10 Fun & Surprising Wine and Food Pairings
Wine pairings don’t always have to be fancy, white tablecloth affairs. Sometimes the most memorable sips happen alongside the most unexpected bites. Imagine sparkling Rosé with a basket of hot French fries, or a bold Cabernet Franc elevating a backyard cheeseburger.
At Brick Barn Wine Estate, we believe wine is meant to be savored, shared, and enjoyed with joy, not just reserved for special occasions. That’s why we’re sharing 10 fun and surprising wine and food pairings that bring out the best in our wines while making everyday bites feel extraordinary.
Whether you’re planning a casual night in, a fall gathering with friends, or just want to shake up your wine routine, these pairings are deliciously doable.
1. French Fries + Sparkling Rosé
Golden, crispy fries and bubbly pink wine? Trust us—it works. The saltiness of the fries is perfectly balanced by the bright acidity and effervescence of Brick Barn’s Sparkling Rosé, Blanc de Noirs, cleansing your palate after every bite.
✨Why it works: Salty + bubbly = the ultimate refresh. The carbonation cuts through fried goodness, while the subtle red fruit notes in the wine add a playful contrast.
Pro tip: Upgrade to truffle fries and watch how the earthy richness pairs beautifully with Rosé’s elegance.
2. Popcorn (Buttered or Truffle) + Chardonnay
Movie night just got a glow up. Brick Barn Chardonnay, either the Reserve or the Chene, with its layers of fruit and a touch of oak, is a natural partner for popcorn.
✨Why it works: The buttery richness of classic popcorn mirrors the creamy mouthfeel of Chardonnay, while truffle popcorn adds a decadent twist that harmonizes with subtle oak notes.
Set out a big bowl, pour yourself a glass, and you’ve got the perfect Netflix and sip combo.
3. Potato Chips + Sauvignon Blanc
Simple, crunchy, and addictively snackable. Potato chips are secretly brilliant with Sauvignon Blanc.
✨Why it works: The crisp, zesty acidity of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the greasy saltiness, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for the next handful.
Want to take it up a notch? Try kettle cooked or sea salt & vinegar chips for extra tang—Sauvignon Blanc’s fruity tropical punch loves it.
4. Fried Chicken + Cabyrah Rosé
Forget Champagne, fried chicken is next level with our Cabyrah Rosé. Juicy, crispy, and just a little indulgent, friend chicken finds balance with Rosé’s vibrant fruitiness and refreshing finish.
✨Why it works: The wine’s acidity slices through the richness, while strawberry and watermelon notes add a playful, palate cleansing lift.
Perfect for backyard picnics or tailgate spreads.
5. Tacos (Carne Asada or Veggie) + Albariño
Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade. Brick Barn’s Albariño, with its zesty citrus, stone fruit, and minerality, is a natural match for tacos. Whether you love carne asada, fish, or roasted veggie filling.
✨Why it works: The bright acidity balances spice and citrusy salsa, while the crisp minerality keeps flavors clean and vibrant.
Pair with lime, cilantro, and avocado toppings to really bring out the wine’s refreshing qualities.
6. Cheeseburger + Cabernet Franc
The king of pairings: a juicy cheeseburger with Brick Barn Cabernet Franc. The bold tannins and dark fruit intensity of the Cab stand up beautifully to beefy richness.
✨Why it works: Cab Franc’s structure and power complement a chargrilled patty, while notes of blackberry and spice elevate melted cheese.
Think backyard BBQ, a Cab Franc in hand, and the perfect burger stacked high with toppings.
7. Beef Jerky + Syrah
This one’s a road trip classic turned wine pairing star. Brick Barn’s Syrah, with its jammy, peppery character, is a natural match for savory, chewy beef jerky. The richness of the meat highlights Syrah’s bold fruit, while the peppery seasoning mirrors the wine’s own spicy kick.
✨Why it works: Jammy flavors love smoky flavors. The umami depth of beef jerky enhances Syrah’s dark, brooding notes, while the chewy texture gives you time to savor each sip.
This pairing feels rugged, satisfying, and just adventurous enough to surprise your palate.
8. Mac & Cheese + Viognier
Creamy, cozy, and oh so satisfying, mac & cheese is comfort food royalty. Paired with Brick Barn Viognier, it transforms into an elegant experience.
✨Why it works: Viognier’s lush aromatics of tangerine, apricot, and honeysuckle cut through the richness of cheese while adding a floral, fruity brightness.
Elevate your pairing with a baked truffle mac & cheese—Viognier won’t shy away.
9. Pizza (Margherita or Pepperoni) + Grenache
Pizza and wine? Always a yes. Brick Barn’s Grenache is versatile enough to complement both fresh, herby Margherita and spicy, savory pepperoni pies.
✨Why it works: Grenache’s red berry fruit and hint of spice bridge the gap between tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and savory toppings.
Perfect for casual Friday nights or gatherings with friends, no fancy setup required.
10. Dark Chocolate Brownies + Pinot Noir
Dessert deserves wine, too. Brick Barn’s Pinot Noir, with its silky texture and notes of cherry and spice, pairs beautifully with fudgy dark chocolate brownies.
✨Why it works: Pinot’s red fruit brightness balances chocolate’s bitterness, while its smooth tannins complement rich, chewy textures.
It’s indulgence made elegant, and the ultimate way to close out a meal.
Host Your Own Wine + Snack Pairing Party
Why stop at reading when you can taste for yourself? Gather a few friends, stock up on your favorite snacks from this list, and create your own pairing night with Brick Barn wines. All you need is a cozy setting, a few bottles of wine, and bowls of easy bites like popcorn, jerky, fries, and chocolate.
✨How to set it up:
- Pick 3-4 wines: Try a mix of whites and reds from Brick Barn.
- Set out snack stations: Label each snack with the suggested pairing so guests can follow along.
- Make it interactive: Encourage everyone to share their favorite combos and vote on the most surprising match.
- End with a toast: Pour a final glass and raise it to good friends, great flavors, and the joy of discovering wine in unexpected ways.
The beauty of a pairing party is that it’s casual, fun, and low effort—but it feels like an elevated, memorable experience. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to introduce your friends to the playful side of Brick Barn wines.
Ready to host? Shop Brick Barn wines and get all the wines you need for your surprising wine and snack pairing party!
📸Snap a few photos of your snack and sip spread and share them with us! Tag @brickbarnwineestate on Instagram—we’d love to see your pairings, and you might even get featured on our page.
Final Pour: Have Fun with Pairings
The beauty of wine is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. These 10 surprising wine and food pairings prove that Brick Barn wines can elevate even the most everyday snacks and meals.
From fries to pizza, jerky to tacos, there’s a perfect Brick Barn pairing waiting to make your next bite unforgettable.
