Pairing wine with food is like matchmaking for your taste buds—when it clicks, it’s magic! Wine and food pairing is more than just a dinner party flex—it’s a journey through aroma, taste, and texture that can elevate even the simplest of meals into a feast. Whether you’re uncorking a bottle for a casual night in, or planning a lavish dinner, knowing how to match your vino with your victuals is a game-changer!

Here are some pairings we’d recommend to you over this summer:

Roast Chicken:

Roast chicken is wonderfully versatile, so you’ve got options depending on how it’s seasoned or cooked. We decided on a Pinot Noir, a light-bodied red with bright acidity and soft tannins—perfect if your roast is herbed or served with mushrooms.

Leese-Fitch Californian Pinot Noir is a charming, fruit-forward red that captures the easygoing spirit of California winemaking. Expect aromas of cherry preserves, fresh strawberry, vanilla, and dried herbs. On the palate, it delivers raspberry, plum, cranberry, and toasted caramel, with hints of pomegranate and dried cherry for added complexity. This wine is exceptionally versatile—great with poultry, lean meats, cheese, and light snacks.

Link: Sonoma’s Delight: California Napa Valley Pinot Noir Tasting Notes

Steak:

Steak and wine—now that’s a power couple. The key is to match the richness and cut of the steak with a wine that complements its texture and flavour. we would like to suggest a Malbec especially from Argentina, where steak is practically a national treasure. Malbec’s plush fruit and smoky notes are a natural fit for grilled meats.

Illusion Argentinian Malbec Bonarda is a vibrant red blend that brings together two of Argentina’s signature grapes in a smooth, fruit-forward style. Deep red-violet in colour, with aromas of plum, black cherry, red berries, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it’s fresh, full-bodied, and smooth, with sweet, juicy tannins and an elegant finish, It is also great with spicy dishes, and rich pasta sauces—it’s versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Link: Discover Illusion: Argentinian Malbec Bonarda simply fabulous example

Summer Barbecues:

Summer barbecues are all about bold flavours, smoky aromas, and good vibes—so your wine should rise to the occasion. we suggest a Sparkling Wine to uplift the vibes of any Barbecue.

Black Chalk English Sparkling Wine is a standout from Hampshire, England. It’s crafted using the traditional Champagne method with a classic trio—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The name “Black Chalk” is inspired by the material used by old masters to sketch before creating a masterpiece—fitting for a wine that’s all about artistry and expression.

Link: Discover Hampshire’s Exquisite Black Chalk Wines

Asian Cuisine:

Pairing wine with Asian cuisine is a delicious adventure—think bold flavours, spice, umami, and a whole lot of variety. The wine we chose to pair with Asian cuisine is the Zinfandel Rose White wine.

Sugar Bird White Zinfandel Rosé is a Californian wine known for its light, fragrant character and easy-drinking style. It is made from White Zinfandel, which is essentially a rosé style of the Zinfandel grape, Expect light red fruit aromas, a refreshing palate, and a long-lasting finish. It also pairs beautifully with creamy pasta dishes, and mild cheeses—a surprisingly versatile match for spicy or rich foods.

Link: Refreshing Californian Zinfandel: Perfect for BBQs! Fragrant and light finish