6 Best Food and Wine Pairings in Austin for a Perfect Combination

Written By Ijaz Malik

Expert Picks

Austin, Texas has become an epicenter for food and wine enthusiasts, offering an impressive selection of pairings that elevate the dining experience. From innovative farm-to-table restaurants to chic urban wine bars, the city provides a diverse array of options for savoring the perfect food and wine combinations.

What sets Austin apart is its commitment to local ingredients and creative culinary techniques, ensuring that every pairing is not only delicious but reflective of the region's unique character. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor exploring the city, these pairings promise a memorable and satisfying gastronomic journey.

1) Cabernet Sauvignon with Texas BBQ Brisket

Texas BBQ Brisket is a staple in Austin's culinary landscape, with its rich, smoky flavors and tender texture. Pairing it with a Cabernet Sauvignon can elevate the experience to new heights. The robust, tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon complements the fatty, savory elements of brisket.

Cabernet Sauvignon's bold flavor profile, often featuring dark fruit notes and a slight smokiness, marries well with the traditionally smoked and seasoned brisket. This wine's structured tannins help to cut through the meat's richness, creating a balanced and harmonious pairing.

Austin offers several notable spots for this perfect combination. One excellent location is Franklin Barbecue, renowned for their expertly smoked brisket. For a memorable dining experience, try pairing it with a local Texan Cabernet Sauvignon.

Contact Details

2) Chardonnay with Grilled Gulf Oysters

Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with grilled Gulf oysters. The wine's crisp acidity and buttery notes complement the briny, slightly smoky flavor of the oysters. It's a perfect match for those who appreciate nuances in their food and drink pairings.

Austin's seafood scene offers several great spots to enjoy grilled Gulf oysters paired with a fine Chardonnay.

At Perla's on South Congress, patrons can enjoy freshly grilled oysters alongside a beautifully selected Chardonnay. The restaurant's emphasis on fresh seafood ensures a high-quality experience.

Address: 1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: (512) 291-7300
Website: Perla's

Clark's Oyster Bar on West 6th Street also offers an exceptional pairing experience. Their expert staff can recommend a Chardonnay that highlights the rich flavors of their grilled Gulf oysters.

Address: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Contact: (512) 297-2525
Website: Clark's Oyster Bar

Both locations provide a relaxed yet upscale ambiance, making them ideal for enjoying this classic food and wine combination. Whether you're an oyster aficionado or a casual diner, Chardonnay with grilled Gulf oysters at these Austin establishments will leave a lasting impression.

3) Malbec with Smoked Sausage

Malbec's full-bodied profile pairs excellently with the robust flavor of smoked sausage. The wine's smoky, spicy notes enhance the rich, savory elements of the sausage. High tannins in Malbec provide a satisfying contrast to the juicy, fatty texture of smoked sausage.

In Austin, Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden offers a delightful experience for this pairing. Their variety of smoked sausages, made in-house, matches well with a selection of Malbecs.

Another great option is Micklethwait Craft Meats, known for their expertly smoked sausages and a casual, inviting atmosphere. Pairing their robust sausages with Malbec creates a balanced, flavorful experience.

For a vegan-friendly alternative, try The Beer Plant, which serves plant-based smoked sausages that pair nicely with Malbec. The rich, smoky flavors of their vegan sausages are a perfect match for the wine.

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

Micklethwait Craft Meats

The Beer Plant

4) Pinot Noir with Chicken Fried Steak

Pinot Noir, known for its light body and complex flavors, pairs exceptionally well with the hearty and flavorful chicken-fried steak. This wine's acidity helps to balance the richness of the fried batter and the savory, often creamy gravy that accompanies the dish.

The earthy notes of Pinot Noir enhance the meat's natural flavors. The subtle fruitiness complements the usually hefty, seasoned coating of the steak.

For a local recommendation, try the pairing at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. Their seasoned, tender chicken-fried steak and quality Pinot Noir selection will elevate your dining experience.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Another great spot is Matt's El Rancho, known for its Southern-style menu that includes an exceptional chicken-fried steak, paired beautifully with a glass of Pinot Noir.

Matt’s El Rancho

5) Zinfandel with Spicy Tacos Al Pastor

When pairing Zinfandel with spicy tacos al pastor, each complements the other's flavors perfectly. The bold, fruity notes of Zinfandel balance the spiciness of the tacos, enhancing the dining experience.

Austin is home to many wonderful spots for this combination. One standout is Veracruz All Natural, which serves some of the best tacos al pastor in the city.

Veracruz All Natural is renowned for its fresh ingredients and flavorful marinades. The tacos al pastor, seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, pair beautifully with a glass of robust Zinfandel.

For those seeking an equally delicious pairing, La Condesa offers a gourmet experience. Their refined version of tacos al pastor, matched with a vivacious Zinfandel, is a culinary delight.

Veracruz All Natural
Address: 1704 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: veracruzallnatural.com

La Condesa
Address: 400 W 2nd St A, Austin, TX 78701
Website: lacondesa.com

6) Syrah with Beef Fajitas

Syrah, known for its bold blackberry and pepper notes, pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of beef fajitas. The spices and char from the fajitas enhance the wine's complexity, making it a captivating match.

In Austin, several restaurants excel at serving beef fajitas with an excellent Syrah. One notable place is Fonda San Miguel. Their tender, flavorful fajitas find a perfect complement in a well-selected Syrah, enhancing the dining experience.

