25 Yummy Wine Tasting Finger Foods

Alright, listen up. Wine tasting finger foods? It’s really the only way to go. You have to hold your wine glass, afterall, right?

The best finger foods for wine tasting are those that have protein, salt, and fat. These elements keep your palate refreshed while you sip. Try finger foods like mini quiche, gourmet popcorn, and even sushi.

Helpful Tip: If you’re just getting started with wine, here’s a rundown of how wine and food pairing works – I wrote this simple post just for you.

Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure that’ll have you craving that perfect bite to savor alongside your favorite vino. Trust me, these flavor-packed pairings are about to take your wine tasting experience to a whole new level.

Helpful Tip: If you’re doing a red wine tasting specifically, head over to this post that covers great appetizers for red wine; and here’s a post on 10 quick and easy foods for a white wine tasting.

1. Mini Quiche – Savory

Mini quiche is a delightful wine tasting food idea. Its small size allows for easy nibbling while balancing your wine glass. The rich, creamy fillings complement the nuanced flavors of different wines. The flaky crust adds a delightful textural contrast.

Pro Tip: You can make these yourself, pick some up from a local bakery, or grab pre-made quiches from the frozen section of your local grocer. Don’t make it hard. Lots of options, here.

Bite-sized portions enable guests to sample a variety of quiches and wines, so you can do a vegetarian option.

• Best With: Dry Wines, Sparkling Wines, Off-Dry Wines (avoid sweet fortified wines)
• Example Wines: Grenache, Pinot Noir, Gamay (Beaujolais), Chenin Blanc, Bordeaux (white or red), Riesling, Champagne, Cava, Prosecco…the list continues…be expansive

2. Sliders (Mini Hamburgers)

Sliders are a fun and delicious wine tasting food idea for your red wine tastings, specifically. Their juicy meat and savory toppings make them an ideal match for those tannins. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for sharing and trying different wine and food combinations. 

If you can find a local restaurant to make you a selection of sliders to go, then this is an easy way to host your red wine tasting.

Think about adding some cheese or a side salad for a more substantial food and wine pairing.

• Best With: Dry Red Wines
• Example Wines: Malbec, Bordeaux, Carignan, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Nebbiolo

3. Smoked Salmon Canapés

For an elegant and luxurious addition to your wine tasting menu, consider serving smoked salmon canapés – a salmon and cream cheese bite, such as cream cheese or dill-infused crème fraîche. Top them with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Helpful Tip: Check out this list of the easiest appetizers for wine tasting.

These bite-sized treats not only make an easy finger food as a wine tasting food idea, but they pair well with a variety of white wines and complement light-bodied reds for those who prefer red wine options.

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Light to Medium-bodied Reds
• Example Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Grenache, Rosé Champagne

Side Note: Champagne, Prosecco, Cremant, Sekt, Cava – all of these sparkling wines are making my mouth water thinking about this pairing. Oh yeah!

4. Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring an interesting twist as a wine tasting food idea. They have protein, but also an umami earthy quality. With a variety of fillings that often include cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these bite-sized treats offer richness and depth. Whether you opt for a vegetarian filling or indulge in bacon or sausage, you get elegance and decadence in a bite-size package.

• Best With: Dry Reds, Medium-bodied Whites
• Example Wines: Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewürztraminer

5. French bread – Easy Always Works

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of French bread anytime you’re thinking about wine tasting food ideas. Their crisp crust and soft interior make them ideal for soaking up the wine’s flavors. Serve them plain or with a smear of some of that tapenade on top for added layers of flavor – even dipping in extra virgin olive oil adds a savory touch of layered flavors.

Helpful Tip: Check ou this list of the easiest appetizers for wine tasting.

Fresh baguettes have a simplicity and texture making them an excellent palate cleanser between wine tastings. Make each wine shine.

• Best With: All Wine Varieties (Neutral Pairing)(okay, I don’t recommend dessert wines)
• Example Wines: White, Red, Rosé, Sparkling, Dry Fortified Wines

6. Crackers – Easy and Shelf-Stable

Most wine tastings include crackers of some sort. Their neutral flavor allows the wine to shine. Recommend getting salted crackers. Salt will make the wine seem fruitier (always a plus).

What else do I love about crackers for my wine tastings?

They’re versatile and shelf-stable making them a go-to as one of my favorite wine tasting food ideas.

