People often say “white wine with fish” and leave it at that. But that’s a bit like saying “red wine with meat” it’s not exactly wrong, but it misses out on some of the finer details.
The truth is that different fish have completely different textures and flavours. An oily fillet of salmon needs something entirely different to a delicate sea bass, while a perfectly battered fish and chips deserves a pairing that’s a little more celebratory for your Friday takeaway.
1. Best Wine With Salmon: Chardonnay or Viognier
Salmon is one of the richest fish you’ll find. Its natural oils give it a luxurious texture that can easily overwhelm lighter, more delicate wines. This is where a richer-bodied white really shines.
A well-balanced Chardonnay, particularly one with a touch of oak, has enough body and creamy texture to stand up to the richness of the fish. Notes of butter, toasted nuts and ripe stone fruit complement grilled or roasted salmon beautifully.
If Chardonnay isn’t your thing, Viognier is another excellent choice. Its aromatic profile of apricot, peach and honeysuckle brings plenty of richness without becoming too heavy, making it a superb match for baked or pan-fried salmon.
2. Best Wine With Sea Bass: Albariño or Vinho Verde
Sea bass is a much more delicate fish, so the wine should lift its flavours rather than dominate them.
Albariño is one of our go-to recommendations. Bright citrus, peach and saline minerality make it feel as though it was made for seafood. That crisp acidity enhances the freshness of the fish while the mineral edge mirrors the flavours of the sea. Vinho Verde is another brilliant option if you’re looking for something light and refreshing. Often slightly spritzy, it’s incredibly easy-drinking and makes a wonderful companion to simply grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs. Sometimes the simplest pairings are the most satisfying.
3. Best Wine With Fish & Chips: Champagne or Traditional Method Sparkling Wine
One of the greatest food and wine pairings you’ll ever try is fish and chips with a quality traditional method sparkling wine. Whether it’s Champagne or an English sparkling wine, the high acidity and fine bubbles cut straight through the crispy batter and richness of the chips. The result is a pairing that feels fresh, vibrant and surprisingly elegant. It’s proof that wine pairing doesn’t always have to be formal. Sometimes the classics become classics for a reason.
4. Best Wine With Tuna Steak: Pinot Noir
Here’s the pairing that surprises most people. Tuna is one of the few fish that happily welcomes red wine. Its firm, meaty texture means it has enough substance to work beautifully with a lighter-bodied red. Pinot Noir is the obvious choice.
Its bright cherry fruit, gentle tannins and refreshing acidity complement seared tuna without overpowering it. A heavily oaked or tannic red would simply dominate the fish, but Pinot Noir keeps everything in balance. If you’re cooking tuna rare with sesame, soy or grilled vegetables, this pairing is particularly hard to beat.
5. Best Wine With Oysters & Seafood: Tidal Bay from Nova Scotia
Few pairings are as iconic as oysters and crisp white wine. The fresh salinity of oysters calls for wines with bright acidity, citrus character and plenty of minerality.
Tidal Bay, from Nova Scotia in Canada, is one of the most exciting seafood wines we’ve tasted in recent years. Created specifically to reflect the cool maritime climate of the region, it’s wonderfully fresh, vibrant and mineral-driven, with citrus, green apple and subtle floral notes that perfectly complement oysters, mussels, prawns and other shellfish.
Trust the Weight of the Dish If there’s one simple rule to remember when pairing fish and wine, it’s this: match the weight of the wine to the weight of the fish. Rich, oily fish generally needs fuller-bodied wines. Delicate white fish shines with lighter, fresher styles. Meaty fish can even work brilliantly with elegant reds, while sparkling wine remains one of the most versatile food wines of all. Of course, the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most. These recommendations are a great place to start, but don’t be afraid to experiment – you might just discover your own favourite combination.