Barley Swine also offers an impressive lineup that includes grilled beef options. The rich, smoky flavors of their dishes accentuate the deep, fruity characteristics of Syrah, providing a memorable culinary experience.

For those looking to enjoy this pairing at home, consider purchasing a bottle of Syrah from Austin Wine Merchant. This store offers a curated selection of Syrah wines that pair wonderfully with grilled or sautéed beef fajitas.

Fonda San Miguel
Address: 2330 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Contact: (512) 459-4121
Website: fondasanmiguel.com

Barley Swine
Address: 6555 Burnet Rd #400, Austin, TX 78757
Contact: (512) 394-8150
Website: barleyswine.com

Austin Wine Merchant
Address: 512 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: (512) 499-0512
Website: theaustinwinemerchant.com

The Art of Pairing

In Austin, mastering the art of pairing food and wine can elevate your culinary experience. Understanding basic principles and recognizing flavor profiles are key to achieving a harmonious balance that delights the palate.

Basic Principles of Food and Wine Pairing

Effective food and wine pairing adheres to a few essential rules. Balance is critical: a light dish pairs well with a light wine, while robust dishes require equally bold wines.

Consider acidity and sweetness: An acidic wine complements fatty foods, while sweeter wines balance spicy dishes. The pairing should enhance, not overpower, the dish and the wine.

Terroir, or the region of origin, can guide pairings. Ingredients from the same area often harmonize well.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

Matching flavor profiles is vital. Identifying the dominant flavors in a dish, such as herbal, spicy, or umami, helps in selecting the right wine.

Sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and tannin levels in wine are critical factors to consider. For example, a high-tannin wine pairs well with rich, fatty meats as it cleanses the palate.

Understanding how flavors interact allows you to create a complementary pairing. Complex wines with layered flavors often pair best with simpler dishes to highlight the wine’s nuances.

This approach ensures that each component of the meal enhances the other, creating a memorable dining experience.

Austin's Culinary Scene

Austin boasts a dynamic culinary scene, celebrated for its use of fresh, local ingredients and a vibrant mix of diverse cuisine styles.

Local Ingredients and Influences

Austin's culinary scene emphasizes farm-to-table dining, with many chefs sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets. This dedication ensures that meals feature the freshest seasonal produce, sustainably-raised meats, and artisanal products.

The city's geography and climate support a range of crops, including peaches, pecans, and various greens. Additionally, local proteins like Texas beef and Gulf seafood often star in dishes. Heritage breeds of pork and poultry raised on nearby farms also contribute unique flavors.

Farmers' markets such as the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller offer chefs and home cooks alike access to these high-quality ingredients. The influence of the local agricultural community is profound, as it shapes the menus of many restaurants in the city.

Overview of Popular Cuisine Styles in Austin

Austin is known for its eclectic mix of cuisine styles. Barbecue remains a staple, with renowned spots like Franklin Barbecue drawing crowds for their smoked brisket and ribs.

Another cornerstone is Tex-Mex, blending Mexican flavors with Texan flair. Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas are popular, often featuring grilled meats and fresh salsas. Notable eateries include Torchy's Tacos, famous for its creative taco combinations.

The city's diverse culinary landscape also encompasses upscale New American cuisine. Restaurants like Barley Swine offer tasting menus that showcase seasonal ingredients in innovative ways, paired with carefully selected wines.

For those seeking international flavors, Austin offers everything from Japanese sushi at Uchi to Italian fare at L'Oca d'Oro. These restaurants reflect the city's inclusive food culture, where diners can explore a wide array of global tastes.

By celebrating local ingredients and embracing diverse cuisine styles, Austin continues to attract food enthusiasts from around the world.

Enhancing Your Experience

A memorable food and wine pairing in Austin isn't just about the flavors but also involves the atmosphere and methods used to appreciate them. Paying attention to tasting tips and creating the right ambiance enhances the overall experience.

Tips for Tasting and Savoring

To fully appreciate food and wine pairings, start by engaging all senses. Observe the wine's color and clarity. Swirl the wine to release its aromas and take a moment to smell before tasting. With food, take small bites to avoid overwhelming the palate.

Pairing seasonal dishes with wine can elevate the dining experience. For instance, the farm-to-table offerings at Barley Swine provide a dynamic pairing opportunity due to their seasonal changes. Knowledge of wine characteristics, such as acidity and tannins, helps in understanding which wines complement specific dishes.

Key tips include:

  • Sipping slowly to savor each flavor.

  • Noting flavors like fruitiness or earthiness.

  • Experimenting with different combinations to find personal preferences.

Setting the Perfect Ambiance

The ambiance plays a crucial role in enhancing food and wine pairings. Soft lighting and comfortable seating create a relaxed environment, allowing guests to focus on the flavors. Playing soft background music can also contribute to a pleasurable dining experience without overwhelming conversation.

In Austin, the vibe of the city can be embraced to enhance the ambiance. Many restaurants like Emmer & Rye offer open-kitchen layouts and cozy settings that reflect the local culture. Dining outdoors or in intimate spaces can improve the sensory enjoyment of a meal.

Optimal conditions include:

  • Comfortable temperature settings.

  • Minimal distractions, allowing focus on the meal.

  • Thoughtful decor that complements the dining experience.

These elements together can turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary journey.

Ijaz Malik
Previous

10 Best Food Influencers in Austin to Follow Now
Next

9 Best Food-Themed Events in Austin