It’s easy to keep them on hand for a last-minute tasting. Try adding some soft cheese as a way to balance out tannins if you’re tasting red wines.

• Best With: Any Dry, Off-dry, or Sparkling Wine (no dessert wines)

7. Pizza – Grab and Go (or homemade)

Pizza and wine? Easy. Delicious. Done. Savory pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, and even the cheese balance out red wine tannins.

What I love about pizza and red wine tasting is that it’s more substantial than small bites, helping to soften the alcohol. It’s also painless to pick up a pizza for your tasting (okay, if you love cooking, this one’s for you, too!). 

• Best With: Dry Reds
• Example Wines: Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Super Tuscans, Salice Salentino, Aglianico, Petite Sirah

8. French Fries – Pick Some Up

French Fries are another quickie idea if you’re looking for a casual food pairing for as you consider different wine tasting food ideas. French fries have fat and salt, the two flavor combos that enhance wine fruitiness and soften red wine tannins.

French fries are an especially good choice if you’re going for bold red wines or high acid white wines. They also have that salty profile that dry Sherries need, like Finos and Manzanillas.

Careful! Some foodies like having mayonnaise with their french fries. Mayo can be a tricky wine food. Take this as a great opportunity to experiment.

If you are one of those who enjoy french fries with mayonnaise, pair your fries with high acid white wines, like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling wines (Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne). Sprinkle with truffle salt for a

• Best With: Dry Reds, Whites, Roses, Sparkling Wines, Dry Sherries
• Example Wines: Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Fino, Manzanilla, Picpoul, White Rioja, Verdejo, Prosecco, Cava, Champagne

9. Potato Chips – Easy and Shelf-Stable

Potato chips are the shelf-stable counterpart to french fries. Like fries, they have salt and fat. I keep a bag of potato chips in my pantry for last-minute tasting parties because that’s what wine people do. 

• Best With: Dry Reds, Whites, Roses, Sparkling Wines, Dry Sherries
• Example Wines: Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Fino, Manzanilla, Picpoul, White Rioja, Verdejo, Prosecco, Cava, Champagne.

10. Cheese – Always a Winner

You can never go wrong with wine and cheese. I’m a and of white cheddar, which has a relatively neutral profile, but has that fat, salt, and a tangy nuttiness to help balance out most wines.

You can always experiment with different styles of cheese, but keep in mind different wine styles will impact your flavor combinations. White cheddar is always a winner.

Here are few other quick wine and cheese combos:

• Pinot Noir: Soft cheeses like chevre, and brie
• Cabernet Sauvignon: blue cheese, Gouda
• Moscato d’Asti: Soft cheeses like chevre, and brie
• Chardonnay: Manchego, Mozarella

If finding all of these different cheeses is one-too-many steps, then stick to your white cheddar and you’ll be fine.

11. Salted Nuts – Easy and Shelf-Stable

Almonds, peanuts, cashews, and walnuts are all excellent, nutty wine tasting food ideas. Like french fries and potato chips, they have salt and fat, but also protein, to balance out your wine and enhance perceptions of fruitness and sweetness.

Personal Note: I always have salted almonds in my pantry for tastings. And did you know that nuts make a fabulous inexpensive gift for wine lovers?

Nuts are shelf stable, so easy to keep on hand. Go buy some nuts.

• Best With: Dry Reds, Whites, Roses, Sparkling Wines, Fortified Wines
• Example Pairings:
  • Salted Almonds: Any wine
  • Walnuts: Madeira, Sherry
  • Pistachios: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes

12. Battered Onion Rings

Battered and fried onion rings are a classic and crowd-pleasing choice for a wine tasting food idea. The crispy and golden exterior, achieved through a light batter make this a more substantive finger food for wine tasting.

Pro Tip: You can make these onoing rings yourself, but I just pick up the frozen onion rings and throw them in my air fryer for a quick and easy finger food.

The sweet and tangy flavor of the onions pairs well with a range of wines, particularly those with medium to full body. The carbonation in sparkling wines can also help cut through the richness of the batter. Serve these delectable onion rings as a delightful accompaniment to your wine selection.

• Best With: Medium to Full-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Chianti, Sparkling Rosé, Champagne

13. Chips and Guacamole – Satisfying

Chips and guacamole make for an indulgent and munch-worthy finger food for a wine tasting event. Crunchy, salty chips give that satisfying contrast to creamy, flavorful guacamole.

