If you’re a beer lover interested in exploring the world of wine, or a wine lover who doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with choices the next time they walk into a brewery, it’s time to explore this guide of wine for beer drinkers…or beer for wine lovers.
Vail Oktoberfest
Last month I was at a large dinner party sitting across from a couple sipping beer while eating steak. Being the wine person that I am I had to ask, why they didn’t try the red wine being freely poured down the table. Turns out, they were huge beer connoisseurs and didn’t really like wine, which is totally cool (not really, but to each their own) so I started inquiring about the types of beers they liked to sip. Like me with wine, their beer preference depended on the occasion and food they were eating. (Ok, respect.)
The conversation turned to a topic I was less interested in so I let my mind contemplate wines that might have similar characteristics to beer – the weight, texture, flavors, etc. When the conversation lulled I went back to my wine and beer topic. The wife had mentioned she really liked Wheat Ale, which is smooth, creamy, refreshing with hints of citrus flavors; this combo can be complex on the palate. I mentioned this to her and suggested she might like Sauvignon Blanc since it also has citrus flavors. Given the wine freely around the room, we asked the waiter to bring a little for her to sip. It was a winner!
My experimentation took over, and maybe the wine being freely poured, but I had her try a Syrah since she also loved IPAs. Another winner.
I don’t think I converted her to being a total wine lover, but maybe more of an open minded wine-tryer. That would be a win for me… I can say I came home and started looking more into the characteristics of beer and wine to see how the style of one can transition to the other based on their weight, texture, and tasting notes — like fruit, herbs, and earth.
Choosing a wine similar to the style of beer you like based on its weight, texture and flavor notes like fruit, herbs, and earth is where to start when considering wine for beer drinkers It’s been a fun experimentation process and I wanted to share my results – so far – when it comes to wine for beer drinkers.
Wines for Beer Drinkers
A portion of this article appeared in my column in the Vail Daily.
American Lagers = Cava, Champagne or Pinot Grigio
There are so many types of lagers so let’s focus on American Lagers such as Coors Light, Bud Light, Budweiser, Miller Light, Heineken and Corona. These are light, refreshing and have great carbonation. With bubbles in mind, Cava and Champagne are both light and on the dry side, they offer similar textures. Don’t want the bubbles, Pinot Grigio is a light, dry white wine that’s a good substitute for an American Lager.
“I drink wine for its complexity and I tend to drink beer for its refreshing qualities, though those are not exclusive with each. For example, if I wanted to drink wine for the refreshing characteristics of beer (like a Pilsner or lager) then Champagne or white wine are wonderful substitutes. Champagne because of the bubbles, and both Champagne and white wine because they are served cold and generally have lower alcohol (though higher than beer, low compared to red wines).”
There are various types of IPAs, but they are generally medium-bodied beers with stronger, bitter flavors including a little fruit and a lot of hops. Heavier red wines higher in alcohol tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are good suggestions.
Wheat Ale = Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Wheat beers are smooth, creamy, refreshing with hints of citrus flavors, this combo can be complex on the palate. Chardonnay is a richer, creamier white wine with complex flavors as well. For those wheat beer lovers who like more of the citrus flavors, a Sauvignon Blanc might be the better choice, especially if you sip one that’s been oaked, as it adds a little more richness and creaminess to the flavor.
I biked across Belgium for Trappist beers when I was younger. I went to all of the Trappist Monasteries. I used to love big, powerful beers. Now I drink wheat beers. What people drink is a very subjective thing. One thing I can tell you, after doing harvest with the Dagueneau family in Pouilly-Fume years ago, it takes a whole lot of beer to make good wine.
Most pale ales are mellow beers rich in body with balanced bitterness. For those beer lovers who dig the hoppy notes of a Pale Ale, the crisp citrus flavors in a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc can do the trick. On the lighter red side of the wine world, the earthy, fruit-forward flavors of Pinot Noir and Gamay are also great options.
Porters & Stouts = Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah
Porters and Stouts both have dark, rich intense and concentrated flavors. With that in mind, a heavier red wine higher in alcohol and rich tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah would be an obvious suggestion.A Port red wine could also be nice.
Hefeweizen = Orange Wine, Oaked Chardonnay
A rich, golden Hefeweizen is silky and layered with flavors of banana and clove. A wine similar to the style of this beer would be a medium-bodied white wine with rich creaminess. I would suggest an orange wine or oaked Chardonnay.
Cider = Prosecco, Cava, Sparkling Wine or Champagne
Light and fizzy ciders have similar bubbles, aka texture, as sparkling wines. The sweetness of the ciders meshes better with Proseccos but Cava, Sparkling Wine and Champagne can be just as good.
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.
