When it comes to pairing food and wine, most people think about proteins and sauces — steak with Cabernet, fish with Chardonnay. However, some of the most exciting pairings occur when you take a closer look at the flavors that bring a dish to life: the herbs and spices.
Herbs and spices are the backbone of American home cooking — from basil and oregano in Italian-inspired dishes to rosemary and sage in hearty fall roasts, and cilantro and cumin in vibrant Southwestern fare. What’s fascinating is that many of these ingredients share the same aroma compounds as wine. This overlap is what allows a wine to harmonize with the flavors in your food — a concept known as congruent pairing.
Take black pepper and Syrah (or Willowcroft’s Chambourcin), for example. Both contain a spicy, floral compound called rotundone. When you match them together, the shared flavors amplify each other — making both the dish and the wine taste even better.
Let’s explore some common herbs and spices — and which Willowcroft wines best bring out their magic.
🌿 Herbs and Their Perfect Pairings
- Basil
Fragrant, sweet, and slightly peppery, basil enhances tomato-based dishes, pesto, and grilled vegetables. Try it with Willowcroft Albariño or Seyval Blanc, both of which have bright acidity and citrus notes that balance basil’s freshness. - Oregano
Earthy and slightly bitter, oregano complements Italian dishes and roasted meats. Its herbal complexity pairs beautifully with Merlot or Cabernet Franc, which echo its savory undertones with notes of dried herbs and spice. - Cilantro
Love it or leave it, cilantro adds a zesty lift to Latin and Asian-inspired cuisine. Its citrusy, green aroma pairs nicely with Riesling or Vidal Blanc — wines that mirror its freshness and can handle a touch of spice in tacos, seafood, or curries. - Parsley
Mild and grassy, parsley acts as a flavor brightener in many American dishes. Its subtlety works well with crisp white wines like Chardonnay (Cold Steel) or Albariño, especially when paired with seafood, chicken, or lemony pasta. - Thyme
Earthy, woodsy, and slightly minty, thyme brings depth to roasted poultry, root vegetables, and stews. It’s a natural companion to Petit Verdot, whose dark fruit and spice create a cozy, autumnal balance.
🌶️ Spices That Sing with Willowcroft Wines
- Cinnamon
Used in both savory and sweet dishes, cinnamon pairs wonderfully with Applause, our dry apple wine. The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle sweetness complement the warmth of cinnamon — think spiced apple tarts or roasted squash. - Cumin
Smoky and nutty, cumin enhances everything from chili to roasted carrots. Pair it with Chambourcin, whose spicy character and smooth texture match cumin’s earthy depth. - Garlic
A staple in nearly every kitchen, garlic adds a punch of flavor and savoriness. To balance its intensity, opt for a white with bright acidity, such as Traminette or Seyval Blanc. Their floral and citrus notes cut through the richness of garlic without overpowering it. - Black Pepper
As mentioned earlier, peppery notes in Chambourcin or a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon make this one of the most harmonious pairings around. Try black pepper-crusted steak or roasted mushrooms for a perfect match. - Paprika
Smoky, sweet, or spicy, depending on the variety, paprika pairs nicely with wines that have a touch of fruit and spice. Merlot and Petit Verdot both complement paprika’s warmth — especially in dishes like roasted chicken, grilled sausage, or goulash.
🌾 Other Herbs Worth Exploring
- Rosemary
With its piney, resinous aroma, rosemary finds a friend in Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. These structured reds mirror rosemary’s intensity, making them perfect alongside lamb, beef, or roasted root vegetables. - Sage
Sage has a savory, almost peppery flavor that pairs well with earthy dishes like roasted turkey or butternut squash risotto. Try it with Chardonnay Reserve, which has just enough oak and roundness to complement sage’s herbal character. - Chili Powder
For spice lovers, Riesling or Traminette offer just the right contrast. Their slightly off-dry profiles and floral aromatics help tame heat while letting flavor shine. - Dill
Bright and citrusy, dill complements seafood and creamy sauces. A crisp Albariño or Vidal Blanc balances its freshness beautifully — try with lemon-dill salmon or crab cakes, two Mid-Atlantic favorites.
🥂 Bringing It All Together
Pairing wine with herbs and spices is less about memorizing rules and more about understanding flavor relationships.
When similar aroma compounds appear in both the wine and the food — like pepper in Chambourcin or citrus in Albariño — the pairing feels seamless and natural.
So next time you’re cooking, look at the herb or spice that defines your dish and reach for a Willowcroft wine that shares those same notes. You’ll be amazed at how much more vibrant both taste when they meet in the middle.
Explore more pairings and wines at WillowcroftWine.com or visit our tasting room high on the Catoctin Ridge, where our wines and Virginia-grown flavors truly come together.