No matter the time of year, hosting a wine tasting is an excellent excuse for busting out the crystal, gathering friends, and indulging in a spread of scrumptious bites. Serving the right appetizers are essential to elevate the occasion. Pairing wine with snacks that enhance the profiles of each wine will also create a more enjoyable atmosphere for your guests. Not sure where to start? Here is a countdown to the top 10 appetizers to serve with a wine tasting to ensure an unforgettable experience.
#10 – Chocolate-Covered Berries
Starting off the countdown with a sweet treat; chocolate-covered berries. This decadent treat pairs well with dessert wines like Saunternes, Moscato, or Port. The sweetness of the chocolate and the freshness of the berries create a delightful harmony with the wine, making for a perfect ending to your tasting. If you are feeling playful, encourage your guests to sample the wine with a variety of chocolate-covered berries to narrow in on tasting nuances. A fun discussion is sure to follow.
#9 – Savory Tarts
Savory tarts are an excellent addition to any wine tasting menu. Their rich flavors pair well with a range of wines, from whites like Viognier to reds like Merlot, providing a delightful contrast. Try a phyllo dough tart with pecans, butternut squash, and blue cheese filling. In the mood for a meat pie? Try classic ham and cheese with puff pastry shaped into individual tarts.
#8 – Oysters, Shrimp, or Smoked Fish
The salty characteristic of many seafood options offers an incredible balance with the acidity of the wine. For a low fuss option, out out a shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to your wine tasting. The lightness of the shrimp works beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. Serve with fresh citrus or a zesty cocktail sauce for an added kick. Level up your offerings with fresh oysters served with a shallot mignonette and paired with an authentic Champagne. For something more complex and festive, present your guests with stacks of corn fritters topped with smoked salmon or trout, crème fraîche, and chives. Serve with a sparkling rosé.
#7 – Mini Quiches
Similar to savory tarts, mini quiches are versatile and can be filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms or bacon. They pair nicely with Chardonnay or light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir. Their richness complements the wine without overpowering it, which makes them a fantastic choice for your event.
#6 – Olives and Marinated Vegetables
A bowl of marinated olives and pickled vegetables offers a tangy, salty contrast to the wine, especially wines with naturally high acidity. Choose a variety of olives, such as Kalamata and Castelvetrano, and pair them with a robust red like a Spanish Garnacha or a crisp white like Sardinian Vermentino. Marinated artichoke hearts are a simple appetizer that add a Mediterranean flair to your tasting.
#5 – Steak Bites
Bold wines require a pairing with its own strong tasting profile. Introduce bite-size morsels of steak quickly fried at a high temperature in a garlic butter. The beef on its own will bring earthy flavor notes and fat to the pairing, while the garlic butter intensifies both. When tasted along side a full-bodied wine such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon (a classic pairing with beef dishes), you are sure to please guests who favor more intense tasting profiles.
#4 – Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are an elegant and savory option. Fill them with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and buttery breadcrumbs for a rich bite. Pair these with a fuller-bodied white wine like oak aged Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir or Gamay to complement the earthy flavors. Add savory sausage crumbles to pair with wine that offers more body.
#3 – Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful appetizer that pairs beautifully with many wines. Interestingly, the term “bruschetta” refers to the toasted bread rather than the tomato and basil topping with which the dish is so commonly associated. Instead, feel free to finish the bruschetta with an assortment of rich toppings for an exploration of flavors. This dish works well with light and refreshing white wines such as Grüner Vetliner and Pinot Gris.
#2 – Charcuterie Board
A well-curated charcuterie board is an excellent way to elevate your wine tasting experience. Include an assortment of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Pair these savory delights with a fruity red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Adding pickles, olives, and mustards will add dimension to this offering.
#1 – Cheese Platter
Last, but certainly not least! The number one appetizer to pair with wine is…cheese! A classic cheese platter is a must-have for any wine tasting. The high fat content of cheese makes it an ideal pairing for any wine. Include a variety of cheeses (i.e., soft, hard, and blue) to cater to different palates. Traditional pairings include creamy Brie with Chardonnay, tangy goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, and rich Roquefort with Port. Add crackers and fresh fruits for balance. Need to up the ante? Add a gorgeous chunk of raw honeycomb and prepare for your guests to “oo” and “ah.”
Helpful Tips:
- Balance Flavors: When selecting appetizers, aim to balance the flavors of the wine. Light wines pair best with lighter foods, while bolder wines can handle richer flavors.
- Variety is Key: Offer a range of appetizers to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. This ensures that all guests find something they enjoy.
- Presentation Matters: A visually appealing spread can enhance the overall experience. Use colorful ingredients, cheerful flowers, and thoughtful decorations to make your appetizer table inviting.
- Extra glassware: If your budget allows, set out matching glassware to bring cohesion to the evening. You might even want to spring for two sets of glasses, so your guests can sip both red and white (or sparkling) as they nibble.
Choosing the right appetizers for your wine tasting can make the experience even more joyful for your guests. Selecting a variety is even better. This ensures your guests are offered multiple opportunities to explore and identify pairings that truly suit each of their own unique palates. Cheers to a memorable event filled with delightful flavors and enjoyable conversations!
Updated 11/16/2025
April Abate is a wine educator who loves helping people feel confident about what is in their glass. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educator and a Certified Executive Sommelier with the International Wine and Spirits Guild. With a diverse background in microbiology, education, hospitality, and sales, April brings science, clarity, and heart to her discussions about wine. Her goal is simple: to make wine more approachable by helping tasters understand not just what they like, but why they like it. For the past seven years, April has been part of the team at Brooks Wine in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley, sharing her passion for wines that tell a story of place and purpose. Drafting and refinement were supported by digital assistant software.