Comfort food is all about indulgence, familiarity, and that cosy, satisfying feeling. So when you want to pair these dishes with wine, you need the right one to take the experience to another level while keeping the comfort. From creamy mac and cheese to juicy burgers and slow-baked casseroles, here’s your guide to finding the perfect glass of wine for your favourite comfort foods.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken’s crispy coating and juicy meat pair brilliantly with sparkling wine. A dry Champagne or Crémant de Loire has lively bubbles and acidity that cuts through the fat. For a more budget-friendly option, a crisp Cava from Spain delivers the same refreshing effect with citrus and brioche notes.
Burgers
Juicy, beefy burgers call for a wine that matches their richness. Malbec from Argentina is a go-to, with plush dark fruit and smooth tannins that pair with grilled meat. If your burger is loaded with cheese and smoky bacon, a Zinfandel from California adds bold fruit and spice, standing up to all the extra flavours without overpowering them.
Pizza
Pizza is a comfort classic. A Chianti works beautifully, with its bright acidity balancing the tomato sauce and its savoury notes enhancing the cheese. For a richer pizza with meat toppings, try a Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, which has enough structure to handle bold flavours. And if you want more options based on your favourite pizza toppings, check out our Pizza Guide.
Lasagna
Lasagna is a layered comfort dish of pasta, meat, tomato, and cheese, and it needs a wine with freshness to balance the richness. Chianti Classico or Nebbiolo-based wines have high acidity and savoury flavours, perfect with tomato sauce. For an alternative, Zinfandel works beautifully with the meat in the lasagna.
Mac and Cheese
Few dishes scream comfort like mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy richness calls for a wine with enough body to stand up to it. Oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or California is a classic choice, with its buttery texture and notes of vanilla and toast that mirror the dish. If you prefer something fresher, a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley has enough body to stand the creaminess but good acidity, cutting through the richness.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie) with savoury minced meat topped with buttery mashed potatoes is as hearty as it gets. A Syrah from the Northern Rhône works beautifully, with peppery spice and earthy notes. From the same area, a Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre is another great option.
Chili
Chili con carne is spicy, smoky, and warming, making it a great match for fruit-forward wines with bold flavours. Zinfandel from California is a perfect choice, with jammy fruit and peppery spice that complement the heat. If you prefer Old World style, try a Grenache from Spain or southern France, which offers bright red fruit and a hint of spice.
Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy chicken pot pie, with its golden pastry and rich filling, pairs beautifully with Chardonnay. A lightly oaked version from Burgundy or California complements the creamy sauce with its buttery texture. For something lighter, a Pinot Gris from Alsace is also an option.
Grilled Cheese or Croque-Monsieur
The crunch and gooeyness of grilled cheese or croque-monsieur beg for a wine with freshness and vibrancy. A dry Riesling from Germany or Alsace is super refreshing with bright citrus and floral notes. A Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley adds crisp acidity and herbaceous freshness.
