Sip & Savor: Wine Pairings for Your Favorite Fair Foods

Eating at the Fair is easy with these Wine Tips

When it comes to wine pairings, we often think of elegant meals and candlelit dinners. But what if we took that same pairing magic and brought it to the fairgrounds? Yes, you can pair wine with your favorite indulgent fair foods—and the results might surprise (and delight) you. From crunchy corn dogs to sweet funnel cakes, here’s how to elevate your next fair feast with the perfect glass of wine.

Download our Fair Food & Wine Cheat Sheet here!

Fair Food & Wine Pairings

🍢 Corn Dogs + Sparkling Wine

Crispy, golden-brown corn batter wrapped around a savory hot dog—what’s not to love? The fair classic corn dog pairs wonderfully with a brut sparkling wine. The bubbles cut through the grease and refresh your palate between bites, while the dry finish balances the salty richness.

🧀 Cheese Dogs + Rosé

Take the corn dog up a notch with melted cheese and you’ve got yourself a cheese dog. With a bit more richness and creaminess, pair it with a dry rosé. The wine’s bright acidity and fruit-forward notes complement the salt and fat without overpowering the dish.

🦞 Lobster Nachos + Chardonnay

Decadent, creamy, and a little unexpected—lobster nachos call for a buttery Chardonnay. The wine’s richness matches the luxe seafood and cheese combo, while its acidity keeps things from feeling too heavy.

🍚 Chicken Teriyaki Bowl + Viognier

With sweet and savory teriyaki glaze over grilled chicken and rice, a Viognier is a standout pairing. This aromatic white wine has floral and stone fruit notes that play beautifully with the sauce’s umami and sweetness.

🍰 Funnel Cake/Cotton Candy + Sparkling Rosé

For dessert, nothing screams “fair” quite like a hot funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar. Pair it with a still or sparkling rosé—light, slightly sweet, and full of red berry charm. The effervescence lifts the doughy richness and highlights the sweet finish.

🐖 Pulled Pork Sandwich + Tempranillo

Smoky, saucy pulled pork calls for something with structure and depth—enter Tempranillo. This Spanish red brings just the right balance of earthy tannins and cherry fruit to complement BBQ flavors. You can get pulled pork sandwiches, or pulled pork fries.

🌽 Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob + Grenache

Charred corn slathered in butter or elote-style toppings needs a wine that can keep up. A juicy Grenache with red fruit, a touch of spice, and a smooth finish pairs perfectly with the corn’s sweetness and smoky notes.

🍢 Chicken Veggie Skewers + Pinot Noir

Light, grilled chicken and veggies on a stick deserve a wine that enhances without overwhelming. A Pinot Noir—known for its elegance and food-friendliness—is a perfect match. Its subtle cherry and earthy notes pair well with grilled flavors and keep the vibe casual yet refined.

🎡 Bonus Tip: Cabernet Sauvignon + Fair Nights

If your fair evening ends with heartier fare—think turkey legs, beefy sandwiches, or a second round of BBQ—don’t shy away from a Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bold tannins and dark fruit can stand up to the richest flavors on the midway.

Final Sip:
Fair food and wine may not be the most traditional duo, but they’re a delicious reminder that good wine isn’t just for fancy dinners. It’s for corn dogs, cotton candy skies, and the joy of summer nights. So next time you head to the fair, save this post (or download our cheat sheet), and taste the magic of pairing the unexpected.