The Super Bowl is one of the biggest party nights of the year. The festivities are often centered around beer and classic game-day snacks. Have no fear, wine lovers. There is no need to settle for the usual beer offerings. Wine can be an excellent addition to the celebration! The key is selecting the right wines, serving them at their best, and pairing them thoughtfully with fan-favorite foods.
Selecting the Right Wines for a Super Bowl Party
When choosing wines for a Super Bowl party, versatility and appeal to a diverse crowd are essential. Since guests will likely be snacking on a variety of dishes, opt for wines that can stand up to bold flavors while still being easy to drink. Unexpectedly, we find ourselves recommending the use of wine tumblers or stemless glasses during game day to keep things casual and prevent spills in the excitement of the game.
- Sparkling Wines – Sparkling wines, much like their effervescent cousin (i.e., beer), add a fun, festive touch and pair well with salty, fried foods. A Brut or Extra Brut style complements everything from chips and dip to chicken wings.
Serving Temperature: 38–45°F (Keep them in the fridge and serve cold.)
- White Wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and unoaked (stainless steel fermented) Chardonnay offer refreshing acidity that cuts through rich foods like cheesy nachos or creamy dips. For spicy foods like buffalo wings, try a medium-dry Riesling or even dry Gewürztraminer.
Serving Temperature: 45–50°F (Chill in the fridge for at least three hours before serving.)
- Red Wines – Lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay work well with everything from pizza to burgers due to their bright fruit flavors and mild tannins. Zinfandel and Syrah bring dark, jammy fruit and spice that create classic pairings with barbecue and grilled meats. For something unexpected (but crowd-pleasing), try a chilled Lambrusco! Its subtle effervescence and fruity profile make it a fantastic match for cured meats and cheesy dishes. Both of which will most likely be in ample supply during the game.
Serving Temperature: 55–65°F (slightly cooler than room temperature)
Tip: Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving
Perfect Wine Pairings for Super Bowl Party Foods
Pairing wine with game day favorites does not have to be complicated nor fancy. This is a football game after all! Here are some great matchups:
1. Chicken Wings + Medium-Dry Riesling or Rosé
The touch of sweetness in medium dry Riesling balances the heat from spicy buffalo wings. Another crowd-pleasing pairing is a rosé with sticky sesame wings. The rosé’s crisp acidity refreshes the palate.
2. Chips & Guacamole + Sauvignon Blanc
The zesty citrus notes in Sauvignon Blanc enhance the fresh lime in the guacamole.
3. Burgers or Sliders + Zinfandel or Malbec
Both of these bold reds have enough fruit and spice to stand up to rich, meaty flavors as well as the addition of sweet and tangy condiments.
4. Pizza + Sangiovese or Barbera
Italian reds with bright acidity and herbal notes pair beautifully with tomato sauce and cheese. Plus, what grows together, goes together. The ingredients used to make traditional pizza also are home to the vineyards growing these two wine grapes.
5. BBQ Ribs + Syrah/Shiraz
The smoky, peppery notes of Syrah (Shiraz in Australia) complement the deep, tangy flavors of barbecue sauce.
6. Elote Hot Dogs + Sparkling Wine
Bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites of this very fun twist on a traditional game-day hot dog! Topped with mounds of cheesy corn and a twist of lime.
It’s almost Game Day! As host, ensure everyone at your party has a selection of beverages and pairing options to fit their preferences and comforts. Select crowd-pleasing wines that appeal to diverse palates. You are welcome to make suggestions for how best to pair the wines with classic game-day foods, but be sure to keep the event casual and informal so the game remains the focus. Make set up easy so you can kick back and enjoy the game (and those amazing commercials), too. Cheers to you being named the MVP of the Super Bowl party!