The Ultimate Burger and Wine Pairing Guide

Wine with burgers? Absolutely—we’re all in for it! Forget everything you thought you knew about wine being reserved for fine dining and candlelit soirées. Burgers and wine are the power duo we never knew we needed—until now. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ, building a gourmet patty masterpiece, or reheating last night’s takeout, the right wine pairing can take your burger game from tasty to next level.

In this ultimate guide to burger and wine pairing, we’re breaking down the best wines to sip with everything from juicy beef burgers to veggie-packed patties. You’ll learn which wine goes with hamburgers (and cheeseburgers, and chicken burgers… you get the idea), how to pair based on toppings and sauces, and which La Crema wines to stock up on for your next burger night. Let’s uncork the fun and discuss the best wines for burgers

The Best Wine Pairings for Burgers

Not all wines are created equal when it comes to complementing burgers. Here’s are the top six wine varieties that can take your burger experience to new heights:

Pinot Noir

Light and silky yet packed with flavor, Pinot Noir is a versatile choice for burgers. Its bright red fruit, earthy undertones, and balanced acidity make it a star alongside beef, turkey, and especially mushroom-based burgers. La Crema’s Pinot Noir portfolio offers a wide range of styles—from silky to structured—perfect for whatever burger mood you’re in.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich and bold, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs seamlessly with heartier burgers like beef or lamb. Its full-bodied texture, dark fruit flavors, and robust tannins stand up to the juiciness of a classic cheeseburger or a smoky bacon burger. Round, soft, and brimming with juicy acidity, La Crema’s Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is sublime with burgers off the grill.

Chardonnay

Think white wine can’t work with burgers? Think again. Chardonnay’s creamy texture and hints of oak or vanilla shine alongside chicken or mushroom burgers—or even a classic cheeseburger—creating a smooth, satisfying pairing. Explore barrel-aged options from diverse winemaking regions in La Crema’s Chardonnay collection.

Rosé

Don’t sleep on rosé—it’s crisp, refreshing, and can play well with everything from turkey burgers to spicy jalapeño patties. Bonus: it’s pink and fun. What more could you want? Choose a La Crema rosé for a flawless pairing partner.

Sauvignon Blanc

This zesty white takes veggie, turkey, and chicken burgers to a new dimension. Its citrusy brightness and herbal notes harmonize with lighter patties and toppings like avocado, goat cheese, or fresh herbs. Find the perfect bottle in La Crema’s Sauvignon Blanc collection.

Do White Wines Pair Well with Burgers?

We’re here to preach the gospel of white wines with burgers—think crisp, zesty whites that cut through richness and amplify every bite! While red wines often steal the spotlight, certain white wines pair beautifully with burgers. Here’s how to match them:

• Turkey Burgers harmonize with Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay, which balance the lean protein’s light flavors.

• Veggie Burgers go well with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc, which highlight the natural ingredients without overpowering them.

• Chicken Burgers benefit from the creamy richness of Chardonnay or a lively Pinot Gris.

The Best Wines to Pair with Different Types of Burgers

Here’s your cheat sheet for pairing wines with just about every burger under the sun.

Classic Beef Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

• • Why: These bold, fruit-forward wines match the rich, umami-packed flavors of a juicy beef patty.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Cheeseburger

• • Wine Pairings: Malbec, Pinot Noir

• • Why: Malbec’s dark berry flavors meld with creamy cheese, while Pinot Noir’s acidity cuts through the burger’s richness.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

Bacon Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

• • Why: The smokiness of bacon pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir, the tannins of Cabernet, and the smoky, bacon notes in Syrah.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Mushroom and Swiss Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

• • Why: Earthy mushrooms love Pinot’s forest floor vibes, and creamy Swiss cheese is a dream with a mouth-filling Chardonnay.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Tidal Break Vineyard Chardonnay

Spicy Jalapeño Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Zinfandel, Rosé

• • Why: The fruity notes in Zinfandel tame the heat, while rosé offers a refreshing contrast.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé

Chicken Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris

• • Why: Chardonnay’s creamy texture complements grilled chicken, while Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity brightens the flavors. Pinot Gris’s subtle fruitiness enhances the grilled char note of a chicken burger without overpowering its flavors.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris

Turkey Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc

• • Why: These lighter wines balance turkey’s lean profile with lively acidity and gentle fruit notes.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Veggie Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé

• • Why: Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrancy complements fresh veggies, while rosé and Pinot Noir add a dynamic layer of flavor.

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

Lamb Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

• • Why: Pinot Noir’s vibrant acidity cuts through lamb’s rich, gamey flavors while Cabernet’s bold tannins and rich dark fruit flavors stand up to meat’s hearty, savory profile.

• • Try It With: Lamb Burgers with Lemon Garlic Aioli

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Pork Burger

• • Wine Pairings: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

• • Why: Chardonnay’s subtle oak notes and Pinot Noir’s fruitiness enrich pork’s slight sweetness while the acidity of both wines cuts through the meat’s fat content.

• • Try It With: Al Pastor Burger with Spicy Pineapple Sauce

• • Recommended Wine: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

5 Expert Pairing Tips for Your Burger and Wine Experience

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pairing burgers with wine. But here are five juicy tips to make your next pairing even more delicious:

1. Consider the Cheese: From sharp cheddar to bold blue, cheese transforms the flavor game. Bold, strong cheeses go great with reds like Cabernet or Zinfandel, while creamy, mellow cheeses find harmony in a Chardonnay or Pinot.
2. Match the Toppings: Lettuce and tomato differ greatly from caramelized onions and BBQ sauce. Factor in your burger’s toppings when deciding on a wine to ensure harmony. Got caramelized onions? Go with a wine that can handle sweetness, like Zinfandel. Adding avocado? Try a Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness.
3. Don’t Forget the Bun: Brioche buns love Chardonnay’s buttery notes, while a hearty whole wheat bun might stand up better to a structured Pinot Noir.
4. Balancing Sauces and Condiments: Tangy BBQ? Sweet ketchup? Spicy Sriracha mayo? Choose a wine that complements—not clashes. Acidic or spicy sauces benefit from fruity, lower-tannin wines like Pinot Noir while creamy mayonnaise and aioli sauces call for richer whites like Chardonnay.
5. Experiment with Unusual Pairings: Don’t be afraid to step outside the box! Spicy burgers with sweet Riesling or lamb burgers with a bold Syrah could surprise you. Try a rosé with a bacon cheeseburger or a sparkling wine with a fried chicken burger. Have fun with it—the best pairing is the one that speaks to you.

Match Your Burger with the Perfect La Crema Wine

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that wine with burgers isn’t just acceptable—it’s essential. Whether you’re going classic with beef and Cab, keeping it light with chicken and Chardonnay, or getting wild with jalapeños and rosé, there’s a La Crema wine that will make your burger moment pop.

Explore La Crema’s extensive wine portfolio to find your next favorite burger buddy. For more food pairing inspiration, recipe ideas, and wine tips, head over to the La Crema Blog. You’ll find tasty creations from our in-house culinary queen, Tracey Shepos Cenami, who knows a thing or two about making magic in the kitchen—and on the grill.