At Rico Wine Park & Vineyards, we believe that a great meal becomes unforgettable when paired with the right wine. If you’re exploring the flavorful world of Indian cuisine, don’t shy away from pairing it with wine — even if your go-to has always been a chilled beer or a traditional sweet lassi. With the right match, wine can enhance the complexity of spices and elevate your entire dine and wine experience.
Wine and Indian Food Pairing
Unlike other cuisines, pairing wine with Indian food isn’t just about the protein — it’s all about the spices. Whether you’re having lamb, chicken, or paneer, the spice blend is what dominates the dish. Indian staples like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cardamom bring flavour without necessarily adding heat. For richly spiced yet milder dishes, try white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Bordeaux Blanc. If your dish is fiery (think Chicken Vindaloo), reach for slightly sweeter wines like Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Grüner Veltliner to soothe your palate.
Also, consider the sauce — whether it’s creamy, tomato-based, or herb-forward. Sauces impact the acidity and texture of the dish, which should complement the wine’s profile. For example, rich curries pair well with red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, but if the dish is spicy, go for lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay to avoid intensifying the heat.
Wine Pairing Guide for Popular Indian Dishes
Butter Chicken
Pairs beautifully with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Merlot, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The creamy texture of the curry is complemented well by both red and white wines with good acidity.
Saag Paneer
This earthy, spinach-based dish works well with German Riesling or sparkling wines, enhancing its herbal tones while offering a refreshing contrast.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Packed with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, this dish is delicious alongside Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris — both offering fruity notes that round off the spice.
Lamb Korma
Mild but packed with flavour from nuts and spices, this dish is a match for Zinfandel or Viognier — wines with a touch of sweetness and higher alcohol that balance the creamy texture.
Chicken Vindaloo
Infamously hot, this dish demands a gentle pairing like Grüner Veltliner or Chenin Blanc to keep your palate cool and enhance the tangy vinegar notes.
Biryani
Aromatic and often fiery, Biryani is best paired with a light Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris — flavorful enough to match the dish without overwhelming it.
Experience Wine Like Never Before – Right Here in Bangalore!
While Indian food is traditionally paired with beer or lassi, wine tasting in Bangalore is on the rise — and there’s no better place to explore pairings than at Rico Wine Park & Vineyards, one of the most scenic vineyards in Bangalore. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a weekend wine tour in Bangalore, or a relaxing wine and dine-out, our vineyard in Bangalore offers a curated experience for food and wine lovers alike.
Walk through our lush estate on a vineyard tour in Bangalore, enjoy our exquisite red wine, white wine, and even port wine, and discover how varietals like Shiraz wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chenin Blanc can enhance your favourite Indian meals.
Whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or someone just curious about wineries in the region, make sure your next wine tour in Bangalore includes a visit to Rico Wine Park & Vineyards — where every sip tells a story and every meal becomes an experience.