The bright, zippy flavors of the guacamole pair well with a variety of wines, including crisp whites, light-bodied reds, and even sparkling wines. The acidity and fruitiness of the wines enhance the freshness of the guacamole, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Light-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Beaujolais, Lambrusco, Prosecco

14. Pigs in a Blanket – Simple

Pigs in a blanket are a fun finger food for wine tasting. These bite-sized treats feature cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry dough.

The savory and slightly smoky flavors of the sausages complement a range of wines, particularly medium-bodied reds and even some lighter whites.

The combination of the rich and savory sausage with the buttery pastry creates wrap create a contrast that pairs well with a variety of wine styles.

• Best With: Medium-bodied Reds, Light-bodied Whites
• Example Wines: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais, Dolcetto

15. Baked Flatbread – Elegant

Baked flatbread is a versatile and customizable option as a finger food for wine tasting. Whether topped with fresh grilled vegetables, feta cheese, or pepperoni, flatbread offers a mouth-watering and satisfying pairing with a variety of wines.

The crispy and slightly chewy texture of the flatbread complements both white and red wines, depending on the toppings.

Consider offering a selection of flatbreads with different flavor profiles to accommodate various wine preferences and create an interactive tasting experience for your guests.

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Light to Medium-bodied Reds
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Rosé

16. Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers offer a refreshing and visually appealing option for your wine tasting event.

The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves creates a burst of flavors with each bite. Skewering these ingredients adds a fun and convenient way to enjoy them while mingling and holding a wine glass.

The bright and vibrant flavors of the caprese skewers pair well with crisp white wines, allowing the ingredients to shine and complementing the wine’s acidity.

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Light-bodied Reds
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Beaujolais, Dolcetto, Gamay, Rosé

17. Sushi Rolls

For a unique and elegant food pairing option, consider sushi rolls for your wine tasting. The delicate flavors and textures of sushi, combined with the umami-rich ingredients like fresh fish, seaweed, rice, and vegetables, create a culinary experience that can be enhanced by the right wine selection.

Opt for crisp and acidic whites or light-bodied reds to complement the subtlety of the sushi flavors without overpowering them. Experiment with different types of sushi rolls, such as tuna, salmon, or vegetable, to explore exciting wine and sushi combinations.

• Best With: Dry Whites, Light-bodied Reds
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Dolcetto, Rosé Champagne

18. Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip

I don’t often recommend fruit for wine tastings, but if you’re going for healthful options, these work with a little thoughtful pairing.

Fruit skewers with a creamy yogurt dip offer a refreshing and healthy option for your wine tasting event. These skewers feature a mix of fresh fruits like strawberries, melons, grapes, and pineapple, providing a burst of natural sweetness.

The creamy and tangy yogurt dip adds a luscious element to the ensemble.

Enjoy these delightful skewers with crisp whites, light-bodied reds, or even sparkling wines to enhance the fruity flavors and create a refreshing balance.

• Best With: Off-dry Whites, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Kabinet Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Prosecco, Cava

19. Mini Crab Cakes

Mini crab cakes are a delightful addition to your wine tasting menu, offering a taste of the sea in a bite-sized package.

These delectable treats, made with fresh crab meat and a blend of herbs and spices, are often served with a zesty aioli dipping sauce. The delicate flavors of the crab cakes pair wonderfully with crisp whites, medium to full-bodied reds, or even sparkling wines, adding a touch of elegance to your wine and food pairing experience.

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Medium to Full-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Chardonnay, Viognier, White Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Champagne

20. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Healthy

Light and crispy vegetable spring rolls provide a refreshing and vibrant option for your wine tasting event. Filled with a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, these rolls offer a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors.

Pair them with dry whites, light-bodied reds, or even rosé wines to enhance their vibrant qualities and create a harmonious balance of tastes.

• Best With: Dry Whites, Light-bodied Reds, Rosé Wines
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Beaujolais, Grenache, Rosé

21. Stuffed Mini Peppers – Bite Size

Stuffed mini peppers are a playful and colorful addition to your wine tasting spread. These bite-sized peppers are filled with savory ingredients such as cheese or cream cheese and herbs, creating a burst of flavors with each bite.

Mini papers have that vibrant appearance and delectable taste making them an instant hit.

Pair these delightful treats with dry whites, light to medium-bodied reds, or even sparkling wines to complement the flavors and add a touch of excitement to your wine and food pairing experience.

