Whether you’re having lunch with friends or a dinner date, it’s useful to know how to pair wine with food. White and red wines go well with different dishes depending on their flavor profiles. An ideal pairing enhances the food and your dining experience. Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar is a favorite cafe among residents of Lakeville, Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Prior Lake, MN. Here is the staff’s handy guide for white and red wine food pairings. 

How to Pair White & Red Wine With Foods 

White Wine & Seafood

White wines such as chardonnay and pinot grigio pair well with light seafood. Pinot Grigio has a crispness and acidity that pairs well with fish such as sea bass and calamari. Chardonnays are lush and fruity and pair best with fatty fish such as salmon, or any seafood dish with sauce, such as lemon butter. 

Cabernet Sauvignon & Hearty, Red Meat

Dense, full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux have strong tannins that pair well with red meats. Pair these wines with flavorful cuts such as steak, filet mignon, or lamb. Sip after each bite to enjoy the full flavor. 

Chardonnay & Chicken

White wines, such as chardonnay, don’t just go well with seafood. They also enhance the flavors of white meats such as chicken and turkey breasts. Chardonnay also pairs deliciously with pasta and salads, particularly those with earthy flavors. 

Dessert & Port 

You may assume sweet desserts would pair well with a bitter wine for balance. However, Port’s sweetness is a delightful complement. White and ruby Ports pair best with spiced desserts and lighter fare, while tawny Port goes best with chocolate and other rich sweets. 

Rose & Cheese

Like wine and chocolate, wine and cheese is a match made in heaven. Rose, in particular, is ideal for pairing with cheese plates or cheesy dishes. The fruity taste and acidity of dry Rose give a pleasant middle-ground between white and red wines. 

For the best dining in Dakota County, stop by Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar. With more than 30 white and red wines to choose from and a variety of delicious breakfast, lunch, and bakery items, there’s something for everyone at this local cafe. Call (952) 985-7650 to speak with a friendly staff member, or visit their website to see the menu.