Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy evenings—fall is the season of comfort foods and hearty flavors. It’s also the perfect time to refresh your wine selections and explore pairings that enhance autumn’s best dishes. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, here’s your guide to pairing wines with fall favorites.
1. Roasted Root Vegetables & Chardonnay
The caramelized sweetness of roasted carrots, parsnips, and squash calls for a wine with both freshness and body. A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements these flavors beautifully with notes of apple, pear, and a hint of vanilla.
Tip: Try serving this pairing as a starter with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.
2. Butternut Squash Soup & Albariño
Creamy butternut squash soup gets a lift from Albariño. This crisp white wine, with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of salinity, cuts through the richness of the soup while adding a refreshing contrast.
Perfect for: Cozy weeknights by the fire or as a first course at a fall dinner party.
3. Roast Chicken & Pinot Noir
Herb-roasted chicken with crispy skin and earthy sides like mushrooms is a dream pairing with Pinot Noir. This red offers soft tannins, red berry notes, and subtle earthiness to echo the flavors of the dish without overwhelming it.
Why it works: Pinot Noir is versatile enough to suit both white and red meat.
4. Pumpkin Dishes & Zinfandel
From savory pumpkin ravioli to sweet pumpkin pie, fall wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin. A bold Zinfandel with its warm spice, dark fruit, and jammy character makes a delicious companion to pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Try it with: Pumpkin chili for a unique twist.
5. Beef Stew & Cabernet Sauvignon
When the nights turn cold, nothing beats a hearty beef stew. A structured Cabernet Sauvignon with firm tannins and dark fruit flavors holds up to the richness of slow-cooked beef and root vegetables.
Serving idea: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to tie in with the wine’s herbal undertones.
6. Apple Desserts & Sparkling Wine
Apple crisp, pie, or cider doughnuts—autumn’s apple treats deserve a festive pairing. A dry Sparkling Wine cuts through sweetness with lively acidity, while bubbles add a celebratory touch.
Bonus: It’s the perfect way to end any fall meal.
Fall is all about balance—warming dishes, seasonal spices, and wines that bring out the best in both. From the bright freshness of Chardonnay to the depth of Cabernet Sauvignon, these pairings will make your autumn meals even more memorable.