PRISM FINE WINE

Best Wines for Southern Comfort Food

North Carolina · Updated April 2026

Southern comfort food is rich, satisfying and full of bold flavours — and it pairs with wine far better than most people realise. The right bottles bring out the best in these dishes without being out of place at a Sunday supper.

Fried chicken and biscuits

Fried chicken is the all-time best wine pairing for sparkling wine — the bubbles cut the fat and the acidity keeps the palate fresh. A Champagne or quality American sparkling wine elevates the whole meal.

Barbecue, ribs and pulled pork

Smoky, rich Southern barbecue calls for fruit-forward reds with enough acidity to handle the sauce — Zinfandel, Cru Beaujolais and a juicy Côtes du Rhône all work.

Greens, beans and Southern sides

Collards, butter beans, succotash and Southern vegetables pair with crisp whites — Riesling, Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc all earn their place at a Southern table.

Find wines for this guide at Prism Fine Wine

Every wine in our store is hand-selected by our team. We offer expert curation, US shipping and next-day delivery in many ZIP codes.

Browse the Full Catalogue Ask for a Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wine really work with Southern food?

Yes — far better than people expect. Southern food has bold flavours and rich textures that play well with both sparkling wines and fruit-forward reds.

What wine goes with fried chicken?

Sparkling wine. Champagne, Cava and quality American sparkling all work brilliantly — the bubbles cut the fat in a way no still wine can.

Can I drink wine with cornbread and beans?

Absolutely — a chilled rosé or a Cru Beaujolais both work beautifully with the warmth and earthiness of a Southern bean and cornbread meal.