Wine is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed with all sorts of food, including vegetarian dishes. If you’re a vegetarian, you may be wondering what types of wine pair well with your favorite dishes. Here are a few tips and guidelines to help you choose the perfect vegetarian food with wine pairings.

5 Things You Should Know When Pairing Vegetarian Dishes with Wine

1. Do not match a full-bodied wine with vegetarian food. It generally does not work. The right balance is as important in pairing wine with food as it is with people. Full-bodied wines go best with rich, hearty meaty meals. 

2. Make the texture of the food part of the pairing decision. Softer foods such as Indian curries, pasta, and risotto are often best with a semi-sweet to sweet white wine. For greens and other vegetables, go for a crisp white wine or a light red.

3. Consider the dominant flavors of the dish when thinking about wine pairing suggestions. For salty dishes, pick out dry, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For protein-rich foods like tofu, choose a light fruity red vino with medium body and tannin content.

4. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes and winter squash pair well with moderately aged wines like Zinfandel and Shiraz.

5. For white wine pairings, look for wines with bright acidity that will complement the freshness of your dish.

Best Vegetarian Foods & Wine Pairings

Tomatoes and Italian Wine.

When it comes to tomatoes, it is hard to go wrong with the classic combination of red wine and tomatoes. There are several varieties and blends that you can choose from depending on your taste. These include Merlot, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. Any type of tomato-based pasta is a delectable vegetarian food to pair with wine that anyone would enjoy.

Chutney and Chardonnay

There are few things better than a good chutney. Many people tend to overlook the versatility of the spread, but with the right wine, it can make a simple meal extraordinary. The sweetness and tang of chutney can be paired well with a wine that is dry, or moderately dry with little bitterness. A good example would be Chardonnay.

Pesto and Pinot Grigio

Pesto is a wonderful addition to almost any meal. This delicious sauce can be served on top of pasta, but it’s also great in an omelet, and the best way to enjoy it is in combination with a hearty Pinot Grigio.

Grilled vegetables with sparkling wine 

The crunchy texture of a fresh vegetable such as a green pepper goes well with fine sparkling wine. The best part about this combination is that the bubbles cut through any oils on the outside of the vegetable and enhance its flavor. Try replacing the onion salt in your favorite salad dressing with champagne vinegar to help balance out the sweetness you added to your meal.

Tofu with Riesling

Tofu is one of the most versatile vegetarian foods out there. It has a creamy but firm texture that can be complemented by several different kinds of wines. If you are planning to serve tofu in a stir fry, it pairs well with a light Riesling or Pinot Grigio.

Pasta with Shiraz

Pasta was made for Shiraz wines. Their hearty flavor and bold body are a perfect complement to the toothsome texture of pasta. Try pairing it with a rich, full-bodied Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing vegetarian food with wine. But by following the tips and guidelines above, you’ll be sure to choose a wine that will complement your meal perfectly. So next time you’re planning a vegetarian feast, don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine.