Wine Not? — A Simple, Sippable Guide to Wine & Pairings
Because you don’t need to know everything about wine to serve it like you do.
I know, wine can feel like one of those fancy, intimidating things you should know more about... but also? You just want to know what to bring to girls’ night and what pairs well with your roast chicken.
This is your cheat sheet. No jargon overload, no eye-rolls from wine snobs—just the basics, with a few cheeky tips to help you host (and sip) with confidence.
🍇 Wine 101: What You Actually Need to Know
🟥 Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon – bold, dry, and kind of the “dad” of red wine.
Pairs well with: steak, burgers, rich pastas. Think: cozy fall dinner party.Pinot Noir – light, fruit-forward, and the “cool aunt” of reds.
Pairs with: roasted veggies, mushrooms, salmon, cheese boards.Merlot – smooth, soft, and often underrated.
Pairs with: chicken, pizza, pasta, girl dinner.
🟨 White Wines
Chardonnay – buttery or crisp, depending on style.
Pairs with: chicken, creamy pasta, and gossip.Sauvignon Blanc – citrusy, zippy, the wine equivalent of a fresh linen shirt.
Pairs with: seafood, salads, goat cheese, patios.Riesling – floral, sometimes sweet, often German.
Pairs with: spicy food, Thai, sushi, and takeout nights.
🥂 Sparkling + Rosé
Prosecco / Champagne – bubbly joy in a bottle.
Pairs with: popcorn, fries, celebrations, and really any moment that needs a little extra sparkle.Rosé – not just for summer anymore.
Pairs with: brunch, picnic boards, roasted chicken, pool days.
🟧 Wait—What’s Orange Wine?
Orange wine isn’t made from oranges—it’s made from white grapes that are left to ferment with their skins, like red wine. The result? A bold, slightly funky, earthy wine that looks like iced tea and tastes like nothing else.This one’s a personal fave—it feels cool, a little unexpected, and always gets people talking.
Flavor profile: nutty, tannic, a little citrusy, sometimes sour in the best way
Pairs with: Moroccan or Indian food, roasted veggies, sharp cheeses, sushi, or literally just a sunset and some olives
Vibe: Natural wine party, dinner with your coolest friend, or a "what is this and why do I love it" moment
Serving Tip: Serve it chilled, not cold, and let guests try a sip before committing—it’s a little wild, but totally lovable.
🍷 When to Serve What
Brunch: Rosé, sparkling wine, or a chilled white
Dinner party: Red in cooler months, white or rosé in warmer ones
Cheese board night: One white + one red = happy guests (bonus points for orange wine if you’re feeling bold)
Pizza night: Pinot Noir, Chianti, or honestly… whatever you’ve got and love
Dessert: Chilled Moscato, port, or sparkling rosé
Sunset hangs + salty snacks: Orange wine is the moment. Think: patio, olives, and a record spinning
Takeout night (sushi, Thai, anything bold): Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or orange wine for the foodies
💡 Wine Lingo, Decoded
Dry = not sweet. Has nothing to do with texture.
Tannins = those grippy, mouth-drying vibes in red wine.
Body = how heavy or light the wine feels. Think skim milk vs. whole.
Finish = the flavor that lingers after you swallow. A long finish = more flavor drama.
Legs = the streaks down the glass. Cute, but not really important.
🍷 Host Mode Tips for Choosing Wine:
You don’t need to spend a lot.
The $12 bottle might slap harder than the $40 one. Trust your taste buds.Buy by the occasion, not the label.
A fancy bottle doesn’t always fit the mood. Buy what you’ll enjoy in the moment—girls’ night, date night, pizza night, etc.Try a wine bar or tasting room just to explore.
Ask questions. Take notes. Pretend you’re in your wine era.Don’t be afraid of the screw top.
Some of the best wines are ditching corks. We’re not mad.
📝 Want the Print Version?
Click to download the Wine & Pairing Cheat Sheet—perfect for your recipe book, hosting binder, or pinning to the fridge for quick “what the heck do I serve with this?” moments.