Politically Incorrect Food Pyramid for Wine Drinkers

Written by Madeline Puckette

Let’s be honest here: when you’re out for a serious night of wine drinking what should you eat? Take a look as we tackle this question with a complete disregard to health (although Dr. Miller says the French Paradox Diet is legit!). The Wine Drinker’s Food Pyramid came to be whilst drinking with a group of winemakers and sommeliers in South Africa after a spirited Pinotage tasting. Naturally, it’s very scientific, because experts were involved.

Food Pyramid for Wine Drinkers

wine-food-pyramid

A proper night of drinking includes 5 sections

Liquids

Aperitif
In the form of a sparkling wine or a mixed cocktail. Examples include: a gin and tonic, sparkling wine or beer.
White wine
Are you with mixed company ( you know, the ones you wouldn’t drunkenly skinny dip with)? Then pick something that won’t make anyone angry. Sadly, this leaves you only 2 varieties: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. However, if you’re with serious wine drinkers, you’ll be surprised how many of them will drool over a slightly sweet Riesling or Chenin Blanc.
Red wine
The better your friendship, the older the bottle.
Dessert wine
Substitute your desire for something sweet with a glass of dessert wine. What we’re drinking right now: Vin Santo, PX, late harvest Riesling, Pinot Noir and Port.
Amaro
When you’ve become too hairy (or hoary) for late night coffee and need to settle the nightmare of drinks you’ve just put into your body, it’s time for an Amaro.

Tips on drinking well

  1. Forget ordering by the glass, make sure you’re with enough pals to get a bottle.
  2. Water is essential, drink a full glass with every serving.
  3. If you are sensitive to alcohol (something I’ve always had a problem with) portion control is your friend

Written byMadeline Puckette

James Beard Award-winning author and Wine Communicator of the Year. I co-founded Wine Folly to help people learn about wine. @WineFolly