One of my favorite things to do is to make a meal, open a few different wines, and see which one pairs best. That being said, I am a firm believer in “drink what you like.” If you don’t like red wine, I’m certainly not going to tell you that you have to drink it just because you are having a steak! But every once in a while, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone for just one meal. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy a wine you wouldn’t normally choose.

I’m the perfect example. I tend to reach for red wine 90% of the time, with Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé filling the other 10%, but I was raised to believe that every wine has a purpose and a place – sweet or dry, white or pink, light or bold. Each one deserves a chance to show you what makes it special. And sometimes that means slowing down a little and being intentional. Sit with your glass for a minute. Smell the wine before you taste it and try to pick out just one or two aromas.Take a sip and really think about the flavors you notice. It may sound a little silly, but paying attention can completely change the way you experience a wine – and help you appreciate wines you may have overlooked before.

That’s where food makes it even more fun! The right pairing can bring out flavors and characteristics in a wine that you didn’t notice on the first sip, and the wine can do the same thing for the food.

So, try something new! Pick one of my favorite food and wine pairings below, give it a whirl, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear what you tried, whether it pushed you outside your comfort zone, and most importantly, whether you liked it!

Food & Wine Pairings:

Want to try a few more pairings a home? You’ll find plenty more of my mom’s recipe on our recipes page, and each one includes a suggested Latah Creek wine pairing. Her recipes are simple, full of flavor, and best of all, usually made with ingredients you already have on hand.

Cheers,
Natalie