Understanding Wine: Types, Food Pairings & When to Enjoy Them

Let’s face it—wine has a reputation. It can feel intimidating, snobby, or overly complicated. But here’s the truth: wine is for everyone. It’s not about being an expert—it’s about enjoying the experience.

Over the years, I’ve explored wine the way most of us do: one bottle at a time. Some great, some not so great (I still remember that warm red I served with fish). Along the way, I learned a few things—not from books or sommeliers, but from real-life sipping, sharing, and pairing.

So, whether you’re brand new to wine or just want to understand it a little better, here’s my personal, beginner-friendly guide to the main types of wine, how to pair them with food, the best seasons to enjoy each, and where it all began.

History of Wine– Where Did Wine Come From?

Before we dive into pairings and grape varieties, let’s step back in time for a moment.

Wine has been part of human civilization for over 8,000 years. The earliest evidence of winemaking dates back to Georgia (the country, not the U.S.) around 6,000 BC, where clay vessels called qvevri were used to ferment grapes underground.

From there, wine spread across:

• Mesopotamia and Egypt – where it was consumed by royalty and priests

• Greece – who gave wine religious and philosophical significance

• Rome – which mass-produced and exported wine across Europe

• France, Italy, and Spain – which perfected the art of viticulture and regional terroir

Fast forward to today, and wine is produced in over 60 countries—from traditional regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany to New World areas like California, South Africa, and New Zealand.

And now? It’s in your fridge. On your table. In your hand. And I’d say that’s something pretty special.

The 5 Main Types of Wine (And Where They Come From)

1. Red Wine

Made from dark-skinned grapes and fermented with the skins, red wine is known for its bold flavors, deeper tannins, and richness.

Popular types & origins:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – France (Bordeaux), now also in California, Chile, Australia

• Merlot – France (Bordeaux), known for its softness and plum notes

• Pinot Noir – France (Burgundy), elegant and tricky to grow

• Syrah/Shiraz – France (Rhône Valley as Syrah), Australia (Shiraz)

Pairs with: Steak, mushrooms, grilled lamb, aged cheese
Best in: Fall and winter—think comfort meals and cold nights

Top 5 Red Wines in the USA

• Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
  Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon – Rich, bold, and iconic Napa red

• Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
  Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon – Smooth, affordable, great for everyday

• Meiomi Pinot Noir
  Grape: Pinot Noir – Fruity, silky, easy drinking

• Apothic Red Blend
  Grape: Blend – Slightly sweet, spicy, approachable

• The Prisoner Red Blend
  Grape: Zinfandel-based – Big, bold, premium cult classic

2. White Wine

Made without grape skins, white wine tends to be fresher, lighter, and more citrusy or floral.

Popular types & origins:

• Chardonnay – France (Burgundy, Chablis), oaked or unoaked

• Sauvignon Blanc – France (Loire Valley), New Zealand (Marlborough)

• Riesling – Germany (Mosel Valley), also in Alsace and Washington

• Pinot Grigio – Italy (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

Pairs with: Seafood, salads, white meats, creamy pastas
Best in: Spring and summer for light, bright flavors

Top 5 Popular White Wines in the USA

• Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
  Grape: Chardonnay – Creamy, tropical, and consistently a top-seller

• Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
  Grape: Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty, citrusy, and great with seafood

• La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
  Grape: Chardonnay – Buttery and well-balanced for elegant meals

• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
  Grape: Sauvignon Blanc – Bright, herbal, and easy to enjoy

• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
  Grape: Pinot Grigio – Crisp, refreshing, and incredibly popular

3. Rosé

Rosé is made from red grapes with minimal skin contact, giving it a pink color and a crisp, dry flavor that sits between red and white.

Popular styles & origins:

• Provence Rosé – France, dry and elegant

• Spanish Rosado – Spain, slightly bolder

• California Rosé – USA, fruit-forward and easy-drinking

Pairs with: Tapas, grilled vegetables, seafood, charcuterie
Best in: Late spring and summer—perfect for outdoor sipping

Top 5 Popular Rosé Wines in the USA

• Whispering Angel Rosé
  Style: Dry Rosé – Light, elegant, and a fan-favorite from Provence

• Miraval Rosé
  Style: Dry Rosé – Floral, fruity, and beautifully packaged

• Beringer White Zinfandel
  Style: Sweet Rosé – Affordable, approachable, and beginner-friendly

• La Vieille Ferme Rosé
  Style: Dry Rosé – French, wallet-friendly, and refreshingly crisp

• Hampton Water Rosé
  Style: Dry Rosé – Stylish, modern, and surprisingly versatile

4. Sparkling Wine

Made through a second fermentation that traps bubbles, sparkling wine brings a celebratory flair—and yes, it goes with more than just weddings.

Popular styles & origins:

• Champagne – France (Champagne only), toasty and complex

• Prosecco – Italy (Veneto), light and fruity

• Cava – Spain (Catalonia), crisp and dry

• Sparkling Rosé – France, Italy, USA

Pairs with: Fried foods, sushi, oysters, triple cream cheese, popcorn
Best in: Celebrations, brunch, summer evenings

Top 5 Popular Sparkling Wines in the USA

• La Marca Prosecco
  Type: Prosecco – Fruity, bubbly, and perfect for brunch

• Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial
  Type: Champagne – Dry, refined, and made for celebrations

• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
  Type: Champagne – Toasty, elegant, and always impressive

• Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee
  Type: Sparkling Wine – Fun, budget-friendly, and party-approved

• Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
  Type: American Sparkling – Crisp and classy with a French twist

5. Dessert & Fortified Wines

Sweeter, thicker, and often stronger, these wines are sipped slowly and meant to be savored.

Popular styles & origins:

• Port – Portugal (Douro Valley), rich and nutty

• Sherry – Spain (Andalusia), dry to sweet

• Moscato – Italy (Piedmont), light and aromatic

• Late Harvest Riesling – Germany, Canada, USA

Pairs with: Chocolate, blue cheese, nuts, desserts
Best in: Winter nights, post-dinner indulgence, or special occasions

Top 5 Popular Dessert & Fortified Wines in the USA

• Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny Port
  Type: Port – Rich, nutty, and ideal for after dinner

• Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
  Type: Sherry – Dry, light, and great with tapas or almonds

• Stella Rosa Black
  Type: Sweet Red – Semi-sweet, fruity, and very popular among new wine drinkers

• Castello del Poggio Moscato
  Type: Moscato – Floral, sweet, and perfect with dessert

• Sandeman Ruby Port
  Type: Port – Bold, fruity, and easy to enjoy during the holidays

My Personal Food Pairing Cheatsheet

Let’s not overthink it. Here’s what I go by when I’m pouring:

• Heavy food = heavy wine (Steak? Go Cabernet.)

• Acidic wine cuts fat (Goat cheese + Sauvignon Blanc = match made in heaven)

• Sweet wine for sweet food (Riesling or Moscato with fruit tarts or cake)

• Rosé does it all – truly a wildcard

• Sparkling for surprise guests – because it pairs with nearly everything