Takeout doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sophistication—especially when you pair it with the right wine. Whether you’re ordering sushi, tacos, or Thai noodles, the perfect bottle can elevate your at-home meal from convenient to curated. With a little guidance (and a lot of flavor), you can match wines to your favorite dishes just like a sommelier.
Why Pairing Wine with Takeout Works
While formal wine pairings are often associated with multi-course meals, casual food can also benefit from thoughtful pairings. Salt, spice, umami, and fat all interact with wine in specific ways, making takeout the perfect canvas for experimentation.
Classic Takeout + Wine Pairings That Just Work
Sushi + Pét-Nat or Sparkling Rosé
Raw fish, soy sauce, and wasabi call for something crisp, lightly effervescent, and refreshing. Try a pétillant-naturel (pét-nat) for funk and fizz or a dry sparkling rosé to complement the texture and flavor.
Explore pét-nats and rosés on Vivino
Thai Food + Off-Dry Riesling
Spicy curries, sweet-sour sauces, and lemongrass-forward dishes need a wine that can handle heat and contrast. Off-dry Riesling works beautifully—especially with pad Thai or green curry.
Shop Riesling on Wine.com
Burgers + Zinfandel or Syrah
Smoky, juicy, and savory—burgers deserve a red wine with richness and spice. Zinfandel brings blackberry and pepper notes, while Syrah offers depth and earthiness.
Pizza + Lambrusco or Chianti
Pepperoni and margherita pies shine with acidic, medium-bodied reds. Lambrusco adds a fizzy twist, while Chianti brings herbs and cherry to balance the cheese and sauce.
Chinese Takeout + Gewürztraminer or Grüner Veltliner
Dishes like orange chicken, sesame noodles, or mapo tofu pair well with aromatic whites that cut through oil and sweetness. Gewürztraminer’s floral notes work with spice, and Grüner Veltliner adds minerality and citrus.
Fried Chicken + Champagne
High acid, bright bubbles, and a touch of luxury—Champagne pairs perfectly with crispy fried skin and juicy meat. Even a brut Prosecco can bring similar contrast on a budget.
Find sparkling wines on Vivino
How to Choose a Wine Based on Takeout Style
- Fatty or fried foods: Look for acidity and bubbles (e.g., sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc)
- Spicy foods: Choose off-dry or low-alcohol wines (e.g., Riesling, Lambrusco)
- Tomato-based sauces: Go with medium-bodied reds with bright acidity (e.g., Chianti, Barbera)
- Sweet sauces or glazes: Contrast with dry wines or complement with a touch of residual sugar
Where to Buy Wine for Delivery
Skip the last-minute grocery store run and order from trusted wine apps and websites like:
- Vivino – Personalized ratings and reviews to help you match wine to meals
- Wine.com – Extensive selection with food pairing suggestions
- Total Wine – Great for value bottles and in-depth filters
Final Sip: Dress Up Your Delivery
You don’t need a reservation to have a refined dining experience. With a little pairing knowledge and a solid bottle, takeout can become the highlight of your night in. Whether it’s sushi and pét-nat or burgers and Syrah, the perfect match is only a cork away.
