Wine pairing doesn't have to be intimidating. Forget everything you've heard about strict rules and expensive sommelier certifications. At Buffalo House, we believe the best wine is the one you enjoy drinking — but if you want to take your dinner game up a notch, these simple guidelines will help.
The One Rule That Matters
Match the weight of the wine to the weight of the food. That's it. Light food gets light wine. Heavy food gets heavy wine. Everything else is a bonus.
- Grilled fish → Light white (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
- Roast chicken → Medium white or light red (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir)
- Steak → Full-bodied red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec)
- Pasta with red sauce → Medium red (Chianti, Sangiovese)
Classic Pairings That Always Work
Steak Night
A juicy steak needs a wine with structure and tannins to cut through the richness. Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic choice — and Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is an outstanding everyday option. For something more premium, try Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99). Malbec from Argentina is another excellent option — Alamos Malbec ($12.99) or Don Miguel Gascon Malbec ($15.99) both pair perfectly with grilled red meat.
Italian Night
Pasta with red sauce pairs perfectly with medium-bodied Italian reds or a smooth domestic red blend. The acidity in the wine mirrors the acidity in the tomato sauce, creating a harmonious match. For cream-based pastas, switch to a crisp white wine. Apothic Red ($12.99) is a crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully with pasta dishes.
Seafood Dinner
Sauvignon Blanc and seafood is one of the most reliable pairings in wine. The wine's citrus and herbaceous notes complement fish, shrimp, and oysters beautifully. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($17.99) is a staff favorite for grilled fish.
Pizza Night
Don't overthink this one. Pizza is casual, so your wine should be too. A good red blend or Merlot works perfectly — Josh Cellars Merlot ($14.99) or Bogle Merlot ($11.99) are both excellent with pepperoni or sausage pizza.
Burger Night
Burgers love medium-bodied reds with a bit of fruit. Bogle Merlot ($11.99) and Alamos Malbec ($12.99) are both excellent choices — enough body to stand up to charred, savory flavors without overwhelming them.
Cheese Board
Building a cheese board? Here's a simple wine match for each type:
- Soft cheese (Brie, Camembert) → Sparkling wine or Chardonnay
- Hard cheese (Parmesan, aged Cheddar) → Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
- Blue cheese → Port or sweet wine
- Goat cheese → Sauvignon Blanc
The "If All Else Fails" Picks
Not sure what to serve? These wines go with almost anything:
🍷 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($21.99) — The most versatile red. Works with chicken, salmon, pork, mushrooms, and pasta.
🥂 La Marca Prosecco ($6.99) — The acidity and bubbles cut through rich and fried foods beautifully.
🌸 Rosé — Pairs with everything from salads to grilled meats. The ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Tell us what you're cooking and we'll recommend the perfect bottle. Call (716) 770-1230 or visit us at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223. We deliver across Buffalo — see delivery details.
Wine guides from Buffalo House
Honest, no-jargon guides written by our staff in Tonawanda. Free same-day delivery on $49+ across the Buffalo metro.
- The Complete Moscato Wine Guide — 5 styles, top picks under $20, food pairings, and easy Moscato cocktails. Our most-read wine guide.
- The Best Moscato Wines for Sweet Wine Lovers in Buffalo
- Bella Rosa Wine in Buffalo — Buyer's Guide
- Best Rosé Wines for Every Season
- Red Wine for Beginners — 6 Styles to Try
- Best Wines for Summer Sipping in Buffalo
- Italian White Wines Beyond Pinot Grigio
- Champagne & Sparkling Wine Guide
- Wine & Food Pairing Made Simple
