What’s the antidote to a cold winter night? A warm bowl of soup and a perfectly paired glass of wine, of course!
Whether you’re looking to get healthy this season or indulge in your favorite comfort food, there is a soup for all occasions. We’re not here to judge – if you like to make a big pot of soup for the whole family, or simply enjoy a mug of soup while curled up on the couch, wrapped in a snuggie, it’s all good. The only thing that’s missing from this picture is the right glass of wine.
Here’s how to pair wine with our 15 favorite winter soups and stews, along with easy recipes for each.
Hot Tips
In general, when picking a wine to go with soup, you want to consider the consistency and main flavors that you’re working with. Often, the thickness of the soup is more important than the type of protein when picking the right wine.
For creamy soups, be sure to choose a wine with a decent amount of acidity – whether you like white or red wine. If you’re totally unsure, you often can’t go wrong with a Riesling. Italian red wines are also generally easy to pair with food thanks to their medium acidity.
Next, consider the main flavors of the soup. Savory winter veggies generally pair well with a fruit-forward wine. Ginger can be a tricky flavor to pair with – consider a white wine with aromas of ginger and spice like Gewürztraminer. For spicy soups, go with a low-ABV wine.
Finally, look to the source of protein. Light vegetarian soups often pair well with white wine, while red meat pairs best with a medium- to full-bodied red.
Wine & Winter Soup Pairings
Beef and Barley Soup
Hearty beef and barley soup pairs well with a bold red wine like Zinfandel. The jammy notes in this full-bodied red wine contrast nicely with this savory winter warmer.
Winter Veggie soup
This season, leafy greens and root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and squash are in – and what better way to use them than in a wholesome homemade soup? Pair winter vegetable soup with a fruity dry rosé, a light red wine like Pinot Noir, or a medium-bodied white wine like Chenin Blanc.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Creamy and slightly spicy from the fresh ginger, homemade carrot ginger soup pairs well with an aromatic white wine. Gewürztraminer – a medium-bodied white wine with hints of ginger and rose petals – is a great choice. You could also go with an off-dry Riesling.
Creamy Tomato Bisque
Pairing tomato soup and grilled cheese is an absolute must this season. Unlike lighter tomato soup that goes with white wine, when it comes to creamy tomato bisque, you’ll want to reach for a medium-bodied red with a decent amount of acidity like Chianti or Rioja.
Cabbage Vegetable Soup
Cabbage soup – sometimes referred to as “detox soup” – is a great way to reset and get into a healthy routine this winter. Pair this flavorful soup with a light-bodied white wine like Albariño or Sauvignon blanc, or a medium-bodied Chardonnay with tropical fruit notes.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded baked potato soup – or a healthier version like this roasted cauliflower soup – is packed with hearty flavors of cream, cheddar, and bacon. Pair this decadent dish with a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Chenin Blanc. You could also go with a fruit-froward medium-bodied red wine like Barbera or Merlot.
Lentil Soup
Hearty lentil soup with carrots and onions pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Sangiovese. For lemony lentil soup made with red lentils, fresh lemon, and ground cumin, go with an off-dry Riesling.
White Bean Soup
Creamy white bean soup pairs well with a dry Riesling or lightly oaked Chardonnay. If you prefer a slightly spicier version like this one made with Italian sausage, go with a light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais or Dolcetto – a low-ABV Italian red.
Ginger Garlic Ramen
This flavorful ginger garlic chicken ramen pairs well with a light-bodied white wine like an off-dry Riesling or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. The fruit flavors in these wines contrast nicely with the earthy notes in the soup.
Pasta e Fagioli
An Italian favorite, pasta e fagioli pairs well with a red wine like Chianti. The acidity in Chianti helps cut through the creaminess of the white beans, and notes of red cherry and dried herbs complement the savory herbs in this soup.
Pozole
A classic Mexican soup made with pork shoulder and chiles, pozole pairs well with a medium-bodied red like Tempranillo or Dolcetto – both with ripe fruit notes and a hint of spice.
Sweet Potato Soup
Creamy sweet potato soup with cinnamon and nutmeg pairs well with a rich white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity red wine like Merlot. The acidity of these wines helps to cut through the thickness of the soup.
Gumbo
Spicy gumbo made with shrimp and sausage pairs well with a light- to medium-bodied red wine like Beaujolas or Garnacha. If you prefer white wine, you could with a slightly sweet Chenin Blanc or off-dry Riesling.
Beef Stew
This hearty stew is a must-have in the winter time. Beef stew pairs well with a bold red wine with structured tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Carménère.
Chicken and Dumplings
When you’re in the mood for comfort food, chicken and dumplings should be on the menu. This classic winter dish pairs well with lightly oaked Chardonnay with medium acidity and ripe fruit notes. You could also go with a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
In Vino Finito
Did we miss your favorite winter soup? Email us and we can help you find the right wine!
