Few wines play as well with food as Riesling. Thanks to its naturally high acidity, wide spectrum of sweetness levels, and intensely aromatic profile, Riesling can elevate everything from salty snacks to spicy dishes to elegant cheeses. Whether your bottle is bone-dry or lusciously sweet, there’s a pairing that will make it shine and make you look like a genius for bringing it.
Crowd-Pleasing Small Plate Ideas
Here are some easy, wine-friendly dishes that complement a range of Riesling styles:
Spicy & Sweet Bites
Pair your off-dry and Kabinett-style Rieslings with
- Thai sweet chili meatballs
- Spicy shrimp skewers
- Chicken satay with peanut sauce
- Lightly spiced spring rolls with dipping sauce
Salty & Savory Snacks
Dry Rieslings (Trocken, Alsace-style) thrive with salty foods. Pair them with
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Smoked salmon on cucumber rounds
- Pretzel bites with mustard
- Parmesan crisps or aged Gouda cubes
Bright & Fresh Pairings
These really highlight Riesling’s acidity and citrus-driven profile:
- Goat cheese crostini with lemon zest
- Cucumber and dill salad
- Caprese skewers (tomato, mozzarella, basil)
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Slightly Sweet & Fruity Pairings
If you like an off-dry to medium-sweet Riesling, try pairing them with
- Apple and brie flatbread
- Pear slices with blue cheese
- Mango salsa with tortilla chips
- Dried apricots and almonds
Rich & Comforting Bites
Even richer dishes can work beautifully—especially with higher-acid Rieslings. Pair them with
- Quiche (especially leek, onion, or Lorraine)
- Chicken salad on mini croissants
- Lightly fried schnitzel bites
- Buttery mushroom tartlets
Let Riesling Surprise You
If there’s one takeaway from this entire month’s Riesling series, it’s this: don’t underestimate this grape. It’s not just a “sweet wine,” nor is it confined to one style or one type of cuisine. Riesling is one of the most food-friendly wines in the world and perhaps the most fun to experiment with!
So if you are coming to our May Wine Circle (and I hope you are!), bring something a little unexpected. When we pour a glass, we’ll see what happens. Chances are you’ll say, “Yum, that Riesling is delicious with that!”
May Wine Circle
So for a delicious discovery of the diversity of Riesling and snack pairings, come join us on Thursday, May 7, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.
The first Thursday of each month, up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.
Wilmington Wine Circle 