Wine Pairing: Vegetarian

08 October 2021

Wine Pairing: mastering wine pairings for vegetarian and vegan meals

In short:

Discover the art of pairing wines with vegetarian and vegan dishes in our comprehensive guide. Elevate your meat-free meals with expertly selected wine pairings that complement and enhance a variety of veggie favourites.

As more and more people embrace the meat-free lifestyle, finding the perfect wine to accompany your vegetarian and vegan dishes is a must. Our experts have put together a selection of fantastic wine pairings to elevate your mealtime, whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring new culinary horizons. Discover the perfect accompaniments for some classic plant-based dishes in this comprehensive guide to vegetarian and vegan food and wine pairings.

Sauvignon Blanc & fresh salads
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is your go-to for leafy green salads. The zesty citrus flavours and bright acidity perfectly balance creamy dressings, while herbal notes complement earthy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and rocket. The wine's refreshing nature also enhances the freshness of ingredients like cucumber, peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Try it with an avocado and rocket salad, a vegetarian Caesar, or mixed greens with goat’s cheese and toasted walnuts..

Pinot Noir & mushroom dishes
The earthy, rich flavours of mushrooms are best showcased alongside a silky Pinot Noir. The wine's fruity, earthy notes and light-to-medium body blend seamlessly with the savoury umami taste of mushrooms, creating a harmonious balance. Pair it with a mushroom risotto or a hearty mushroom stroganoff.

Chardonnay & grilled veg
Elevate your grilled vegetable dishes with a well-rounded, oak-aged Chardonnay. The wine's buttery, creamy notes and hints of vanilla work wonders with charred, smoky flavours. Pair it with corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, or a colourful vegetable medley.

Domaine Trouillet ‘Aux Chailloux’ Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru 2023/24

2 Dry

80% OF 5 WOULD BUY IT AGAIN

Show details for Domaine Trouillet ‘Aux Chailloux’ Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru 2023/24

£42.00 Mix Six £47.00 per bottle

Save £5

Cave de Lugny 'Les Pierres Blanches' Mâcon-Villages 2023/24

1 - Very Dry

92% OF 294 WOULD BUY IT AGAIN

Show details for Cave de Lugny 'Les Pierres Blanches' Mâcon-Villages 2023/24

£13.50 Mix Six £15.00 per bottle

Save 10%

Domaine la Troupe ‘Cuvée Marie’ Viré-Clessé 2021/22

2 Dry

100% OF 4 WOULD BUY IT AGAIN

Show details for Domaine la Troupe ‘Cuvée Marie’ Viré-Clessé 2021/22

£17.50 Mix Six £20.50 per bottle

Save £3

Cave de Lugny 'Les Pierres Blanches' Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022/23

1 - Very Dry

92% OF 88 WOULD BUY IT AGAIN

Show details for Cave de Lugny 'Les Pierres Blanches' Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022/23

£11.50 Mix Six £16.00 per bottle

Save £4.50

Rosé & Mediterranean cuisine
Rosé wines are versatile and refreshing, making them a fantastic choice for Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The bright acidity and fruity flavours of a crisp rosé balance the richness of ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and feta. Enjoy it with a Greek salad, ratatouille, or a vegetable paella.

Riesling & spicy dishes
If you're a fan of spicy plant-based meals, reach for an off-dry Riesling. The wine's natural sweetness and acidity help to tame the heat while enhancing the dish's complex flavours. It's a brilliant match for dishes like Thai vegetable curry or a flavourful veggie stir-fry.

Tempranillo & hearty stews
When it comes to robust vegetable stews, a medium-bodied Tempranillo is a stellar choice. Its savoury, spicy, and fruity notes pair wonderfully with the rich flavours of lentils, beans, and root vegetables. The wine's tannins also provide a delicious contrast to the creamy texture of a stew. Savour it alongside a Moroccan tagine, lentil stew, or a warming vegetable and bean chilli.

Cabernet Sauvignon and stuffed vegetables

Cabernet Sauvignon & stuffed vegetables
For dishes featuring stuffed vegetables, such as peppers, courgette, or aubergine, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice. The wine's full body and rich, dark-fruit flavours are a perfect match for the hearty, savoury fillings in these dishes. Pair it with rice and black bean-stuffed peppers or a classic Calabrian-style stuffed aubergine.

Gewürztraminer & Indian cuisine
When enjoying vegetarian Indian cuisine, look no further than a fragrant, off-dry Gewürztraminer. Its aromatic profile, with notes of lychee, rose, and baking spice, pairs perfectly with the exotic spices and flavours found in dishes like vegetable korma, chana masala, or aloo gobi.

Prosecco & light starters
Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a solo meal, a bubbly Prosecco is the ideal companion for light vegetarian appetisers. The wine's effervescence and crisp acidity cut through the richness of cheese or creamy dips, while its fruity notes complement fresh vegetables and herbs. Try it with caprese skewers, spinach and artichoke dip, or fresh tomato bruschetta.

Zinfandel & BBQ-inspired dishes
For those craving smoky, BBQ-inspired meat-free dishes, a bold Zinfandel is the answer. With its jammy, dark fruit flavours and peppery notes, this wine pairs fantastically with the smoky and sweet elements of barbecued or grilled vegetables. Enjoy it with BBQ tofu or tempeh, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a smoky veggie burger.