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Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Whether you're heading out to your favourite Chinese restaurant or ordering in a takeaway to celebrate, the big question is: what wine should you pair with all those diverse flavours? Here are our top recommendations for pairing Chinese food and wine.
It really is the little things in life that bring me joy ... finding a seat on the Tube during peak time, beating my brainiac mum at Wordle, and sipping on a perfectly matched glass of wine alongside a delicious meal. And what better cuisine than the nation’s favourite takeaway?
You could say I’m somewhat of an expert when it comes to this particular cuisine – I'm not ashamed to say my local restaurant knows me on a first-name basis. And I’d like to think I know a thing or two about wine, too.
So, with that in mind – and with Chinese New Year just around the corner – I thought I'd share the best bottles to complement every deliciously salty, sweet, and spicy bite this vibrant cuisine has to offer. Let’s go!
Chinese New Year food and wine pairings
Planning a full-on feast? Forget pairing one wine to each dish – Chinese meals are all about a mix of flavours, so you need a wine that can handle it all.
Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco are perfect for refreshing your palate between bites. If you're having red meat or bold flavours, I recommend a sparkling red such as Lambrusco.
For something a bit more refined, try a German Kabinett Riesling. It has just the right balance of sweetness and acidity to pair beautifully with salty, fried dishes. And if you’re going for more intense flavours like duck or pork, a Spätlese Riesling is a top choice.
Now, for you red wine lovers, you can’t go wrong with a light and fruity Beaujolais. For those richer dishes, a Pinot Noir or Nerello Mascalese works a treat, while Barbera’s soft tannins and fresh acidity are always a safe bet.
Wine with sweet-and-sour dishes
When it comes to sweet-and-sour dishes like sweet and sour pork or General Tso's chicken, my top pick has to be a Gewürztraminer. Its bold aromas of lychee, rose, and ginger are a great match for intense flavours, while its off-dry sweetness is the perfect foil for the tangy vinegar and sugar in the sauce.
Gewürztraminer also has a hint of spice that works great with spiced dishes or anything with a bit of heat. Plus, with low tannins, it’s smooth and adaptable, making it a solid choice for all kinds of Chinese food flavours. I always find myself reaching for Hunter's Marlborough Gewürztraminer – give it a try!
Wine with Dim Sum
Dim sum offers a range of textures and flavours, from soft steamed dumplings and buns to crispy fried treats. Here are some of my favourite wine picks to pair with both steamed and fried dim sum:
Riesling (Dry or Off-Dry)
Riesling, especially dry or off-dry, has high acidity and just a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with dim sum, particularly shrimp or pork dumplings. My top pick would have to be My Karp, a quintessential German Riesling bursting with citrus and apricot fruit.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio in Italy) is light, crisp, and slightly fruity, making it perfect for dim sum – especially the steamed varieties. I’d recommend Villa Wolf Pinot Gris from from Pflaz.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is aromatic and slightly sweet, which makes it a fantastic match for the rich flavours of fried dim sum or more complex steamed dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty acidity and citrusy, herbaceous notes complement both steamed and fried dim sum. It’s especially refreshing with shrimp or chicken dumplings and works wonders with spicy, herb-infused dim sum options. Sunday Bay always goes down a treat with my friends, so I’ve no doubt you’ll love its fruity charm too.
Rosé (Dry)
Arguably the most versatile of wines, a dry rosé gives you the crispness and acidity of a white wine with the added complexity of red fruit flavours. It’s refreshing and versatile, making it a stellar choice for both steamed and fried dim sum. While the pale pinks of Provence work well, I like a bit more oomph to stand up to those umami flavours – berry-scented The Raspberry Bush from South Africa is my top choice.
Explore our extensive collection of rosé wines and discover your new favourite pink.
Wine with Chow Mein and Fried Rice
Best wines for Chow Mein
Chow Mein is packed with savory goodness – soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of meat or seafood. To balance all that umami, you want a wine with a touch of acidity and a smooth body. Pinot Noir is a surefire winner – light, earthy, and super silky. If your Chow Mein has a sweeter sauce, I'd go for a classic Zinfandel. Its fruity kick matches the sweetness while keeping the savoury flavours in check.
Wines for Fried Rice
Fried rice has it all on the flavour front, making it a tricky pairing. Merlot’s soft and fruity appeal is perfect for this dish, while Barbera has the acidity to cut through the richness – and if there’s a little heat, Grenache steps in to complement the spice.
Wines for Fried Noodles
Fried noodles can be pretty rich and oily, so you need a crisp white to keep things balanced. Sauvignon Blanc is a total knockout with its zesty citrus and unparalleled freshness, while Albariño brings a floral, refreshing touch – and, if you're looking to level up your gastronomic experience, you can never go wrong with a classic Chablis.
About the author
Louise Springham
Louise’s first copywriting experience was for a small pet start up in Paris during her time at university … fast forward 5 years and she’s switched cats for clarets. Whether it’s getting stuck into an SEO blog, crafting a pithy headline or studying for a WSET exam – she’s Level 2 qualified in both Wine and Spirits – it’s safe to say she adores it all. You’ll often find her chatting to anyone who’ll listen about her love for oaky Californian Chardonnay (she’s working hard to eliminate the dreaded ‘ABC’ mantra) or reminiscing about summers past in Provence.
