Wine & Cocktails for the Armchair Quarterback.

There’s something magical about football season. Whether it’s college Saturdays or NFL Sundays, friends and family gather around the big screen, jersey-clad and hungry, ready to cheer (and sometimes yell) at the TV. Beer has long been the default game-day drink of choice — frosty lagers with wings, hoppy IPAs with pizza, and maybe a stout with chili.

But what if we took those classic pairings and gave them a sommelier’s twist? Enter wine and cocktails: unexpected, exciting, and surprisingly perfect with your favorite tailgate snacks. Here’s how to substitute your standard pint with a pour that takes game-day cuisine to new levels.

Wings & Chardonnay (or a Margarita Twist)

Beer stand-in: Crisp Pilsner
Upgrade: California Chardonnay or a Smoky Margarita

Buffalo wings love beer — but they also love balance. A California Chardonnay with just the right oak brings a buttery backbone to tame the spice while citrus and apple notes cut through the richness. If you prefer cocktails, shake up a Smoky Margarita: mezcal for depth, lime for brightness, and a splash of orange liqueur for sweet relief against the heat.

Try also: SOMM&SOMM Classic Margarita Recipe

Pizza & Chianti Classico (or Negroni Sbagliato)

Beer stand-in: Hoppy IPA
Upgrade: Chianti Classico or a Sparkling Negroni

Pizza night is game day royalty. Instead of an IPA, pour a glass of Chianti Classico — the bright acidity of Sangiovese slices through gooey cheese while cherry and herbal notes sing with pepperoni or sausage. Want something more playful? A Negroni Sbagliato (with Prosecco instead of gin) is effervescent, bittersweet, and a nod to Italian flair.

👉 “Pro tip: it’s pronounced ‘Spah-lee-AH-toh.’ If you fumble it, just smile — after a sip or two, nobody’s keeping score anyway.” 🏈🍹

Nachos & Riesling (or a Paloma)

Beer stand-in: Mexican Lager
Upgrade: Off-Dry Riesling or a Grapefruit Paloma

Nachos are all about layers: salty chips, gooey cheese, spicy jalapeños, and maybe some pulled pork. An off-dry German Riesling brings zesty citrus, floral aromatics, and just enough sweetness to tame the spice. Or shake things up with a Paloma — tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime for a refreshing, citrus-driven counterpoint.

Chili & Zinfandel (or Old Fashioned)

Beer stand-in: Stout
Upgrade: California Zinfandel or a Classic Old Fashioned

Hearty, spicy chili is a Sunday staple. Instead of a stout, uncork a California Zinfandel — jammy black fruit and spice stand tall against smoky meats and heat. For cocktail fans, nothing beats an Old Fashioned: whiskey, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist. Its richness echoes the depth of the chili while keeping the palate refreshed.

Sliders & Sparkling Rosé (or French 75)

Beer stand-in: Amber Ale
Upgrade: Sparkling Rosé or a French 75

Sliders may be small, but they’re packed with flavor — especially when piled high with cheese, pickles, and sauce. Sparkling Rosé cuts the richness with bubbles while berry notes match the savory-sweet balance of the burger. For a cocktail play, the French 75 adds gin botanicals and Champagne sparkle to the mix.

Final Play: Dessert & Port (or Espresso Martini)

Don’t forget the fourth quarter sweet tooth. For brownies or cookies, swap milk stout for Ruby Port — sweet, fruity, and indulgent. Or kick into overtime with an Espresso Martini, a modern classic that blends vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso — the perfect nightcap after a day of touchdowns.

Here’s to touchdowns and tailgates, rivalries and replays, wings and wine, cocktails and camaraderie. May your team win — and may your glass never be empty. 🍷🏈🍸

Gregory and Tammy Dean, SOMM&SOMM

Cover Photo by Jean-Daniel Francoeur on Pexels.com