The Best Wine to Pair with Pork

Pork is a versatile protein with a range of flavors and cooking styles, making it a great match for many different wines. The best wine pairing for pork depends on how it's prepared—lighter pork dishes pair well with white wines like Chardonnay or Riesling, while rich, slow-cooked pork shines with reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Whether you're serving pork chops, pulled pork, or roasted pork tenderloin, there's a perfect wine to enhance the flavors of your meal.

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Pork Chops: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Pulled Pork: Zinfandel & Riesling
Roast Pork Tenderloin: Pinot Noir & Merlot
Ham: Riesling & Beaujolais
Pork Belly: Syrah & Chenin Blanc
Pork Ribs: Zinfandel & Riesling
Tips for pairing wine with pork
Best red wines to pair with pork:
Best white wines to pair with pork:

Pork Chops: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Pork chops have a mild flavor that pairs well with both white and red wines. Oaked Chardonnay complements creamy or buttery sauces, while a light-bodied Pinot Noir enhances the dish with its bright acidity and red fruit notes.

Learn more: Best Wine for Pork Chops →

Pulled Pork: Zinfandel & Riesling

The sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors of pulled pork make it a great match for Zinfandel, which offers bold fruit and spice. If the dish has a sweeter BBQ sauce, off-dry Riesling balances the flavors with its natural sweetness and acidity.

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Roast Pork Tenderloin: Pinot Noir & Merlot

Roasted pork tenderloin is lean and slightly earthy, making it ideal for a fruit-forward red like Pinot Noir or a smooth, medium-bodied Merlot. Both wines enhance the pork's natural flavors without overpowering it.

Learn more: Best Wine for Roast Pork Tenderloin →

Ham: Riesling & Beaujolais

Ham is often glazed with honey or fruit-based sauces, so it pairs well with wines that have a touch of sweetness. Riesling balances the saltiness of ham with bright acidity, while Beaujolais, a light and fruity red, complements the dish without being too heavy.

Learn more: Best Wine for Ham →

Pork Belly: Syrah & Chenin Blanc

Pork belly's rich, fatty texture pairs best with high-acid wines that cut through the richness. Syrah (Shiraz) provides dark fruit flavors and spice, while Chenin Blanc offers crisp acidity and a touch of sweetness to balance the fat.

Learn more: Best Wine for Pork Belly →

Pork Ribs: Zinfandel & Riesling

Pork ribs are bold, smoky, and often coated in a flavorful rub or barbecue sauce. Zinfandel pairs perfectly with saucy, sweet, and smoky ribs, thanks to its ripe fruit and spice notes. If the ribs are on the spicy side, an off-dry Riesling helps balance the heat and enhance the dish's flavors.

Learn more: Best Wine for Pork Ribs →

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Tips for pairing wine with pork

Match the weight of the dish – Lighter pork dishes pair with white wines or light reds, while heavier, richer pork dishes need bold reds.
Balance sweetness – Pork dishes with sweet glazes (like honey or fruit-based sauces) pair well with off-dry or fruit-forward wines.
Consider acidity – High-acid wines help balance the richness of pork, making them great for fatty cuts like pork belly.