What wine goes with vegetarian food? A wine merchant's guide
483 wines to serve with a vegetarian dishWith a vegetarian dish, choose the wine according to the main ingredient: a Pinot Noir or a Nebbiolo for mushrooms and pulses, a Chardonnay or a Chenin Blanc for creamy dishes and gratins. The sauce and cooking method guide the pairing far more than the protein.
For green, tangy cooking, go for a Riesling or a Grüner Veltliner. Japanese-inspired dishes, grilled tofu or vegetable tempura, find a subtle partner in sake. Our selection brings together wines from Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Portugal.
Renzo Masi - Chianti 2024
A Chianti with charming and refined aromas.
Barco Del Corneta - Barco Del Corneta Verdejo 2022
A wine full of talent filtered by minimalism and the pure expression of the terroir.
Te Mata Estate - Chardonnay Estate Vineyards 2021
A Hawke's Bay Chardonnay that plays on creamy richness without losing its lemony tension.
DuMOL - Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
A Chardonnay from Carneros of rare complexity, between flint, stone fruit and honey.
Staglin Family Vineyard - Estate Chardonnay 2021
A Chardonnay from Rutherford, powerful and chiselled, between flint, citrus blossom and spiced honey.
Sonoma-Cutrer - Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2023
A Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast, generous and fresh, between pear, crisp apple and a touch of oak.
Kosta Browne - Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022
A Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, driven by Pacific freshness and deep red fruit.
Elena Walch - Pinot Bianco 2025
A Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige, born on steep slopes up to 900 metres, fruity, mineral and vividly fresh.
Elena Walch - Müller Thurgau 2025
A Müller-Thurgau from the hillsides of Tramin, aromatic and fresh, with notes of herbs, nutmeg and apricot.
Ceretto - Langhe Arneis Blangè 2024
Ceretto's emblematic white, an Arneis from Roero that is fruity, mineral and wonderfully fresh.
Gianni Gagliardo - Dabatiè Langhe Nebbiolo 2022
A Nebbiolo from the gypsum-rich sands of Roero, aged in tank to keep all the brightness of its red fruit.
Gianni Gagliardo - Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2021
A village Barolo from Monforte d'Alba, a blend of two vineyards of opposite character, austere and deep.
Santa Margherita - Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut
A clean, fruity Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut, between Reinette apple and peach blossom.
Domaine Ampelous - Minervois Derrière chez Marie 2020
Carignan and Syrah from Caunes-Minervois, for a velvety red with notes of black fruit and violet.
Domaine de Boisseyt - Saint-Joseph Les Garipelées Rouge 2022
Syrah from granite and gneiss soils in Chavanay, for an eloquent, perfectly balanced Saint-Joseph.
Domaine de Boisseyt - Saint-Joseph Les Garipelées Blanc 2024
Marsanne and Roussanne on the granite of Chavanay, for a fresh and generous white Saint-Joseph.
Domaine Mucyn - Saint-Joseph Les Carats 2024
A pure Roussanne from Saint-Joseph, organic: fresh apricot, great elegance and a saline finish.
Domaine de Sainte Marie - Côtes du Jura Pinot Noir 2022
A Jura Pinot Noir from long maceration: Burgundian fruit marked by the freshness of the Jura.
Karl Steininger - Grüner Veltliner «Grand Grü» Reserve 2018
A round, fine and complex white with intense flavors of yellow fruits
Alamos - Malbec 2020
A high-altitude, round and tasty Malbec with very good value for money!
Emiliana - Ecobalance Viognier 2019
A biodynamic Viognier, made with pure respect for the environment
Colterenzio - Classic Pinot Grigio 2025
A Pinot Gris from the far north of Italy, round, fresh and elegant!
Alfredo Maestro Tejero - A Dos Tiempos 2017
A timeless biodynamic wine made only with grapes, vines and healthy soils.
Matías Riccitelli - The Apple doesn't fall far from the tree - Torrontés 2024
A Torrontés full of minerality and complex on citrus fruits.
Which wine for which vegetarian dish?
