When hosting for any occasion, it’s always a treat to have your favorite wine waiting for guests. And, what’s better than refreshing wine? Snacks to go with.
If you want to absolutely elevate your hosting game, then you have to upgrade your snack game as well. Better yet? Buy wine based on the flavor profile of the food that you’re preparing to give your guests the most out of the experience all around. Maybe you are just looking for a way to spice up Friday night with that special someone? Perfect. We’ve got you covered.
Below you will find a detailed guide featuring our favorite snacks that require 0 cooking as well as our favorite go-to recipes. Not only that, we recommend a specific wine with each snack. Whether you’re having a full blown wine tasting party or a more casual affair, we take the hard work out of the prepping process. You can just sit back, relax, and delight your guests. And don’t forget, when in doubt, keep things simple with our One of Everything Jerky Box.
Zero Prep Snacks for Wine
1. Bjorn Qorn
A great addition to any appetizer spread is undoubtedly popcorn. Whether you’re having a full on dinner party or you’re just hosting a round of drinks before heading out, everyone loves popcorn no matter your hunger level. If you haven't heard of Bjorn Corn, it’s a popcorn company that makes homegrown non-gmo popcorn that is seasoned with all natural, gluten free, and vegan ingredients. They have several flavors to choose from but we are big fans of the truffle and the spicy. Trust us, you can thank us later.
Shop on Amazon: Bjorn Qorn- $30.00
Wine pairing: Pinot Noir
We recommend pairing popcorn with a light-bodied pinot noir. Our pick is the 2017 Greenhough “Stones Throw” Pinot Noir coming from New Zealand. Featuring summer berry fruits, citrus, floral notes and a lightly spiced, herbal fragrance, this earthy wine is refreshing and delicious. The lightness of popcorn goes down perfectly with the complexity of pinot noir without being overpowered by it. It’s truly the perfect match.
Shop on Organic Wine Exchange: 2017 Greenhough Stones Throw Pinot Noir - $22.00
2. Just Add Wine
A seamless option that doesn't require any work is the Just Add Wine set from CowGirl Creamery. Cowgirl Creamery has been operating out of Northern California for over 25 years. This set features their top selling cheese, including the popular Triple cream Mt. Tam, as well as fig preserves, shallot confit, floral honey, and organic crackers. As the name suggests, all you have to do is add wine.
Shop on CowGirl Creamery: Just Add Wine - $145.00
Wine pairing: Cava
We recommend pairing a bubbly wine with this board because it’s fun, delicious, and just the right amount of fancy. Our pick is the Cava Brut Nature coming from Alt Penedés, Spain. Alt Penedés is a region in Spain known specifically for producing top notch Cava wine. It’s made using the Champenoise method which is essentially a double fermentation process. The wine ages a minimum of 10 months in the bottle before being sold. This is the perfect addition to a cheese board because you’re going to get a wonderful perlage without being overwhelmed with the sweetness that is typically associated with sparkling wines.
Shop on Kingston Wine: Cava Brut Nature Natural AZ - $24.95
3. Torres Iberico Ham Potato Chips
Torres chips are known as some of the best on the market. And what goes better with wine than a potato chip? An Iberico Ham flavored potato chip. That’s right. Pair these chips with your favorite red wine. A great snack by itself or with other hors d’oeuvres, this flavor combination is pretty unbeatable.
Shop on Yümmy Bazaar: Torres Iberico Jamon Potato Chips - $2.90
Wine pairing: Rioja Crianza
Our pick is the 2015 Crianza coming from Rioja, Spain. It’s a young tempranillo that ages for around 2 years. It's light, earthy, and free of any smoky flavors that may overpower the meaty flavor of the chips. Versatile and delicious, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to a salty treat.
Shop on wine.com: Cune Crianza 2015 - $14.99
4. Beef Jerky
Great alone, or on a charcuterie board, beef jerky is an easy snack that requires zero prep. At People’s Choice (Yes, that’s us!), we offer many delicious, handcrafted flavors to choose from made fresh in our factory here in Downtown LA. If you want to go all out, keep things simple and grab our One of Everything Jerky Box and you’ll have a complete spread of fun and mouth watering flavors for your guests to mix and match.
