A less common, yet delightful, pairing is fast food with wine. Why not indulge in both simultaneously? Imagine savoring wine alongside burgers, chicken nuggets, or even donuts. The versatility of wine allows us to offer suggestions on how to elevate your next takeout experience.

Wine is the ultimate drink to pair your fast food with (Photo: DallE)

Burgers: A Greasy Love Story

When it comes to burgers, a meaty patty sandwiched between a soft bun, adorned with crispy lettuce and smothered in savory sauces, the wine pairing is as classic as the meal itself. A robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, rich in tannins, rises to the occasion, its acidity slicing through the fats and complementing the complex flavors.

But let's not forget the fixings. Cheese-topped burgers meld marvelously with the smoky undertones of a Californian Zinfandel. This wine, especially with a hint of residual sugar, can amplify the sweetness of barbecue sauce and cheese, creating a harmony of flavors that sings of American tradition.

Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

The Federalist Zinfandel Bourbon Barrel Aged

Wine and chicken nuggets—because it’s clucking good

Think chicken nuggets are too prosaic for a wine pairing? Think again. While Kentucky may be known for bourbon, its wineries produce notable wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that are begging to be enjoyed with your crispy morsels.

A lightly oaked Chardonnay, with whispers of buttery goodness, complements the richness of the fried chicken without overpowering it. If you're feeling bubbly, a fruit-forward sparkling wine isn't just for celebrations; its brisk acidity and effervescence can cut through the fattiness of the nuggets and dipping sauces, turning a simple meal into a festive occasion.

Zonin Prosecco Cuvée 1821

Donut Delights

Donuts and wine? Indeed, wine finds its pairing even with donuts. It's a stretch to envision a police officer trading in their coffee for a glass of wine during a break in their patrol car. However, envision the scene where our VinoVossers, playfully 'detain' a luscious sweet wine as the perfect accomplice to the sweet indulgence of donuts.

For chocolate lovers indulging in a chocolate-coated donut, a rich, sweet Port can be a revelation. Opt for a Ruby Port with its chocolate and berry notes for chocolate-based treats, or a Tawny Port with its nutty complexity for donuts with nuts or caramel. While Port may pack a punch with its higher alcohol content, it's an underappreciated style that stands up to the intensity of sweet, indulgent flavors.

In the end, wine and fast food is a pairing that transcends the traditional notions of dining. It's about discovery, pleasure, and the joy of combining the simplicity of a quick meal with the complexity of a well-crafted wine. So next time you're at your favorite fast-food joint, think outside the soda fountain and imagine the possibilities a bottle of wine can bring to your dining experience.

W. & J. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port

Fonseca Tawny Port

Croissants

The union of French croissants and wine might prompt traditionalists to cry "sacre bleu," but this pairing is a clandestine delight that many have yet to discover. The croissant, with its delicate, feather-like layers and sumptuous buttery essence, finds a kindred spirit in the effervescence of a luxurious Crémant.

This sparkling treasure complements the airy, yet rich pastry with a gentle kiss of bubbles and a symphony of fruit notes that dance alongside the buttery croissant. Each sip of Crémant interlaces with the croissant’s flaky texture, lifting the experience to new heights. It’s an indulgence that defies convention, but for those in the know, it’s a combination that promises – and delivers – an extraordinary gastronomic joy.

Bouvet-Ladubay 1851 Brut

Peter Douglas