12 National and Regional Fast Food and Wine Pairings
We are firm believers in casual food and wine pairings. That’s why we love these fast food and wine pairings from our favorite fast food restaurants.
Sometimes you have to treat yourself to a greasy bag of fast food and there is nothing wrong with that! In fact, we encourage it! Adding a little bit of wine to your fast food dinner is a great way to elevate the flavors in your meal and make yourself feel extra fancy!
National Fast Food and Wine Pairings
1. McDonald’s French Fries and Champagne
McDonald’s fries are salty, crunchy goodness that go perfectly with a glass of Champagne or other sparkling wine.
The bubbles and acidity from the champagne will cut through the salty french fries. This will bring out more of that crunch from the fries.
Our favorite wine for this pairing is the Aromica Sparkling Wine. This crisp wine has fruity flavor of green apple and citrus along with toasted almond and brioche aromas.
[mc4wp_form id=”7238″]2. The Original Chick-Fil-a Sandwich and Sauvignon Blanc
The Original Chick-Fil-a sandwich features a crispy chicken patty seasoned to perfection. Along with pickles and your choice of sauce – our favorite is the Chick-fil-a sauce!
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc will bring out the green and herbaceous flavors in the toasted chicken patty. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its green flavors along with its bright acidity.
We like to pair this fast food meal with a glass of our Watchkeeper Sauvignon Blanc! This medium-light bodied white wine shows a zippy acidity with flavor notes of citrus, green pear, and fresh herbs.
3. Panda Express’ Kung Pao Chicken and Riesling
Chinese food and wine pairings are one of our favorite combinations!
The Kung Pao Chicken has a hint of spice to it. To minimize the spice go with an ice cold glass of Riesling! The aromatic orchard fruit flavors and slight sweetness will complement the spicy flavors from the chicken.
4. McDonald’s Big Mac and Pinot Noir
Two beef patties with pickles, onions, secret sauce, and American cheese all come together with a glass of Pinot Noir.
A light-bodied Pinot Noir has earthy and red fruit flavor notes that will harmonize with the Big Mac’s savory flavors.
When a Big Mac is what we’re craving we go with a Silverscape Pinot Noir. This light-bodied red wine has a bright acidity with dominant flavor notes of ripe red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. Along with the bright fruit flavors you’ll also taste hints of earth and baking spices.
5. Wendy’s Baconator and Tempranillo
½ pound of beef meets 6 slices of applewood smoked bacon!
This bacon lover’s dream pairs with a glass of Spain’s favorite wine – Tempranillo! This dry red wine features flavors of cherry, dill, cedar, and dried fig. The wine velvety smooth tannins will be the perfect way to wash down this fast food masterpiece.
The Grasp + Grabble Tempranillo was aged 20 months in French oak which gives this red wine roasted coffee flavor notes along with rich fruit notes of black cherry and sweet plum. The chewy tannins and full body in this wine will be a great addition to this bacon overload.
6. Taco Bell Crunchwrap and Verdejo
Crunchy on the outside and filled with a delicious blend of meat, cheese, and flavors on the inside.
Verdejo (ver-day-ho) is a great wine to pair with your Taco Bell Crunchwrap. This herbaceous white wine is similar to Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine features flavor notes of lime, honeydew, and fennel.
7. McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets and Rosé
These crunchy and deep fried chicken nuggets go great with a glass of rosé.
Whether you dip them in ranch, ketchup, BBQ, or honey mustard rosé will help cleanse your palate for whatever you dip your chicken nugget in next.
We like to go with the Petal Press Wine Co. Columbia Valley Rosé for this deep fried pairing! This zesty and bright rosé bring flavors of lemon, lime, strawberry, and raspberry.
8. Qdoba Chicken Burrito and Sauvignon Blanc
I think we all agree that guac shouldn’t be extra, but beggars can’t be choosers, we guess.
Whatever you load up your chicken burrito with, pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This light bodied white wine has flavor notes of orchard fruit and herbs. The green herbaceous flavors will mix in with all the flavors in your burrito.
9. Wingstop Garlic Parm Wings and Pinot Grigio
Whether you like bone-in or boneless these garlic parm wings are full of flavor.
The garlic parm sauce has delicious, zesty herb flavors. Pair this combination with a glass of Pinot Grigio. The flavors of white peach, lemon zest, and crushed gravel perfectly complement the herbaceous notes in the wings.
The Sprig and Rose Pinot Grigio is a dry and acidic white wine with flavors of tart lemon, bright green apple, and a hint of honey. These zippy flavors will pair perfectly with the herby garlic flavors in the wing’s sauce.
Regional Fast Food Favorites
Do you have a favorite regional fast food that you claim is the BEST?
10. In-n-Out Double-Double Burger and Gamay
In-n-Out is a California Burger chain that can be found throughout the Southwest and Pacific Coast.
The famous In-n-Out Double-Double Burger features two juicy patties with all the works! Pair this delicious creation with a glass of Gamay. This light-bodied, fruit-forward and sometimes earthy red wine is a great addition to your In-n-Out Burger.
The flavor notes of blackberry bramble, violet, and potting soil will elevate the double flavors in the burger patties.
11. Culver’s Concrete Mixer and Moscato D’asti
This Midwest favorite is known for their Butter Burgers, crispy cheese curds, and creamy custard!
After indulging in one of their Butter Burgers, try a Concrete Mixer! This Midwestern twist on a classic shake is a blend of your favorite custard and whatever toppings you want to add in!
If you’re a vanilla fan go with a jammy Zinfandel. This will give the custard a strawberry sundae taste.
If chocolate is your go to – Brachetto d’Acqui is your wine! This sweet wine is semi-sparkling red with flavor notes of strawberry, black currant, and cream.
Or you can never go wrong with a Moscato d’asti!
12. Whataburger Jalapeno & Cheese Burger and Chardonnay
Spice up your burger game with Whataburgers Jalapeno & Cheese burger! This Texas fast food chain is known for their burgers that leave you stunned and wanting more.
Pair this spicy burger with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay! An unoaked Chardonnay features flavor notes of yellow apple, pineapple, and vanilla. These tropical fruit flavors will calm the spicy flavor while bringing out the other savory flavors.
The Humdrum Chardonnay is our go-to for this fast food pairing. This full-bodied white wine features flavor notes of apples, citrus, and tropical fruits. Weighty on the palate and rich and opulent in texture, this Chardonnay will bring together all the flavors in the spicy burger.
In Vino Finito
What’s your go-to fast food meal?
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