Winning Wine and Cocktail Pairings for Your October Tailgate.
October is here, and so are the cravings for heartier dishes that match the brisk air, camaraderie, and weekend football gatherings. As tailgaters fire up their grills and slow-cookers, classic fare like chili, wings, ribs, and stews become the go-to choices for feeding a crowd. But let’s take these crowd-pleasers to the next level with the perfect wine pairings and a couple of cocktails sure to score big at your next tailgate.
Wine and Food Pairings for Hearty Tailgate Dishes
Spicy Chili + Zinfandel or Off-Dry Riesling
Few things warm the soul like a steaming bowl of chili on a crisp October afternoon. Whether you’re loading up on beef, beans, or going for a veggie version, chili’s complex layers of flavor (and spice) call for a wine that can keep pace.
- Zinfandel: The go-to for those who love bold, fruity reds. Zinfandel’s ripe blackberries, raspberries, and touch of sweet spice tame the heat and complement chili’s smoky notes from cumin, paprika, and charred peppers. Avoid the overly jammy versions; seek out ones with balanced acidity to cut through the richness.
- Off-Dry Riesling: For those craving a white, Riesling’s delicate sweetness and vibrant acidity act as a cooling agent for chili’s heat. The natural sugars help counterbalance the spice, while the lime zest and apricot flavors offer a refreshing contrast.
SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel
SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese
BBQ Pulled Pork + Syrah
Pulled pork, whether slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce or slow-cooked with a hint of smokiness, begs for a wine with enough depth to match the savory goodness.
- Syrah: This bold red offers the structure and body to complement the layers of flavors in pulled pork. Syrah’s black pepper, smoky bacon, and dark fruit notes accentuate the savory spices and richness of the meat. If you’re using a sweeter sauce, pick a Syrah with less oak and more fruit-forward notes to balance the flavors.
SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Chateau de Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage
Hearty Beef Stew + Malbec
A tailgate classic, beef stew’s hearty, comforting qualities demand a wine that can stand up to the richness of slow-cooked beef, root vegetables, and herbs.
- Malbec: With its deep plum, black cherry, and cocoa flavors, Malbec’s tannins help cut through the richness, while the wine’s inherent juiciness complements the stew’s savory profile. Argentine Malbec, in particular, works wonders here with its earthy undertones and subtle hints of spice.
SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2020 Catena Alta Malbec
Spicy Buffalo Wings + Sparkling Wine
Buffalo wings are a game-day favorite, but pairing these spicy bites with alcohol can be tricky. Higher-alcohol wines or cocktails can intensify the heat, leaving your mouth on fire instead of enjoying the flavors. So, what’s the solution?
- Sparkling Wine: The crisp bubbles in a dry sparkling wine or Prosecco serve as a delightful counterpoint to the fiery sauce. The acidity and effervescence cleanse the palate, while a hint of fruit sweetness from the wine helps balance the heat. Plus, let’s face it: bubbles make everything more festive.
SOMM&SOMM Recommends: LaLuca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
The Challenge of Pairing Wine with Spicy Foods
Spicy game day favorites like Buffalo wings, hot sausages, and jalapeño-laden nachos can make pairing a challenge because alcohol intensifies the sensation of heat. Wines with high tannins or elevated alcohol content (think Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz) can exacerbate the burn, turning what should be a delightful pairing into a flavor clash. That’s why it’s essential to look for wines with lower alcohol, higher acidity, and a touch of sweetness to help balance the heat. When in doubt, sparkling wines or slightly off-dry whites are safe bets.
Tailgate-Ready Cocktails
Spicy Margarita
No tailgate is complete without a margarita twist. This Spicy Margarita brings the heat but balances it with zesty citrus and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz silver tequila (or mezcal for a smoky twist)
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- ½ oz agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 slices jalapeño
- Tajín seasoning for the rim (optional)
Instructions:
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip in Tajín seasoning.
- Muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker.
- Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup. Shake with ice until well-chilled.
- Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.
The spicy kick pairs beautifully with anything from wings to grilled sausages, while the citrusy tang provides a refreshing balance to richer dishes.
Autumn Bourbon Cider
For a cozy cocktail that’s sure to please, this bourbon-based concoction pairs beautifully with tailgate classics like BBQ or burgers.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz apple cider (preferably fresh)
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
The warm flavors of bourbon and spiced apple are perfect for cooler weather and pair effortlessly with fall favorites like pulled pork sandwiches or chili.
Final Play: What Not to Do
Avoid pairing your spicy wings, chili, or sausage with high-alcohol wines or spirits unless you enjoy setting your mouth on fire! Alcohol intensifies capsaicin—the active ingredient in chili peppers—which can make already spicy dishes unbearable. So, when serving dishes with a lot of heat, think low alcohol, high flavor—your palate will thank you.
Whether it’s bold, fruity Zinfandels for chili or refreshing bubbles for wings, pairing the right wine or cocktail can take your tailgate game to the next level. Here’s to cooler weather, warmer food, and winning combinations🍷
SOMM&SOMM 
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