It is generally considered that there are two main ways of pairing wine and food. First, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Second, it can be done by choosing a wine to accompany a particular meal. Of course, the first activity should always be followed by the second for maximum wine and food enjoyment! And, of course, there’s no reason not to enjoy both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of wine and food.

Enjoying Wine While Eating

A good wine will add to the flavor of the food, assist in digestion and, in the case of red wine, be beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. There are several theories as to which wines best combine with particular foods. However, my suggestion is that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing wine and food in this manner.

Cooking With Wine

Italian and Fench chefs and home cooks are renowned for their use of wine in their cooking. Both these cuisines make extensive use of wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.

Pairing wine and food in this way does not impart an alcoholic taste to the food as heating the wine or other liquor is designed to boil away the alcohol component.

A rule to remember when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you don’t want to drink. This can mean opening a bottle of wine just for the recipe you are planning but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Do not be tempted to cook with a wine that has been sitting on the kitchen counter for the last week since it was opened. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it. You’ll find more ideas for cooking with wine, how to store wine and how to taste wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.