March Madness Slam Dunk Wine Pairings 2023

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March Madness Slam Dunk Wine Pairings 2023

  • Mar 02, 2023
  • By The Vineyard Vixen

NCAA March Madness starts next week. It's time to get your brackets ready and round up your friends. We've got some slam dunk wine and food pairings to make you the champion of game night.

2023 March Madness selection day is coming up this Sunday, March 12th.  It’s time to get your brackets ready and plan you game night viewing parties now! Maybe it’s the long winter, but I am beyond bursting at the seams for springtime fun and entertaining.  I will use any excuse to host a get together and while I do not really follow basketball any other time of year, I have always been a fan of March Madness. So, this year I am hosting a few game nights and  throwing down some slam dunk snack food and white wine pairings.  This is the perfect opportunity to scratch that entertaining itch while exploring a variety of “spring” wines and determine which will become the “final four” that I stock my cellar with for the upcoming brunch season.

 

 

Slam Dunk Wine & Food Pairings

Spicy Wings + Vidal Blanc

I am a sucker for hot wings.  Honestly, I have happily made a meal out of a plate of wings on more than one occasion. I prefer to bake my wings for a perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside delight.  I really like the recipe for hot and spicy wings from Gimme Delicious Hot and Spicy Wings they are flavorful, crisp and pack the heat.  These spicy little numbers pair wonderfully with Vidal Blanc. One to try is Cana Vineyards Rhapsody in White.  The bright acidity of this wine balances the richness of the crispy chicken skin and buttery goodness in the sauce while the slight sweetness harmonizes the spicy heat. 

Mini Corn Dogs + Sauvignon Blanc

Corn dogs are delicious and a crowd pleaser. The savory crispy cornmeal outside with the umami of a juicy frankfurter inside is a culinary delight in and of itself.  What could make it better? Pairing with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc of course!  I like to bake up a tray of mini corn dogs for parties for an easy finger food and pair with one of my favorite SB’s, from St. Supery.

Fried Mac n Cheese + Viognier

Viognier pairs well with semi-soft cheeses such as Comte, Gruyere and Emmenthal.  So, it stands to reason it also pairs swimmingly with mac n cheese.  Add a crispy buttery coating (like this recipe from Southern Living Fried Mac n Cheese Bites) along with Dubost Winery Alexandrine from Dubost Wines and my friends you have a heavenly pairing!

Potato Chips + Champagne

The absolute easiest and possibly most addicting pairing is classic salty potato chips and Champagne.  This is a o fuss, no muss winner. Just pop the cork, open the bag and savor the blissful combination.  If you want to take it up a notice procure a bag of Truffle Potato Chips such as Torres or Kettle Brand and be fancy like that. Or go all out and splurge on a bottle of Schramsberg J. Schram Blancs as well as crème fraiche and caviar to top your chips.

Featured Tasting Rooms

Fresh Spring Events

Thank Goodness It's Friday! - Fairplay, CA

Skinner Vineyards & Winery

Thank Goodness It's Friday! - Fairplay, CA

Somerset, CA

Friday, March 10, 2023, 12:00 PM

Rhythm Method Trio at Mankas Gardens

Vezer Family Vineyard

Rhythm Method Trio at Mankas Gardens

Fairfield, CA

Friday, March 10, 2023, 6:00 PM

Cooking Party with the Chef - Irish

Messina Hof Estate Winery and Resort

Cooking Party with the Chef - Irish

Bryan, TX

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 1:00 PM

Spring Wine Club Gathering

Boeger Winery

Spring Wine Club Gathering

Placerville, CA

Saturday, March 25, 2023, 11:00 AM

Behind the Cellar Door 2023

Amador Vintners

Behind the Cellar Door 2023

 

Saturday, March 25, 2023, 10:30 AM

Easter Brunch & Bubbles Charcuterie Class

Messina Hof Grapevine Winery

Easter Brunch & Bubbles Charcuterie Class

Grapevine, TX

Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 AM

Spring Winemaker Dinner

1850 Wine Cellars

Spring Winemaker Dinner

Sutter Creek, CA

Friday, April 7, 2023, 5:30 PM

Wildflowers and Wine 2023

Wine on 49

Wildflowers and Wine 2023

Sutter Creek, CA

Sunday, April 16, 2023, 11:00 AM

Dueling Pianos!

Acumen Wine

Dueling Pianos!

Napa, CA

Friday, April 21, 2023, 7:00 PM

Wine on the Rock: Wine & Cheese

Winery Alliance of Bainbridge Island

Wine on the Rock: Wine & Cheese

Bainbridge Island, WA

Thursday, May 11, 2023, 12:00 PM

Win Tickets to Bottle Rock Napa Valley

Bottle Rock Napa Valley has become one of the most anticipated music, wine, and food events of the year. With a stellar lineup of performances, premium wines and drool worthy culinary options, set in the world famous Napa Valley, it's no wonder why.  

Prepare to dance, sip and nosh 'til your heart's content for three music filled days this Memorial Day weekend.  Attended by locals including legendary winemakers and Napa Valley's culinary celebrities alike, you never know who you might bump into while you're swaying and bopping to your favorite bands.

Become  a Cellar Scout member to make your star studded wine country experience even better.  Cellar Scouts receive VIP benefits at participating tasting rooms including special pricing for tastings, Club Member for a day perks, and more.  

Purchase a Cellar Scout membership and be automatically entered to win a pair of 3-Day Tickets to Bottle Rock Napa Valley!  Click here to become a Cellar Scout and view full give-a-way details.

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