Delicious and Unique Wine Pairing Appetizers

Photo by Jordan

 

 

Finding the perfect appetizers to serve at your wine gathering can sometimes be a challenge. That is why we have curated for you 5 of the best appetizer and wine pairings. All of the appetizers range from simple classics to some unique and fancy. And get ready for our exclusive wine specials this holiday season—prepare for surprises, discounts, and a wink of festive cheer. Get ready to savor every sip and bite!

Wine Friendly Recipes

FOOD: ROASTED TOMATO AND BURRATA CROSTINI AND ROSE WINE

WINE: DOMAINE GAYDA LE MINUETTE ROSÉ

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Serving: 12 servings

 

This delectable appetizer is perfect for any wine pairing party. It is roasted tomato and creamy burrata cheese topped on a crispy bread.

 

This simple appetizer pairs perfectly with a Rose from France, our selection,

Domaine Gayda La Minuette Rosé 2021. Crafted in the heart of France, this Rosé offers a delightful journey. It boasts a delicate, pale pink hue and a bouquet of fresh summer berries, complemented by a subtle hint of floral notes. With its crisp acidity and a touch of minerality, this Rosé enhances the flavors of the dish, creating a symphony of taste that lingers long after each bite. 

 

 

We always use Inspired by Charm’s recipe for this appetizer. Below are the ingredients you will need and the directions to make this perfect food and wine pairing.

 

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 loaf of baguette bread
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper
• Fresh basil to garnish
• 1 recipe for roasted tomatoes - (recipe linked here)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Begin by slicing your baguette on a slight diagonal into 12-14 slices.
• Place the slices onto a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Set your oven to broil and then put your baking sheet of baguettes into the oven until lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and transfer the crostini to a platter. Top each with a serving of burrata and then about 2 of the roasted cherry tomatoes.
• To finish, drizzle lightly with olive oil and top each with sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately 

 

The crisp acidity of the Le Minuette Rosé complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes, creating a balanced palate. Its citrus undertones add a refreshing contrast to the creamy burrata, enhancing the overall dining experience. The wine's red berry notes dance alongside the savory crostini, creating a symphony of flavors that lingers on the taste buds. This pairing embodies the art of gastronomy, where each element enhances the other, resulting in a symmetrical blend of taste and pleasure.
 

Serve the Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini warm and the Rose chilled. This is a great first course to any wine party. If you are throwing a wine pairing party read our latest blog post on how to host the ultimate wine pairing party, inclusive of a 5 course food and wine pairing menu.

Amazing Potato Appetizer

FOOD: POTATO AND PARSNIP LATKES

WINE:  FORTANT DE FRANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019

 

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serving: 8

 

Our next wine and appetizer pairing is a Potato and Parsnip Latkes. These parsnip infused latkes provide not only a simple and delicious vegetarian party food option but an appetizer that is on the heartier side.

 

 

 

 

Offer a side of cinnamon applesauce or dill infused sour cream for a little extra touch. We suggest pairing this delicious appetizer with the Fortant de France Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This rich Cabernet Sauvignon from Southern France brings a deep purplish red hue to your glass. Its ripe blueberry notes harmonize with the earthiness of the parsnips, creating a well-balanced flavor profile and its velvety texture complements the crispy exterior of the latkes, adding a delightful contrast to each bite. The wine's flavors of freshly picked black fruits add a touch of elegance to this comforting dish.

 

We absolutely love the Country Living’s take on the classic Jewish recipe.

 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large eggs, whisked
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 lb. russet potatoes, peeled
• 3/4 lb. parsnips, peeled
• 1 large onion
• 1/2 c. matzo meal
• 12 tbsp. canola oil, for frying
• Sour cream and applesauce, for serving

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Place eggs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Grate potatoes, parsnips, and onion with a food processor or box grater. Add vegetables and matzo meal to eggs and toss to combine.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop 4 (1/4-cup) spoonfuls of potato mixture into skillet; flatten to create even pancakes. Cook, turning once, until browned, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed (when getting near the end of the potato mixture, strain and discard any liquid at bottom of the bowl).
4. Serve with sour cream and applesauce alongside.

