Food & Wine Pairings

Food and wine pairing is all about enhancing the flavors of both the dish and the wine. Here's a sample menu for a food and wine pairing dinner:

Appetizer:

Seared Scallops with Citrus Salsa

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

Soup:

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay

Salad:

Arugula and Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio

Fish Course:

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay

Pasta Course:

Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

Wine Pairing: Viognier

Main Course:

Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vegetable Side:

Garlic-Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Wine Pairing: Merlot

Dessert:

Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake with Raspberry Coulis

Wine Pairing: Port Wine

Cheese Course:

Cheese Platter with a Variety of Artisanal Cheeses

Wine Pairing: Syrah or Shiraz

Coffee and Digestif:

Freshly Brewed Coffee and Brandy or Cognac

When planning a food and wine pairing menu, consider the balance between the wine and the dish. Lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with seafood and light appetizers, while heavier wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement rich, robust flavors. Don't forget to take your guests' preferences into account, and offer both red and white wine options throughout the meal. Additionally, you can include a digestif like brandy or cognac at the end of the dinner for a delightful finish.