Shop now: One of Everything - Jerky Sampler Box - $84.99
Wine Pairing: Rioja Gran Reserva
When considering which wine to pair with jerky, we instantly think of something earthy and mature to bring out the umami flavor that is inherent in beef jerky. We recommend going with a Rioja Gran Reserva. There are four different categories of rioja based on the age of the wine. The most mature type of rioja is categorized as gran reserva. Gran reservas are aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels followed by at least three in the bottle. We love the 2009 Gran Reserva Rioja from Bodegas Riojanas. Bodegas Riojanas is a winery located in Rioja Alta, Spain and has more than 125 years of rich history. The winery is located in a unique microclimate that is ideal for vine cultivation. The workers even handpick every grape. Their special process combined with the ideal environment makes for extremely special bottles. The maturity of the 2009 Gran Reserva Rioja produces soft tannins which is the perfect way to accentuate the unami notes of the beef jerky.
Shop on Gary’s Wine: Bodegas Riojanas Gran Reserva Monte Real - $33.00
5. Taralli
When it comes to wine snacks, if you want to keep things simple, look no further than Taralli. A toroidal snack food originating in Southern Italy, these savory crackers are absolutely delicious. Our favorites are from Bossini because they are made by hand using double zero flour, extra virgin olive oil and white wine. These crispy snacks are an instant crowd pleaser.
Shop on Healthy Italia: Taralli with Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $4.99
Wine pairing: Primitivo di Manduria
Of course, we had to pair this Italian staple with an Italian wine. Primitivo is a popular grape in the Apulia region of Italy. It’s dark, juicy, fruity, and full-bodied. It’s an extremely versatile wine but it is especially wonderful as an aperitif. Paired with taralli, you’ll have an Italian duo for the books.
Shop on Vivino: Papale Primitivo di Manduria 2017 - $33.99
6. Love Chocolate Squares
If you really want to wow your guests, keep this chocolate from Le Chocolat des Francais on hand. Not only will your guests get to eat delicious chocolate, you can give them a little history lesson as well. Oftentimes when people think of chocolate they think of Belgium or Switzerland. A well kept secret is that France was actually the first country in Europe to introduce chocolate. Le Chocolat des Francais sources their cocoa beans directly from Ecuadorian and Peruvian planters, delivering an aromatic richness. This box features 71% extra dark chocolate as well as tender milk. You can’t go wrong with most chocolate but this is a special brand to try. Anyone with a sweet tooth will absolutely love these squares.
Shop on Kamp: Love Chocolate Squares - $5.00
Wine pairing: Merlot
When it comes to chocolate, our mind goes straight to red. We recommend a classic Merlot. This Duckhorn Merlot from Napa Valley is a great choice. It’s an aromatic wine featuring ripe cherry and black plum. The soft tannins and plum flavor of this Merlot pair perfectly with the natural fruitiness of cocoa beans.
Shop on All Star Wine: Duckhorn - Merlot Napa Valley - $49.99
7. Castelvetrano Green Sicilian Olives
When considering what the best nibbles are, does anyone else’s brain go straight to olives? Grab a pound of these castelvetrano green sicilian olives and call it a day. Castelvetrano olives are produced exclusively in their native environment in the town of Castelvetrano in western Sicily. Featuring a buttery sweet flavor and a crisp texture, these olives make for an incredible appetizer.
Shop on Bucatini: Castelvetrano Green Sicilian Olives - $12.50
Wine pairing: Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Francs are known for being savory. Our pick is the El Enemigo coming from Mendoza, Argentina. Featuring soft violet tones, and a vegetal flavor, the El Enemigo is the perfect wine to pair with the robust saltiness of the olives. Sip on this slowly as it’s one to be savored and enjoyed.
