The Ultimate Wine and Pizza Pairing Guide

Want to learn how to pair the best wine with pizza?   Then this Ultimate Wine and Pizza Pairing Guide is for you!

Pizza made its way to America from Italy in the late 1800s, and quickly became a staple of many Americans’ diets.  Starting as a simple, nourishing meal, pizza has since re-invented itself many times over.  One of the most gratifying ways to enjoy pizza is with wine; however, the sheer number of pizza styles and wine varieties can make pairing your pizza challenging.  Luckily, we have figured out the best wine with pizza pairings for you!

10 Wine Pairings for Popular Pizza Types 

When it comes to pizza, the type you choose can significantly influence the perfect wine pairing. Here are 10 classic pizza types along with our recommended wine pairings to level up your dining experience: 

1. Margherita Pizza

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
The bright acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the fresh tomatoes and basil beautifully. 

2. Pepperoni Pizza

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
The fruity and slightly spicy notes of Pinot Noir balance the richness of the pepperoni, creating a harmonious match. 

3. Mushroom Pizza

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
The earthy tones of Pinot Noir enhance the flavors of the mushrooms, making it a perfect pairing. 

4. Four Cheese Pizza

Wine Pairing: Rosé
A refreshing Rosé pairs nicely with the rich and diverse flavors of the cheeses, adding a light, fruity touch. 

5. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon
The bold fruitiness and tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon complement the smoky BBQ sauce beautifully. 

6. Veggie Pizza

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc balances the variety of fresh vegetables, enhancing the overall flavors. 

7. Hawaiian Pizza (Ham and Pineapple)

Wine Pairing: Rosé
The sweetness of Rosé pairs well with the salty ham and sweet pineapple, creating a delightful contrast. 

8. Meat Lovers Pizza

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon
The robust nature of Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the hearty combination of meats, adding depth. 

9. Pesto Pizza

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
The herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors of the pesto while maintaining a crisp profile. 

10. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine
The effervescence of sparkling wine cuts through the heat of the buffalo sauce, providing a refreshing counterpoint. 

How to Pair Wine with Pizza Toppings

Select the primary flavors of your toppings, then use this chart to discover your best wine and pizza pairing:

How to Pair Wine with Pizza Crust

The fruit, floral, and rich nuances of chardonnay pair exceptionally well with a variety of flours used.  Using the chart to determine your pizza crust style, you can discover your perfect chardonnay pairing based on the crust:

How to Pair Wine with Pizza Sauce

Pinot Noir is another excellent match for pizza.  The red fruit, spice, and woody characteristics of pinot noir align effortlessly with a variety of cheese and sauce choices.  Using this chart, you can proficiency pair your pinot noir with pizza:

The Best Wine with Pizza Pairing Recipes

Ready to create a delicious pizza in your own kitchen? Try out two of our favorite pizza recipes:

Honeycrisp Apple Pizza with Balsamic Onions 
“The fontina cheese has a rich and creamy texture and the tiniest hint of nuttiness to balance the sweetness of the apples.  The balsamic onions add a tart flavor and the arugula finishes it off with a little bit of a peppery-bite.” – Pair with La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Homemade Grilled Pizza
“What better way to celebrate summer than with a pizza party? Our friend Katie Meyers ups the ante with a Homemade Grilled Pizza that turns up the heat on flavor while keeping your kitchen nice and cool.” – Pair with La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir