Thrilled that the Wine Road Podcast has won three more Taste Awards for 2025! Beth and I went to L.A. for the Taste Awards ceremony to receive our medals for:
Best Lifestyle Podcast
Narsi David Award - Best Food Drink Broadcast
Best Food Drink Podcast
Cheers to all our listeners!
Welcome back to Drink This with That—a new feature about what to
drink with specific foods and international cuisines. Each month we will
highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to
the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from
the tried and true, to the options that add a bit of a twist to the
standard pairing.
This month we explore the wine pairing options for a beloved comfort food— Waffles! When’s the last time you made waffles? For most people it was probably a week after they received a waffle iron for a wedding gift and then never touched it again. My own experience with waffles was at the Southern institution known as the Waffle House that was often more revered for being open 24 hours a day and its circus of customers, than the cuisine. In my opinion the only time it’s permissible (and the most fun) to go to the Waffle House is between the hours of 3-5am. Trust me on that.
Waffles first came to our shores via the Dutch in the 1620’s. Round, square, savory or sweet; the waffle is a crispy and fluffy delight which can be made in a variety of ways. Universally enjoyed at breakfast, they are perfect for any meal including dinner and can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings.
Waffles don’t always have to be sweet; you can use a waffle maker to make savory waffles too. When you consider it, a waffle iron is nothing more than a panini press with a grid, and much like a panini, the waffle can be made with a host of ingredients and combinations. Below are my favorite pairings that may inspire you to dig out that waffle iron and fire it up. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries
Waffle Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations
Buttermilk Waffles: classic, fluffy, and slightly tangy
+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements tangy flavors
+ Pinot Grigio: crisp acidity enhances citrus notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence pairs with fluffy texture
Belgian Waffles: thick, crispy, and often topped with fruit or whipped cream
+ Riesling: acidity balances sweetness and fruit toppings
+ Gewürztraminer: spicy and floral notes complement whipped cream
+ Rosé: enhances fruit flavors and aromas
Sweet Potato Waffles: sweet, spicy, and savory
+ Pinot Noir: earthy and sweet notes complement sweet potato flavors
+ Grenache-based Rosé: fruity and refreshing, balances spicy notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence cuts through richness
Savory Waffles: herb-infused, cheese-topped, or bacon-filled
+ Sauvignon Blanc: citrus and grassy notes enhance herb flavors
+ Chardonnay: buttery and oaky notes complement cheese and bacon
+ Rosé of Pinot Noir: fruity and refreshing, balances savory flavors
Stuffed Waffles: filled with fruit, nuts, or chocolate
+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements fruit fillings
+ Tawny Port: nutty and caramel notes enhance chocolate fillings
Chicken and Waffles: soft and crunchy; sweet and salty
+ Sauvignon Blanc: lively acidity adds contrast to fried chicken
+ Sparkling Chenin Blanc: fresh and light elevates and balances the flavors
+ Chardonnay: butter and citrus notes add depth
Episode 219: Occidental & Forestville Itinerary
Episode 218: Debbie Osborn, Event Manager, Wine Road
Introducing Drink This with That—A new feature about what to drink with international cuisines. Each month we will highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true to the options that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.
Ready to Drink This with That? First up tacos!
Tacos, a flavorful and versatile Mexican dish, can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings. Tacos are not just a reason for celebrating Tuesday, they are a many splendored thing. Spicy, deep, earthy and savory—and just like wine, there are many aspects of the famed taco to explore and enjoy and pair accordingly.
The flavor profiles of Mexican food can be diverse starting with a base of fiery chilies and drawing from a range of spices and herbs that create a powerful punch from deep earthy spices like cumin to herbs like cilantro, coriander, thyme and Mexican oregano.
As with all types of food successful pairings build upon complementary flavors and balance with acidity and texture.
Taco Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations
Let’s explore the range of Tacos and wines to match. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries
Meat Tacos
Carne Asada: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec
Ground Beef: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera
Al Pastor (pork): Grenache-based Rosé, Tempranillo, Sparkling Rosé
Carnitas: Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot
Chorizo: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
Chicken Tacos
Grilled Chicken: Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Blanc de Blanc
Shredded Chicken: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Orange/Skin Contact style
Crispy Chicken: Sparkling Extra Brut, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir
Fish Tacos
Battered Fish: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Grilled Fish: Pinot Grigio, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Biancolella
Veggie Tacos
Roasted Vegetables: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir
Tofu: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sparkling Syrah
Recipe
Coconut Chicken Mole Tacos – From Rockpile Vineyards
This modern twist on a savory Mexican classic provides the perfect balance of spice and sweetness to pair with any Zinfandel, but for an enhanced sensory experience, try a bold, full-bodied Zinfandel from the Rockpile AVA.
This post originally appeared on the Wine Road Blog.
