The Best Wines to Pair with Fall Dishes, from Autumn Salads to Hearty Soups
The Sunset Wine Club perfectly pairs standout wines with recipes from the magazine. See our favorite wine pairings here.
Thomas J. Story
You’re cordially invited to join the Sunset Wine Club, a selection of story-worthy wines produced by the top growers and vintners in California, Oregon, Washington, and beyond—delivered straight to your door. We’ve partnered with the country’s premier online wine retailer, Wine Access, to curate a standout mix of reds, whites, bubblies, and rosés to drink this season. Think of each delivery as a box of aperitifs, party-ready bottles, and weeknight dinner solutions. Even better, they’ve been selected to go with the recipes and menus in the issue you’re holding in your hands. As a member of the Sunset Wine Club, you will receive the following exclusive benefits:
The Sunset Wine Club
Wine Club members receive:
- 6 featured wines, shipped every 3 months
- Tasting notes and suggested pairings for Sunset recipes
- The first look at rare gems in the Sunset wine shop
- Exclusive member events
Six Story-Worthy Wines, Shipped Every Three Months
Each bottle is thoughtfully crafted by a group of diverse, environmentally responsible winemakers.
Sunset Recipes, Profound Pairings
Every bottle comes with exclusive tasting notes and suggested pairings for Sunset recipes, hand-picked by sommeliers.
First Shot at Rare Gems and Icons
You’ll be first in line to claim the newest, highly allocated wines. These are bottles Sunset editors stand behind and serve in their own homes.
Recipes and Wine Pairings for the 2024 Travel Issue
2021 Foppiano Vineyards, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Courtesy of Wine Access
Pairs With: Grilled Koji-Marinated Pork Loin
Zinfandel is perfect with its mix of ripe and jammy flavors and soft, easy tannins. The Foppiano has elements of umami and savory herbs that will make the koji and shiso pop on the plate.
2022 Folk Machine Pinot Noir Meeting of the Minds, Vecino Vineyard, Potter Valley
Courtesy of Wine Access
Pairs With: Grilled Sardines
The layers of this dish need to be matched in the wine. This Potter Valley Pinot Noir offers a subtle red fruit profile with loads of thyme, fennel, and sage leading to a finish of sea salt and citrus zest. It can stand tall next to a dish with such range.
2019 Le Vigne Winery Merlot, Paso Robles
Courtesy of Wine Access
Pairs With: Autumn Chicory Salad
As the weather turns and our salads get a bit heartier, so should our wines. Chicory and squash provide both sweet and bitter flavors that demand a wine with soft tannins yet big ripe fruit. A new-world Merlot from a warm region like this Le Vigne is ideal.
2022 Bernardus Winery Chardonnay, Monterey County
Courtesy of Wine Access
Pairs With: Baked Oysters with Buttery Bread Crumbs
The richness of the beurre blanc and buttery breadcrumbs is matched perfectly by this lush Chardonnay with its creamy flavors. The touch of oceanic salinity in the coast wine accentuates the briny oyster.
2019 Ovis Nero d’Avola High Valley, Lake County
Courtesy of Wine Access
Pairs With: Chicken Thigh Yakitori
With the added smokiness from the grill and bold flavor from the yuzu koshi, you need a wine with a lot of presence. This bold Nero d’Avola from Lake County packs a punch with dark berries and tobacco that shines with grilled fare.
2023 La Sirena Rosato, Amador County
Pairs With: Black Cod Chowder
The umami of the tomato and the smokiness of the fish are complemented by the savory herbal notes in the wine. Rosé is so lovely with a hearty soup because the acidity cuts through the salt and richness, making your mouth water for another bite.
Search All of Sunset’s Recipes
Keep Reading:
The Latest
Your Spice Rack Is the Only Thing You Need to Make These Easy Vegetarian Recipes
