News and Wine Blog
Wine paring and National Popcorn Lovers Day
03/12/2026
Americans consume around 16-17 billion quarts of popcorn each and every year. And this number continues to grow by about 5 percent each year. This makes it one of the most popular snacks in the United States.
Of course, we at Vino Mas can’t have a food without wine. Wine and popcorn are a winning combination. What a perfect way to get more servings of fruits (grapes) and veggies (corn). Ha!
So...what wine pairs with what types of popcorn?
Plain Popcorn wine match: Chenin Blanc or Unoaked Chardonnay
It’s best not to overwhelm plain popcorn with tannin from red wine or strong flavors from astringent white wine. Try something fruity and round but not too oaked or powerful. A Chenin Blanc or a soft unoaked Chardonnay will pair great.
Salted Popcorn wine match: Sauvignon Blanc
Salt has a tendency to sooth the effect of high acidity in wine and the savory saltiness in the popcorn will be lifted in turn by the fresh citrus flavors in the wine. A zippy Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to here.
Buttered popcorn wine match: Oaked Chardonnay or Viognier
The round, creamy flavors of buttered popcorn need to be matched with something of equal weight and richness. Try a rich, oaked white with some weight to it. This calls for an Oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier.
Caramel/Kettle popcorn wine match: Off-dry/semi-dry (slightly sweet) or Sweet Wine: Demo-Sec Sparkling, or a Semi-Sweet Riesling.
With all the bite of the savory styles but with an extra crunch of sweetness, caramel or Kettle-flavored is the ultimate in popcorn indulgence. A slightly higher level of wine sweetness, will add more snap, crackle and pop without the popcorn’s sweetness overwhelming the wine.
Chocolate-dipped popcorn wine match: Malbec or Merlot
A more sultry, chocolate-flavored popcorn will need a similarly smooth wine to pair with. We recommend seeking out the darker fruits, mocha undertones and silky vanilla flavors of a Merlot or, match darker chocolate flavors with a Malbec.
Sharp Cheddar Popcorn wine match: Cabernet Sauvignon
A dry full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with extra sharp cheddar. The red wine highlights the saltiness and bold cheddar flavors.
Of course, we at Vino Mas can’t have a food without wine. Wine and popcorn are a winning combination. What a perfect way to get more servings of fruits (grapes) and veggies (corn). Ha!
So...what wine pairs with what types of popcorn?
Plain Popcorn wine match: Chenin Blanc or Unoaked Chardonnay
It’s best not to overwhelm plain popcorn with tannin from red wine or strong flavors from astringent white wine. Try something fruity and round but not too oaked or powerful. A Chenin Blanc or a soft unoaked Chardonnay will pair great.
Salted Popcorn wine match: Sauvignon Blanc
Salt has a tendency to sooth the effect of high acidity in wine and the savory saltiness in the popcorn will be lifted in turn by the fresh citrus flavors in the wine. A zippy Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to here.
Buttered popcorn wine match: Oaked Chardonnay or Viognier
The round, creamy flavors of buttered popcorn need to be matched with something of equal weight and richness. Try a rich, oaked white with some weight to it. This calls for an Oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier.
Caramel/Kettle popcorn wine match: Off-dry/semi-dry (slightly sweet) or Sweet Wine: Demo-Sec Sparkling, or a Semi-Sweet Riesling.
With all the bite of the savory styles but with an extra crunch of sweetness, caramel or Kettle-flavored is the ultimate in popcorn indulgence. A slightly higher level of wine sweetness, will add more snap, crackle and pop without the popcorn’s sweetness overwhelming the wine.
Chocolate-dipped popcorn wine match: Malbec or Merlot
A more sultry, chocolate-flavored popcorn will need a similarly smooth wine to pair with. We recommend seeking out the darker fruits, mocha undertones and silky vanilla flavors of a Merlot or, match darker chocolate flavors with a Malbec.
Sharp Cheddar Popcorn wine match: Cabernet Sauvignon
A dry full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with extra sharp cheddar. The red wine highlights the saltiness and bold cheddar flavors.
On National Popcorn Lovers Day, we suggest you pop up some fresh popcorn, pour yourself a glass of wine and kick back and enjoy!
Post By:
Deanna Albertson