If you are a wine lover, pairing the beverage with your meal can enhance the taste of both your food and drink. However, figuring out which type goes best with your home-cooked meals means understanding a bit about the wine’s flavor profile. Below are five dishes and the best wine for each.

Simple Meals & Wine Pairings to Try

1. Spaghetti & Meatballs

Red wine is best with Italian dishes featuring tomatoes and tomato sauce like spaghetti and meatballs. An Italian Barbera wine offers a tart taste that works well with the natural acidity of the tomato sauce. You can also try a chianti, which is a red blend that features a fruity flavor bold enough to complement both the meat and the sauce.

2. Steak & Potatoes

Hearty meals like steak and potatoes need a full-bodied wine. Cabernet Sauvignon provides great flavor for grilled red meat and roasted veggies. The bold tannins and fruitiness of this wine make it a classic, strong choice complimentary with earthy vegetables and savory meats.

3. Seafood & Fish

For a light meal of grilled fish, opt for a Pinot Grigio, which adds citrusy notes that pair perfectly with the light flavor fish dishes. For seafood like shrimp and lobster, Chardonnay is a top choice, particularly for plates featuring cream sauces or rice. The acidity in the wine balances out the decadence of the sauce.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

As far as comfort foods go, chicken pot pie ranks high as one of the most indulgent. With a delicious blend of veggies, chicken and gravy, and buttery pie crust, this dish works best with a dry sparkling wine like a Champagne. The acidity and bubbliness in this drink is a tasty contrast to the hearty, warm, butteriness of the meal.

5. Pizza

Whether you make your own or order out, merlot wine is the best choice for pizza. The smooth, soft, and subtly fruity taste of this wine enhances the robust flavors of tart tomato sauce and briny, gooey, melty cheese on every slice.

When you need a bottle of wine to pair with dinner in Aviston, IL, head to Hidden Lake Winery & Banquet Center. The winery offers a delicious selection of dry, semi-sweet, semi-dry, and sweet wines to complement any dish. Their location is also a restaurant with an inviting menu and banquet hall perfect for any special event. Stay overnight in one of the cabins complete with king-size bed, fireplace, Jacuzzi®, and more. Call (618) 228-9111 for more on the event venue or visit their website for a look at their wines.