When it comes to enjoying a delicious plant-based meal, wine pairing can elevate the dining experience to new heights. While vegan cuisine is often seen as complex and light, the beauty of wine pairing lies in balancing flavors, textures, and aromas. At SAF Restaurant, London’s premier vegan eatery, the chefs and sommeliers understand the art of pairing wine with plant-based dishes to bring out the best in both the food and the wine.
In this blog post, we’ll share expert tips from SAF’s culinary team on how to expertly pair wine with vegan dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based dining, these insights will guide you through creating the perfect pairing for your next meal.
1. Light and Fresh: Pairing White Wine with Veggie Dishes
When you’re enjoying light, fresh vegan dishes, such as a zucchini noodle salad or a refreshing citrus avocado bowl, it’s best to choose a white wine that complements the freshness of the ingredients without overpowering them.
Expert Tip: SAF’s wine expert recommends pairing these lighter dishes with a crisp, aromatic white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines have bright acidity and herbal notes that will enhance the freshness of the vegetables and greens, creating a refreshing contrast without overshadowing the flavors.
For example, a Sauvignon Blanc with its citrusy undertones and subtle grassiness works beautifully with a Raw Zucchini Noodle Salad or a Citrus Salad with Almonds. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the avocado or nuts, creating a well-balanced bite.
2. Bold and Flavorful: Pairing Red Wine with Hearty Vegan Dishes
Vegan dishes like a vegan burger, spicy lentil stew, or a roasted vegetable platter often have rich, earthy flavors and a satisfying texture. For these heartier meals, a red wine with a bit more structure and complexity is ideal.
Expert Tip: SAF’s chefs recommend pairing these dishes with a medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Syrah. These wines have enough depth to stand up to the richness of roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or tempeh, while also offering soft tannins that won’t overwhelm the meal.
For instance, a Pinot Noir, with its earthy and berry notes, is a fantastic choice for a Vegan Mushroom Risotto or a Grilled Veggie Skewer. The wine’s subtle fruitiness and smooth texture pair perfectly with the umami flavors in the mushrooms and the smokiness of grilled vegetables.
3. Sweet and Spicy: Pairing Wine with Vegan Spicy Dishes
If you’re indulging in a spicy curry, vegan tacos with chili, or a spicy BBQ tempeh, the heat and bold spices require a wine that can balance out the spice while still complementing the dish.
Expert Tip: A slightly sweeter white wine, like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, works wonders with spicy dishes. The touch of sweetness in these wines helps to counterbalance the heat from the spices, creating a harmonious contrast. Alternatively, a Zinfandel or Shiraz with a bit of residual sugar can also be a great choice for more robust flavors.
For example, a Riesling is perfect for pairing with a Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry, as the sweetness balances out the spice, while the wine’s acidity complements the creamy textures in the dish.
4. The Perfect Pair: Wine with Vegan Cheese
If you’re enjoying a vegan cheese platter or a dish that incorporates plant-based cheese, like a vegan pizza or cheese-stuffed mushrooms, the wine pairing should complement the creaminess and complexity of the cheese.
Expert Tip: SAF’s sommelier suggests pairing vegan cheeses with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Gamay or Beaujolais. These wines have a subtle enough profile to complement the cheese without overpowering its flavor.
A Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with a rich Vegan Brie or Vegan Gouda because of its buttery texture and oak-aged flavors, which harmonize beautifully with the creamy and rich qualities of vegan cheese.
5. Light and Citrusy: Pairing Wine with Vegan Salads and Bowls
For vegan salads or grain bowls with vibrant citrus-based dressings or light vinaigrettes, the key is to pick a wine that has enough acidity to mirror the tanginess of the dressing and complement the fresh ingredients.
Expert Tip: Go for a Crisp Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Prosecco. The bright acidity of these wines will balance out the tartness of a lemon vinaigrette or a tangy tahini dressing, while the freshness will bring out the flavors of the veggies and greens.
A Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a Vegan Grain Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing, enhancing the dish’s zesty flavors while providing a crisp finish.
6. Refreshing and Sparkling: Wine Pairing for Vegan Desserts
Don’t forget about dessert! If you’re ending your vegan meal with something sweet, like a chocolate avocado mousse or a coconut milk panna cotta, a sparkling or dessert wine is the way to go.
Expert Tip: A Moscato d’Asti or Prosecco with a touch of sweetness is the perfect match for light and creamy vegan desserts. For chocolate desserts, a Port or a Zinfandel offers the rich, velvety notes needed to complement the depth of chocolate without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Vegan Wine Pairing
Pairing wine with vegan dishes is all about balance. The goal is to enhance the flavors of the food while offering a complementary contrast. Whether you’re enjoying a light salad, a hearty stew, or a rich dessert, SAF Restaurant’s expertly crafted dishes, paired with the perfect wine, can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
At SAF, the chefs and sommeliers put great care into selecting wines that enhance the plant-based dining experience. Next time you’re dining out, try one of SAF’s suggested pairings for a truly memorable meal that highlights both the flavors of the food and the wine.
What’s your favorite wine and vegan food pairing? Let us know in the comments or share your experience on social media with us! 🍷🥑
