Food and New Jersey Wine Pairing Tips for Beginners. So you’ve picked up a bottle of New Jersey wine—maybe from a weekend trip to a local winery or just out of curiosity—and now you’re wondering: what do I eat with this? Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy a good pairing. I’m just a regular wine drinker, and I’ve learned a few easy tricks that can help your food and wine taste even better together. Here’s a simple guide for matching some common NJ wines with everyday foods—and where to find them! 🍗 Chardonnay + Chicken or Seafood Chardonnay is super versatile. A crisp, unoaked version goes great with grilled chicken or seafood. If the wine is buttery and oaky, try it with roasted chicken or creamy dishes like pasta Alfredo. Where to find it: Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes) makes an elegant, French-style Chardonnay. Cape May Winery offers both stainless steel and oaked versions, so you can try both styles side by side. 🌮 Riesling + Spicy Food Riesling is perfect for spicy dishes like Thai, Indian, or buffalo wings. A slightly sweet Riesling balances heat without overwhelming the flavors. Where to find it: Tomasello Winery makes both dry and semi-sweet Rieslings, which go great with takeout or homemade spicy meals. Old York Cellars (Ringoes) offers a smooth Riesling that pairs well with spicy BBQ or even sushi. 🍕 Chambourcin + Comfort Food Chambourcin is a smooth, medium-bodied red that’s fruity and not too heavy. It goes with all kinds of comfort food—pizza, pasta, burgers, even chili. Where to find it: White Horse Winery (Hammonton) has a really nice Chambourcin—easy to drink and super food-friendly. Sharrott Winery (Hammonton) also offers a great one that pairs perfectly with pizza night. 🧀 Vidal Blanc + Cheese and Snacks Vidal Blanc is light, refreshing, and sometimes a little sweet. It’s great for casual snacks, cheese boards, or even fruit and salty pretzels. Where to find it: Valenzano Winery (Shamong) makes a bright Vidal Blanc that’s easy to sip. DiMatteo Vineyards (Hammonton) has a fun, tropical version perfect for a picnic. Final Tip: Just Try Stuff Don’t stress over perfect pairings. Wine is supposed to be fun! Grab a bottle, make something you like, and see what works. New Jersey wineries are doing amazing things with both classic and hybrid grapes, and the best way to learn what you like is to taste and experiment. Whether you’re planning a dinner or just snacking on the couch, there’s a Jersey wine that fits. 🍷