Identify the main element on the plate: it points to the right colour and the right grape variety.
| Dish | Wines to choose | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom risotto cep risotto, orzotto | Fine red: Pinot Noir, Langhe Nebbiolo | Forest floor notes answer the mushrooms, and acidity lightens the creaminess of the rice. |
| Vegetable gratin and lasagne gratin dauphinois, spinach lasagne | Round white: Chardonnay, Sémillon | The buttery texture of the wine embraces the béchamel and the grilled cheese topping. |
| Vegetable curry and dal red lentil dal, chickpea curry | Aromatic white: Riesling, Viognier | The fruit and freshness of the wine soothe the spices and highlight the coconut milk. |
| Bean and pulse dishes red bean chilli, black bean burger | Generous red: Malbec, Montepulciano | Ripe tannins and dark fruit answer the smoky, earthy flavours. |
| Vegetable tart and quiche leek quiche, thin tomato tart | Lively white: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner | Clean acidity cuts through the shortcrust pastry and refreshes the egg filling. |
| Tofu, tempura and Japanese cuisine grilled tofu, vegetable tempura, miso ramen | Sake or dry Riesling | The umami of sake extends the soy sauce, while Riesling brings a lemony note. |
| Pasta and Italian cuisine pasta with pesto, aubergine parmigiana | Italian white or light red: Arneis, Falanghina, Sangiovese | Basil and tomato find an echo in these floral, lively wines. |
A very herbaceous or tangy dish (lemon, capers, raw tomato) calls for the freshest wine in your selection.
The sauce dictates the pairing
Well-made vegetarian cooking often offers more nuance than a meat dish: creamy textures, earthy notes, the acidity of vegetables, the umami of mushrooms or miso. Our advice: identify the sauce and the cooking method, then choose the grape variety. Pinot Noir remains our most versatile ally, especially those from New Zealand, thanks to their fine tannins and delicate fruit.
For creamy dishes, a Chardonnay or a Portuguese white such as the Branco from Quinta Das Maias brings roundness and tension. The Ansi Langhe Arneis from 460 Casina Bric, floral and saline, enhances an asparagus risotto. And for a chickpea dish or a plate of roasted vegetables, the Montepulciano from Jasci offers generous fruit that holds its own against sweet spices.
Three unexpected pairings
Pairing 1. Cep risotto and Nebbiolo, for a match full of depth.
Pairing 2. Miso-roasted aubergine and sake, a remarkably gentle umami duo.
Pairing 3. Red lentil dal and off-dry Riesling, freshness and spice in balance.
The Wine Wanderer Team
Your questions about wine and vegetarian food
What red wine goes with a vegetarian dish?
Pinot Noir is the most versatile red with a vegetarian dish: fine tannins, red fruit, forest floor notes. It goes with mushrooms, lentils and roasted vegetables. For a richer dish, bean chilli or parmigiana, prefer a fleshier red such as a Malbec or a Montepulciano. Nebbiolo suits recipes with ceps or truffle.
White or red wine with a vegetarian dish?
The choice depends on the sauce: white for creamy, lemony or herbaceous dishes, red for earthy, smoky or tomato-based dishes. A gratin or a quiche calls for a Chardonnay or a Chenin Blanc. A mushroom risotto or a red bean chilli goes better with a supple red.
What wine goes with mushroom risotto?
A Pinot Noir or a Nebbiolo is an ideal match for a mushroom risotto. Their forest floor aromas extend the flavour of the ceps and their acidity lightens the creaminess of the Parmesan. For white, a lightly oaked Chardonnay also works very well, especially if the risotto is finished with butter.
What wine goes with vegetable curry?
A fresh, aromatic white, such as an off-dry Riesling or a Viognier, is the best ally of a vegetable curry. Their fruit soothes the heat and their freshness balances the coconut milk. For a spicier red curry, see our selection of wines for spicy dishes.
What wine goes with a vegetarian fondue or raclette?
A dry, lively white is the classic pairing for fondue or raclette, vegetarian versions included. A Chenin Blanc, a Grüner Veltliner or a Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the melted cheese and refreshes the palate. Find our detailed advice in the guide wine and Savoyard fondue.
Does sake go with vegetarian food?
Yes, sake goes very well with vegetarian food, especially dishes rich in umami: tofu, miso, shiitake, seaweed or vegetable tempura. Its soft texture and discreet acidity respect delicate flavours. Serve it chilled, at around 10 °C, with a broth or a plate of vegetables grilled with soy.