Wine Pairings for Super Bowl Snacks: Wings, Chili, Nachos & More

Table spread of snacks including dips, wings, and quesadillas.

Let’s face it: Super Bowl Sunday is all about the food—and the fun of pairing it with the right drink. While beer will always have its place, wine can bring your game day spread to life by balancing spice, cutting through richness, and adding a fresh, unexpected twist to every bite. Yes—even with wings.

We love thinking about game day wine the same way we think about weeknight cooking: relaxed, intuitive, and focused on pleasure. These pairings aren’t fussy or precious. They’re meant to make great food taste even better.

Wings Pairings: Teriyaki, Buffalo & Garlic Lemon

Wings are often the centerpiece of game day — but the sauce really dictates your wine choice.

Teriyaki Wings (Get the recipe)

For sweet-and-savory teriyaki wings, we reach for wines with fruit and acidity that can stand up to the glaze. Medium-bodied whites like Gewürztraminer or an off-dry Riesling highlight the sweet soy flavors while echoing ginger and citrus notes without overpowering the dish. This is one of those pairings that feels effortless once you taste it.

Buffalo Wings

Classic Buffalo wings bring heat and tang, which means the wine needs to cool things down and refresh the palate. Slightly off-dry Riesling works beautifully here, with just enough sweetness to tame the spice and enough acidity to keep things lively. Aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer or Chenin Blanc are also great options, bringing fruit and lift that play well with vinegar-forward sauces.

Garlic Lemon Wings

Garlic lemon wings are bright and punchy, so we like wines that mirror that freshness. Crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or a clean, mineral-driven Chablis accentuate citrus flavors and reset the palate between bites, keeping everything feeling light and vibrant.

Chili (Get the Chili Recipe)

Chili is hearty, bold, and unapologetic—and the wine should be too. Tomato, spice, and slow-simmered richness call for reds with fruit, structure, and a little swagger.

Zinfandel is a natural match, with ripe dark fruit and spice that enhance chili’s depth without fighting the heat. Cabernet Sauvignon also works beautifully, especially with beef-forward chili, where its tannins and bold berry notes stand up to richness and protein. Both wines bring enough presence to feel like part of the dish rather than an afterthought.

Spinach Dip (Get the spinach dip recipe)

Creamy, cheesy spinach dip shines when paired with wines that cut through richness and refresh the palate. Grüner Veltliner is a favorite here, thanks to its bright acidity and subtle peppery notes that play off creamy textures. Sauvignon Blanc is another go-to, sharpening herbs and cheese while keeping each bite from feeling heavy. This is the kind of pairing that keeps everyone going back for “just one more scoop.”

Nachos

Nachos are bold by design—gooey cheese, jalapeños, salsa, beans, and crunch—so the wine needs both fruit and structure. Zinfandel once again earns its place with juicy dark fruit and spice that balance heat and salt. On the lighter side, Vinho Verde is a fun, unexpected option. Its brightness and gentle fizz refresh the palate between cheesy bites, especially when served well chilled.

Caramelized Onion Dip & Potato Chips (Get the dip recipe)

Salty, savory, and just a little sweet, this classic combo deserves better than it usually gets—and wine delivers. Sparkling wine, whether a Brut style or Prosecco, is a standout thanks to bubbles and high acidity that make every chip feel lighter. Pinot Noir can also surprise here, with bright fruit and gentle structure that pair beautifully with caramelized onion flavors. Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc work just as well, balancing sweetness and salt with ease.

This is one of our favorite pairings of the night—it turns a humble bowl of chips into something quietly elegant.=

Final Play: Seasonal & Sustainable Picks

Game day is also a great excuse to highlight wines made with intention. We always encourage choosing bottles from organic or biodynamic producers when possible, supporting small or local wineries, and thinking about flavors that naturally echo what’s on the table. Wines made with care tend to show more balance, and your guests will taste the difference.

Cheers to Great Food & Game Day Fun

From spicy wings to creamy dips and nachos piled high, there’s a wine that can elevate every bite. Whether you’re deeply into wine or just starting to explore beyond beer, these pairings are an easy, delicious way to make your Super Bowl gathering feel extra special—without making it complicated.

Here’s to great food, good wine, and a game day worth savoring.