5 Ways to Pair Wine with Popcorn

Popcorn is one of my go to snacks, especially when I’m being lazy on the couch with a glass of wine. I also love a good savory indulgence, and pairing savory foods with wine is one of my specialties. Since we are all at home now more than ever, try out one of these wine and popcorn pairings to level up your Netflix and chill night.

Skinny Pop & Prosecco

I love me some skinny pop. It’s light, slightly salty, and I don’t feel as bad after eating an entire bag in one sitting. Pair your skinny pop or lightly salted popcorn with a Prosecco. Both are light in body and flavor, so they will compliment each other perfectly.

Movie Theater Butter Popcorn & Chardonnay

This is the most classic popcorn and wine pairing there is. Anyone else always ask for extra butter when they get popcorn from the movies? The more the better in my opinion… but what makes this even better is a slightly chilled glass of Chardonnay. Make sure you choose a Chardonnay that has undergone malolactic fermentation, so you can get those buttery, creamy notes in the wine. I love this Sonoma Chardonnay as a pairing because you have fresh fruit & citrus notes, buttery notes, but also salinity and bright acidity that washes down that salty buttery popcorn in the best way.

Cheddar Popcorn + Cabernet Sauvignon

Two of my favorite things in this world have to be cheese and red wine. Now add a cheddar cheese to popcorn and pair it with a Cabernet? Done. Perfection. In general, I love pairing cheddar cheese with a Cabernet Sauvignon because both are powerful and full of flavor. With a cheddar popcorn, you need a full body red that’s gonna stand up to your snack.

White Cheddar Popcorn + Rosé

White cheddar and rosé is the little sister pairing of cheddar popcorn and Cabernet Sauvignon. This kind of popcorn is yet another that I am not proud to admit have eaten an entire bag of in one sitting. Oops. But it is so dang good! I love white cheddar with rosé because it’s a little lighter but you still need a wine with enough body and structure to stand up to the popcorn. Try this at your next girls night or gathering. Bring out a bowl of white cheddar popcorn and a bottle of chilled rose and people will not say no.

Caramel Corn with Chocolate + Pinot Noir

Caramel Corn has always been a fan favorite. Recently, I tried this delicious blend of Caramel corn with chocolate in it, and I don’t think I can go back to just plain caramel corn ever again! But, if all you have is caramel corn, don’t be afraid to just throw some Hershey kisses or M&Ms in there. Normally, pairing wine with chocolate is difficult, unless you find a fruity red wine with low tannins (so it’s not too bitter). A young Pinot Noir is your best bet. If you really want to amplify the sweet on sweet action, try pairing this with a Moscato or Ruby Port. Both will give you much different results but will be very satisfying.

Love food & wine pairings? Check out some of my other Wine & Food Pairing Posts!