 

Appetizer Comfort Food Southern Style

FOOD: PIMIENTO CHEESE DIP

WINE: ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS ZINFANDEL ESTATE 2018

 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Serving: 8

 

A southern staple, this luscious dip filled with three kinds of cheese and spicy pimiento peppers is served with veggies, pita or sturdy chips. Also great on buttery crackers with accoutrement of thin radish slices or bacon chunks.

 

Discover a delightful change in your wine pairing experience with this exquisite Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel Estate 2018. This California Zinfandel offers a vibrant expression of the varietal, creating a splendid harmony with the southern-style comfort food on your plate.

The bold berry notes of the Zinfandel Estate 2018 complement the creamy richness of the pimiento cheese, creating a dynamic flavor profile. Its touch of spice adds an intriguing contrast to the dip's zesty peppers, elevating each bite. The wine's velvety texture beautifully complements the smooth and comforting nature of this southern-style favorite.
 

 

 

 

The pimiento cheese dip recipe that we prefer to use year round when hosting wine nights, comes from Woman’s Day.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 c. low-fat sour cream
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• kosher salt
• Pepper
• 1 jar pimientos or roasted red peppers
• 6 oz. sharp orange Cheddar
• 6 oz. pepper Jack cheese
• 2 scallions
• Potato chips
• Pita chips
• Celery sticks

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Fold in the pimientos, Cheddar, Jack cheese, and scallions.
2. Transfer the mixture to a shallow 2-cup baking dish and bake until bubbling and light golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve with chips and celery, if desired.

 

The Ambitious Cook’s Appetizer

FOOD: HERBED CHEESE FILLED GOUGERES CROQUEMBOUCHE

WINE: DE MARTINO LEGADO CARMENERE 2021

 

 

Decidedly easier to eat than to pronounce, these puff pastries are normally found in an artistically spirited tower filled with a sweet pastry cream laced with caramel. This savory twist adds rich gruyere to the pastry, trades the filling for herbed cheese and spikes the caramel drizzle with coarse black pepper.  

 

Keep up the glamour of this dish with a surprisingly lavish bottle of De Martino Legado Carmenere (2021). The wine's medium body and balanced acidity provide a pleasing contrast to the pastry's richness.  This pairing promises a delightful interplay of flavors, where the wine's herbal and spicy characteristics complement the savory and herb-infused cheese filling of the gougères.

 

 

Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens

 

 

This delicious and fancy appetizer is one of our favorites. If you are up for trying your hand at this masterpiece, you will find all the details at Bon Appetit. They give the fullest expression of what is needed to recreate this savory show stopper. This one is sure to make an impression on your guests at your next wine tasting party.

 

A Classic Wine Pairing Appetizer

FOOD: SHRIMP COCKTAIL

WINE: CHATEAU MUSAR JEUNE RED 2020

 

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Serving: Make as much as you need

 

 

 

 

The all time classic shrimp cocktail has made its way onto this list. We cannot help but love this dish. It is simple, easy and absolutely delicious to eat and enjoy with a bright and fun white wine. Furthermore, we just gave you an extremely hard dish to try, we had to follow up with something that everyone can do no matter the ‘foodie’ level.

 

We recommend you pair this classic appetizer with the red wine, Chateau Musar Jeune Red (2020) from Lebanon. With its explosion of red cherries and blackberries, this wine complements the sweetness of the shrimp and the acidity of the cocktail sauce. The wine's soft texture and hint of black pepper add depth to the pairing. This wine's fruity and soft characteristics make it an excellent match for the Shrimp Cocktail, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

 

This simple light dish tosses fresh shrimp in with the best homemade cocktail sauce you have ever had.  The nice thing is that you can make the shrimp cocktail sauce in advance, buy delicious, frozen shrimps and in a few minutes you have a party favorite appetizer.

 

INGREDIENTS

• Ketchup
• Fresh lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Prepared horseradish
• Minced garlic
• Hot sauce (optional)

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl mix together the ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Mix in prepared horseradish, tasting and adding more if desired. If you like, add a dash or two of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
3. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

 

Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen, our top five favorite, delicious wine and appetizer pairings. To purchase a case of any of the wines listed above please shop at the only online wine retailer that donates 50% of its net revenues back to charity, Humanity Wine Co, When you purchase more than a case of wine we throw in an extra bonus for you. If you have any questions at all please reach out to our team, Hello@humanitywineco.com