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.
Cristom - Eileen 2021
A high-altitude Pinot Noir from the Eola-Amity Hills, combining freshness, aromatic depth, and a silky texture.
Mac Forbes - Pinot Noir 2021
A Yarra Valley Pinot Noir all about finesse and freshness. Fruity, floral and subtly spiced.
Au Bon Climat - Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir 2021
A precise and profound cool-climate California Pinot Noir that marries aromatic elegance with a silky texture.
Cristom - Paul Gerrie 2021
A precise and elegant Pinot Noir from Eola-Amity Hills, combining freshness, aromatic depth, and a silky texture.
Cristom - Marjorie 2021
A Pinot Noir from an iconic parcel in the Eola-Amity Hills, combining aromatic finesse and elegant structure.
Elizabeth Spencer - Pinot Noir 2022
A precise and elegant Californian Pinot Noir, combining freshness, aromatic finesse and a silky texture.
Seresin Estate - Momo Pinot Noir 2023
A Marlborough Pinot Noir combining precise fruit, freshness and textural finesse.
Felton Road - MacMuir Pinot Noir 2023
A precise and profound Pinot Noir from Central Otago, combining freshness, fine tannins and aromatic intensity.
Storm - Ignis Pinot Noir 2023
A precise and elegant South African Pinot Noir, carried by the maritime freshness and depth of its terroir in Hemel-en-Aarde.
Chamisal - SLO Chardonnay 2021
A coastal Chardonnay from San Luis Obispo, combining maritime freshness, vibrant fruit and subtle oak.
Yarra Yering - Warramate Pinot Noir 2021
A Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley combining aromatic finesse, freshness and elegant texture.
Tyrrell's - Winemakers Selection Vat 47 Chardonnay 2021
An iconic Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley, combining precision, freshness and aromatic depth.
Chamisal - SLO Pinot Noir 2021
A precise and silky coastal Pinot Noir, where maritime freshness meets generous aromatics.
Blank Canvas - Settlement Vineyard 2020
A precise and elegant Marlborough Pinot Noir, where maritime freshness meets fruit depth.
Fukunishiki - Saké Junsei Yamada Nishiki Genshu
A characterful, ample and deep kimoto genshu that accurately expresses the nobility of Hyogo's Yamada Nishiki rice.
Bouchard Finlayson - Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2021
A South African Pinot Noir from a cool climate, combining aromatic finesse, balance and depth of flavor.
Seghesio Family Vineyards - Sonoma Chardonnay 2022
A Sonoma Chardonnay combining rich, flavorful fruitiness, freshness and aromatic precision.
Cullen - Kevin John Chardonnay 2023
A precise and saline biodynamic Chardonnay from Margaret River, where the purity of the fruit meets an elegant woody complexity.
Innocent Bystander - Pinot Noir 2020
An elegant and juicy Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, driven by freshness and aromatic finesse.
Yarra Yering - Pinot Noir 2018
A Pinot Noir from a cool climate combining aromatic finesse, silky texture and great precision on the palate.
Suginishiki - Saké Kimoto Junmaishu 90 2021
A Kimoto Junmaishu 90 with a rustic and umami profile, which highlights the raw power of rice and traditional fermentation.
Archery Summit - Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021
A Chardonnay from Dundee Hills that combines freshness, precision and elegance, carried by the finesse of Oregon's volcanic soils.
Archery Summit - Vireton Pinot Noir 2021
A precise and harmonious Oregon Pinot Noir, where the freshness of the fruit meets a silky and elegant texture.
Elephant Hill - Reserve Chardonnay 2016
A Chardonnay from Hawke's Bay combining precision, maritime freshness and elegant woody richness.
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.