15 Great Ways To Pair Alto Vineyard’s Wine And Vegan Food (by Reese McKnight)

15 Great Ways To Pair Alto Vineyard’s Wine And Vegan Food (by Reese McKnight)

Did someone say wine and vegan food? Now, that’s a foodie match that doesn’t always get enough attention. But this plant-based diet can pose a few interesting challenges. Traditional wine and meat pairings are an obvious no-go. However, there’s still a smorgasbord of other delectable options that pair perfectly with different types of vino, specifically Alto Vineyards vino!

To make life easier, we’ve put together a few guidelines and 15 great suggestions that every wine-drinking vegan can’t resist.

Tips For Pairing Vegan Food and Wine

Before we dive into what to eat with which wine, let's take a look at the basics:

Less acid for vegan cream: Vegan cream has less fat than dairy cream, so if you’re serving a creamy vegan dish, pair it with wine that has less acidity.

Brightness or minerality for fresh dishes: If you’re serving a fresh vegan dish such as grilled vegetables or a delicious salad, you’ll want to mirror their flavors by pairing them with a wine that offers brightness or minerality (think white wines such as Vidal Blanc).

High-toned, intensely white aromatic varietals for strongly-flavored dishes: Vegan butter, cream, and oil replacements usually contribute intense flavors, so pair those dishes with high-toned, intensely white aromatic varietals. Try pairing wine with the dish’s accents and spices, rather than the main components.

Aromatic, creamy, rich wines for vegan cheese: If you’re serving a dish made with vegan cheese, pair it with a wine that’s aromatic, creamy, and rich such as a Chardonel.

Great Vegan Food And Wine Pairings

Now that we know the basics let’s take a look at 15 great ways to pair vegan food and wine.

1. Fruit Salad & Rosato

Let’s start with an easy one. Pairing our delicious Rosato with a fresh fruit salad full of berries, plums, watermelon, and pineapple ensures that the sweet and zesty flavors of the fruit complement the crisp sweetness of the rosé. Perfect for a summer's day or a special occasion.

2. Orange Tofu & Heartland Blush

This is a total treat yourself meal.  Vegan friendly orange sauce with some pan fried tofu and your favorite vegetables on top of some jasmine rice.  What can get better than that?  Oh that’s right.. a glass of chilled heartland blush to go with it!

3. Mushrooms Two Ways with Dawg House Red or Chardonel

If your vegan dish is made with strongly flavored garlicky sauteed mushrooms, pair it with our Dawg House Red. However, if you’re serving a creamy mushroom risotto, you’ll want to pair it with our best selling white wine, Chardonel!

4. Ratatouille & Cabernet Merlot

A baked ratatouille vegan dish served with fresh bread and vegan butter is perfect for a summer lunch or supper. Pair it with our bold, smooth Renzaglia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot for a truly satisfying foodie experience.

5. Olive Spaghetti & Shiraz

Vegan spaghetti with olives needs a wine that will balance the flavors out. A deep and rich Shiraz from our brothers vineyards in Australia is a fine accompaniment for the astringent, bitter, and sharp taste of olives.

6. Chickpea Curry & Vignoles

Creamy and mild yet spicy, chickpea curry is a favorite among many vegans. If you’re serving a chickpea curry made with coconut milk, pair it with a sweet, off-dry wine such as Vignoles. The sweetness of the wine will balance the spice of the dish and will work like magic! 

7. Tofu Stir-Fry & Rocko Red

If an Asian-inspired stir-fry with tofu and vegetables is on the menu, pair it with a fruit forward, semi-sweet red wine that will interact well with the dish’s heavy soy flavors.

8. Asparagus Pasta & Vidal Blanc

Asparagus is not the easiest vegetable to pair with wine. So, if you’re up for the challenge, look to classic pairings for inspiration. You’re sure to agree that creamy lemon asparagus vegan pasta and a white blanc is an inspired choice for a date night, a special occasion, or just because!

9. Thai Red Curry & Heartland White

A mouth-watering Thai red curry made with vegetables is a vegan option that many meat eaters find hard to resist. Serve your Thai red curry with a refreshing sweet wine with a bright flavor that will balance the dish’s spices.  Who doesn’t like sweet and spicy food?!

10. Black Bean Shepherd’s Pie & Chambourcin

While the traditional version of the dish is usually paired with a Bordeaux Cabernet/Merlot blend, the vegan option calls for something a little different. In this case, pair your black bean shepherd’s pie with a full-bodied, fruity, and earthy Chambourcin.

11. Buffalo Cauliflower & Shawnee Gold

Shawnee Gold is best described as Southern Illinois take on a moscato. Buffalo cauliflower is a take on a classic american dish that is served hot and spicy. What better way to cool down the heat with our Vidal Blanc based wine that is super refreshing with some sweetness!  

12. Tomato Pasta/Pizza & Dawg House Red

Whether you’re making a tomato-based pasta sauce or baking a pizza with a delicious tomato base, you’ll want to pair it with an easy drinking medium bodied red wine. Tomatoes and a rich, acidic semi dry Chambourcin are a match made in vegan heaven, as the acidity of both interacts beautifully. If you can, slightly chill the wine before and it will make such a huge difference!

13. Summer Salad & Wiener Dog White

A summer salad with lemon dressing is a wonderful vegan option when you want a light lunch or supper in warm weather. Serve your salad with an elegant, refreshing white wine such as a Wiener Dog White and enjoy the lighter flavor combination.

14. Plant based BBQ Burgers & Black N Blush

Fire up the grill and get your favorite plant-based patty on it!  Maybe even splash a little of the black n blush on the patty or even on your BBQ glaze for an added touch of sweetness!  Dress the burger with your favorite toppings/sides and an ice-cold glass of Black n Blush, our best-selling wine!

15. Sweet/Nutty desserts with Porto Di Guido

If you are a connoisseur of seasonal and exotic fruits, you’re in for a treat as they make a fabulous pairing with Porto di Guido. Create a charcuterie spread with figs, almonds, hazelnuts, strawberries and some other fruits of the forest to go along with our delicious Chambourcin based port!

Pop That Cork!

We know that vegan wine pairings aren’t that common (yet!), but we hope that these 15 ideas have given you exciting new ways to pair your food and favorite Alto Vineyards wine!