As event planners, we all know that food and drink are the most talked-about parts of an event. Guests love indulging in the finest food and drink, and a great food and wine pairing can make or break the event experience. Wine pairing is all about finding the perfect balance between the components of a dish and bringing out the best characteristics of a wine.
So, where do you start with food and wine pairings? Let’s break down some basic premises for good wine pairing. First, it’s essential to think like a sommelier. If your event is in an unfamiliar location, always choose local wines. These are more accessible, never out of stock, and typically pair well with local food.
Next, let’s discuss eight tips to keep in mind when it comes to wine pairing:
- The wine should be more acidic than the food.
- The wine should be sweeter than the food.
- The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
- Red wines pair best with bold-flavored meats (such as red meat).
- White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (such as fish or chicken).
- Bitter wines (such as red wines) are best balanced with fat.
- Match the wine with the sauce better than with the meat.
- Create contrast pairing with sparkling wine, white, red, and then dessert wine.
It’s important to be creative and go local when it comes to wine pairing. Remember that the most expensive wines aren’t always the best ones. It’s all about finding the right balance and bringing out the best flavors of both the food and wine.
If you have any wine pairing techniques you’d like to share, please leave a comment. And if you want to stay up-to-date on the best tips and tricks for events, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Cheers to a successful and delicious event!