• Best With: Dry Whites, Light to Medium-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sparkling Rosé, Prosecco

22. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Grilled teriyaki chicken skewers offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes, making them a crowd-pleasing finger food for your wine tasting event. The tender chicken, marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, provides a succulent and aromatic experience.

Careful! If you’re doing a spicy rub, it will clash with red wines. Stick with off-dry or sweeet wines if your teriyaki sauce is spicy.

Pair these skewers with medium to full-bodied reds, dry whites, or even rosé wines to complement the umami flavors and create a harmonious balance.

• Best With: Dry Whites, Medium to Full-bodied Reds, Rosé Wines
• Example Wines: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Provence Rosé

23. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates bring together the irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them a crowd favorite finger food for your next wine tasting event. Juicy dates wrapped in crispy bacon create a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.

Bacon dates pair well with a variety of wines, including big, dry reds, sparkling wines, or off-dry whites. The richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the dates are beautifully complemented by the wine’s characteristics.

• Best With: Dry Reds, Sparkling Wines, Off-dry Whites
• Example Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Champagne, Riesling, Moscato, Prosecco

24. Gourmet Popcorn

Upgrade your wine tasting experience with gourmet popcorn – always a finger food – and take your tasting to the next level.

Gourmet popcorn comes in a variety of flavors:

• Truffle Salt
• Parmesan
• Caramel
• Smoked Paprika

The crunchy goodness of popcorn adds a playful and textural element to your wine tasting. Pair it with a range of wines, including dry whites, light to medium-bodied reds, or even sparkling wines, to find the perfect balance between the popcorn’s flavors and the wine’s characteristics.

• Best With: Dry Whites, Light to Medium-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Prosecco, Champagne

25. Olives – Easy

When it comes to easy finger foods for wine tasting, olives should always have a place on your table as the ultimate savory delight. These little flavor bombs are perfect for popping in your mouth while sipping on your favorite wines. With their rich and briny taste, olives offer a delightful contrast that complements a wide range of wine varietals.

Fun Wine Fact: Professional wine tasters use black olives in water to help cleanse their palate during long tasting days.

What I love about olives, is that you can usually find a variety at your local grocer to mix-and-match.

Whether you prefer crisp whites, light-bodied reds, or even sparkling wines, olives add a touch of sophistication and depth as a wine tasting finger food.

Toothpick worthy so you don’t even need silverware!

• Best With: Crisp Whites, Light-bodied Reds, Sparkling Wines
• Example Wines: Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Lambrusco, Cava

What Finger Foods Don’t Work With Wine Tastings

You want to avoid finger foods with two specific flavors, sweetness and spice (chili heat) for most wine tastings. This means no chocolate, apples, or pepper jack cheese.

• Sweet finger foods make dry wine seem thin and bitter.
• Spicy finger food makes wine taste harsh.

You’ll want to be especially careful if you’re serving big, tanninc, red wines with sweet foods. This can exacerbate the tannins, alcohol, and astringency in red wine, making for an unpleasant experience.

If you’re serving off-dry whites, like Moscato d’Asti, Kabinet Riesling, Liebfraumilch, Vouvray, or Chenin Blanc, for example, then having fruit alongside will pair beautifully. (Like the fruit skewers and yogurt dip)

Heat from chili spice will enhance the wine’s alcohol. So watch out with spicy foods if you’re planning on serving high alcohol wines.

Final Thoughts – What Finger Food Will You Choose?

From stuffed peppers, flat breads, and cheese, to mini quiches and olives, you have so many great finger foods for wine tasting to choose from.

• Quick and easy finger food options include french fries, olives, chips, and baguettes.
• More involved finger foods for wine include sushi, spring rolls, quiche, and stuffed peppers.

Before heading to the store, think about the wines you’ll be serving and let that guide your shopping list.

Thirsty for More?

You should absolutely host your own wine tasting parties at home. This is probably the best way to learn about wine. Check out how to host a blind tasting at home.

Wine tasting with a twist? Here’s how to host a wine tasting for beginners.

If you’re doing different types of wine, then here’s a helpful how-to guide that will tell you what order to drink your wines in every time.

Thinking of including red wines? Check out this post on cold appetizers that will work for your next red wine tasting.

Love foods with spice? Check out how to pair spicy foods with wine.