Unusual Wine Pairings That Actually Work (Yes, Even Wine & Popcorn)
June 03, 2025
Pairing wine is one of the most exciting ways to enhance your drinking experience, adding a whole new layer of flavour and fun. But who says you have to stick to the same old classics like cheese boards and steaks? It’s time to ditch the expected and embrace the unexpected.
Whether you love a bold Shiraz or lean towards a chilled rosé, wine doesn’t have to follow convention. In fact, some of the best pairings come from the most surprising combos. Salty or caramel popcorn? Absolutely. A spoonful of peanut butter with your glass of red? Sounds odd, but trust us—it works. No need to re-read, you heard that right.
It’s all about enjoying wine with your go-to snacks and having a bit of fun with it. By the end, you might just find yourself jotting down a few new snack ideas to try. Let’s make it interesting.
Why do some surprising pairings just work? It all comes down to how certain elements interact with your palate.
Why These Odd Pairings Work
Wine pairing seems like a challenge, accompanied by a fear and a question: what if it tastes awful? But it all comes down to how certain elements in wine and food create an ideal balance. Here are the key players that shape those unusual (and sometimes unexpected) combinations:
Acidity
Acidity in wines is what brings zesty crispness and freshness to the palate, especially lively whites and bright sparklings. The high acidity cleanses the palate while cutting through the richness in food, balancing the saltiness and sweetness, and enhancing the flavour contrast.
Think of acidity as the wine’s “zest” that keeps things fresh and lively.
Tannins
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, and are most commonly present in red wines. Think of the dry and lingering sensation in the mouth while sipping on a robust and full-bodied red. When proteins and fats interact with tannins, their effects become balanced and softer, resulting in a well-rounded palate.
Salt
No no, there's no salt present in wines, but when it comes to pairing food with wines, it plays a big role. When paired with wine, salt can tone down bitterness, enhance sweetness, and brighten acidity. It's a powerful flavour booster in the wine-food balance.
Fat
Food fat, such as that found in cheese, oils, meats, and other foods, mutes flavours and covers the palate. With acidity or tannin, wine cleanses and resets, making every bite and sip feel fresh again.
Sweetness
If you enjoy sweet wines or even just a hint of sweetness, it's essential to understand how this affects the way we pair food, particularly in terms of acidity, bitterness, and the warmth of alcohol. Sweetness can soften out complex flavours or, if not well paired, disrupt the balance. Understanding sugar levels is essential for enjoying the best of both worlds.
Remember Balance is the Key
There's nothing like a perfect pairing, as there are no hard and fast rules when enjoying wine and your favourite food. You just need to keep one thing in mind: the only goal is to balance the flavours of both. Too much of one thing (acid, tannin, sugar, salt, or fat) can overwhelm unless there’s an equilibrium in the wine.
6 Unusual Wine Pairings That Actually Work
Ready for some surprisingly delicious pairings that are about to shake up your wine game? Whether you’re into bold reds or fruity rosés, these 5 not-so-basic wine pairings will take your wine love to a whole new level. So get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds with a fresh twist on flavour—let’s dive in!
Popcorn & Sparkling Wine
Got a movie date night planned? Add a touch of sparkle to the occasion with this surprisingly delicious combination—popcorn and a crisp, fruity bottle of sparkling wine, such as Champagne. Sounds unexpected, right? But you’ll love how the crunch of the popcorn pairs perfectly with the lively fizz of the wine. The acidity cuts through the buttery richness, while the saltiness enhances the wine’s vibrant character, creating a delightful textural and flavour balance.
Here's our top recommendation
Salt & Vinegar Chips & Sauvignon Blanc
If your taste buds keep craving something tangy and refreshing, this one's for you. Salt & vinegar chips, an absolute crowd favourite, great for munching, are best paired with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc that together feels like a match made in snack heaven. The bright acidity of the wine mirrors the sharpness of the vinegar, while its citrusy freshness keeps the saltiness intact. Each bite and sip feels like a burst of tangy, crispy, and refreshing flavours.
Here's our top recommendation
Vanilla Ice Cream & Chardonnay
Dessert just got better! Pair your creamy vanilla ice cream with a rich, oaked Chardonnay for an indulgent treat. The wine’s buttery notes and hints of vanilla scream perfection in every bite and sip. The ice cream’s smooth texture and wine's gentle acidity keep things balanced and not overly sweet. It’s like having wine and dessert in the same spoonful—classic, elegant, and delectable.
Here's our top recommendation
Fried Chicken & Fruity Rosé
A bright, fruity Rosé is the perfect complement to crispy fried chicken. While the juiciness cleanses the palate in between bites, the wine's delicate floral undertones and vibrant berry flavours balance out the richness of the fried coating. Consider it a sophisticated take on comfort food pairing—the kind that will have you reaching for more.
Here's our top recommendation
Spicy Nachos & Riesling
Looking for the perfect wine to pair with the ultimate party starters, spicy nachos dripping with cheese, jalapeños, and salsa? Grab a glass of off-dry Riesling. The wine’s slight sweetness balances out the spice, and its zingy acidity slices right through the richness. It’s a bold and playful pairing that knows how to party—perfect for your next gathering or weekend binge-watch.
Here's our top recommendation
Peanut Butter & Pinot Noir
Does your protein intake include lots of peanut butter? Don’t enjoy it alone—pour yourself a glass of smooth, fruity, and elegant Pinot Noir and savour one of the most unexpectedly delightful pairings out there. The wine’s gentle tannins create a savoury balance, while its bright red berry notes contrast beautifully with the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter. Whether you’re having it as a snack or dessert, this combo is comforting, unique, and anything but ordinary.
Here's our top recommendation
Tips for Experimenting at Home
Trying wine pairings at home? No need to make it too complicated—it’s all about having fun and finding out what you love. Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
• Encourage exploration—wine should be fun
As said earlier, there are no rules when it comes to wine pairing. Be curious! Mix and try different wines with your favourite snacks or meals. You might find out the ideal go-to combo that surprises you, in a delightful way.
• Start with what you love to snack on
Start with your typical comfort food, whether it's chocolate, nachos, or popcorn. Discover what brings out the best in both by pairing it with a variety of wines. Understanding the differences is made simpler (and more enjoyable!) by favourite food.
• Think about contrast (salty vs sweet, creamy vs acidic)
Great pairings often come from opposites. Try decadent sweets with something crisp and fresh, or salty chips with a refreshing wine. Every snack and drink can be made more exciting and balanced by these variations.
• Keep it casual—this is about enjoyment, not rules
A formal meal or the approval of a sommelier is not needed. Simply fill a glass with your chosen wine and enjoy it while relaxing with friends, going on a picnic, or binge-watching. All you need is good wine and positive vibes.
Final Sip: Don’t Knock It Till You Sip It
Next time you reach for your favourite snack, pour a glass of something unexpected and give it a try—you might just discover your new favourite pairing right in your kitchen. Looking for the perfect wine to pair with these surprisingly fun combinations? Just Wines has you covered with top recommendations and an incredible collection of premium wines to elevate your pairing game. So go ahead, order the perfect bottle, and cheers to delicious pairings!
