Let’s face it—food and wine are a dynamic duo. Like peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, my wife and I, or Netflix and procrastination, some things are just better together. But when it comes to pairing food and wine, many of us feel like we’re stepping into a mysterious realm of sommelier-level sophistication, when in reality, it’s more about enjoying the ride—and hey, if you impress a few friends along the way, so be it!

Wine and food pairing doesn’t need to be intimidating – or expensive. If someone tells you, “Only drink red with red meat and white with seafood,” kindly nod and then throw that outdated rulebook in the recycling bin. Like wearing white after labor day – it’s allowed! The truth is, the perfect pairing is all about balance and bringing out the best in both the food and the wine. The goal is for your mouth to be as happy as a kid in a candy store. And I would be remis if I didn’t mention value. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy incredible wine. In fact, some of the most delightful and flavorful bottles are surprisingly affordable—you just have to know where to look. And lucky for you, you don’t have to look any farther than the menu here at Freddie’s Kitchen. Our selection features hidden gems that pair perfectly with our dishes, proving that great taste doesn’t have to come at a premium. 

A little food (and wine) for thought…

• Bold Wines and Big Flavors—Like a Power Couple Who Owns the Room

Let’s start with a big, bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. These wines are rich, full-bodied, and not afraid to take center stage. Pair them with hearty dishes that can stand up to all that power—think steak, barbecued ribs, or a juicy burger. It’s a no-nonsense pairing where both the wine and food are trying to outshine each other in the best possible way. They make each other better. It’s like having two friends who are so good at everything they do that you’re pretty sure they’re secretly superheroes.

• White Wine and Seafood—A Match So Right, It Should Have a Reality Show

Next, we’ve got the classic white wine and seafood combo. This one’s basically a celebrity relationship at this point, but it’s famous for a reason! A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with oysters or a Chardonnay with lobster is the kind of magic we’re talking about. The zesty acidity of the wine balances the brininess of the seafood, while the fresh flavors play off each other like they were destined to be together. It’s like the culinary version of a rom-com—light, fun, and ridiculously satisfying.

• Sweet Wines and Spicy Dishes—The Yin to the Yang

Now, here’s where it gets fun. Sweet wines, like Riesling or Moscato, are often overlooked as just “dessert wines,” but they are actually the perfect match for spicy food. The come in a variety of levels of sweet, and often a subtle sweetness helps tame the heat from things like spicy Thai curry or fiery hot wings, creating a beautiful contrast that brings the best out of both. It’s like giving your taste buds a soothing hug after they’ve been put through a rollercoaster of spice. You won’t regret this pairing, trust me.

• Sparkling Wine and Everything—Because Life Is Too Short Not to Drink Bubbly

Here’s my secret weapon for food and wine pairing: Champagne (or any sparkling wine). Seriously, it goes with everything. Cheese? Yes. Sushi? Absolutely. Fried food? You bet! The effervescence in sparkling wine helps cleanse your palate and refreshes your taste buds between bites, which makes it the perfect companion for pretty much every meal. Plus, there’s something inherently celebratory about bubbles. So, go ahead, pop that cork for pizza, tacos, or even popcorn—because why not?

• Dessert Wine and Dessert—In Case You Forgot Why You’re Here

And finally, we can’t forget dessert wines. If you’ve made it to dessert (and who wouldn’t?), you’ll want to treat yourself to a sweet wine to match. A luscious Port with chocolate cake or our French Dark Chocolate Mousse, or a velvety Sauterne with my Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée? These pairings are like a well-deserved victory lap after a delicious meal. It’s the finale of the show—no better way to end a food and wine journey than with something sweet and indulgent. And, honestly, do you need more of a reason than that?

• A Little Tip to Leave You With: Trust Your Gut (and Your Glass)

At the end of the day, food and wine pairing is all about experimenting and having fun. There are no hard and fast rules, just guidelines and good vibes. The key is to trust your palate, and if you like a wine with a dish, then it’s the right pairing for you. Who cares if it’s “correct” according to the experts? If you like it, then it’s the perfect match. And that, my friend, is the ultimate pairing. Sante’! 🥂