muenster | red wine |
| Provolone | white wine - Chardonnay |
| Roquefort | red wine |
| Stilton | red wine - Port |
| Swiss | white wine - Gewürztraminer |