Shop on Total Wine: El Enemigo Cabernet Franc - $23.49
8. Pickles
Another underrated snack that goes great with wine are pickles. We love the company Pacific Pickle Works. They make delicious hand packed, all natural pickles out of Santa Barbara, California. We recommend the three pickle variety pack because who doesn't love sampling different flavors? Featuring classic bread and butter chips, a deli-style sour garlic dill pickle, and spicy dill pickle spears, there is something for all pickle lovers out there.
Shop on Pacific Pickle Works: Three Pickle Variety Pack - $30.95
Wine pairing: Rosé
To match the highly acidic nature of pickles, we recommend a dry and crisp rosé. The light fruitiness of rosé is the perfect compliment to a tangy pickle. Anyone who is a fan of rosé has likely heard of Whispering Angel. Coming from Cotes de Provence, France, this is an extremely light, fruity wine featuring a clean finish.
Shop on Total Wine: Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose - $18.97
9. Everything Bagel Mixed Nuts
If you’re looking for an instant crowd pleaser, you cannot go wrong with everything but the bagel seasoning. Need I say more? We love these nuts from Spice and Tea that feature walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews and combine them with everything bagel spice blend and parm cheese. For an absolutely mouthwatering bite, look no further than these simple yet delicious nuts.
Shop on Spice and Tea: Everything Bagel Mixed Nuts - $5.79
Wine pairing: Alsatian Riesling
Alsatian Rieslings are known for being fresh and vibrant. We recommend the 2019 Trimbach Riesling. Coming from Alsace, France, this special bottle is dry yet fruity. It’s the perfect option to balance the intense, yet delicious flavors of everything but the bagel seasoning.
Shop on wine.com: Trimbach Riesling 2019 - $22.99
Snack Recipes for Wine
If you’re dedicated to your hosting game and are looking to invest a bit more time into delicious, home-cooked appetizers, we’ve got you covered. Below you will find our favorite go-to recipes for hosting groups. When selecting these recipes we focused on simplicity, deliciousness, and approachability in order to provide you with the most seamless kitchen experience possible. Throw on your favorite playlist and have a blast making these mouthwatering appetizers.
10. Bruschetta
For a refreshing bite, look no further than bruschetta. Simple, yet unbeatable in flavor, bruschetta is truly a perfect appetizer. This recipe requires just a few simple steps which is why we love it. Make your guests feel like they’ve been transported to Italy with this approachable and wildly delicious bite.
Find the full recipe here: Easy Bruschetta Recipe
Wine pairing: Candoni Pinot Grigio
We recommend the Candoni Pinot Grigio coming from the Veneto region of Northeast Italy. The Veneto region is known for producing high quality grapes and that’s exactly what you’ll see in this wine. Featuring a crisp acidity and medium body, this wine will balance out the acidity of the tomatoes in the bruschetta without overpowering the other fresh flavors.
Shop wine.com: Candoni Pinot Grigio 2019 - $10.99
11. Hummus
Store Bought hummus is a staple. But if you’re looking to really impress your guests, take your hummus game to the next level and elevate it with fresh crispy cauliflower and homemade chile oil. We love this hummus recipe from Half Baked Harvest because it’s a simple way to take store bought hummus from average to impressive. Serve it with fresh pita bread, and enjoy the company of your smiling guests.
Find the full recipe here: Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Wine pairing: Gewürztraminer
To balance out the spice of the hummus, we recommend pairing it with a Gewürztraminer. Gewürztraminer is a dry white wine with strong aromas of lychee as well as other fruity notes such as citrus, pineapple, rose and pear. This 2020 Gewürztraminer comes from Alexander Valley, a fourth generation family owned company in Sonoma County. It’s minerally, bright, and it will bring out the flavors of both the hummus and the chili oil.
Shop on Bevmo: Alexander Valley Gewürztraminer - $11.99
12. Prosciutto and Cheese Twists
Looking to step up your fingerfood game? Another go to recipe we love to make when we are having company is Prosciutto and Cheese Twists. The name speaks for itself. Featuring brie filled puff pastry wrapped in salty prosciutto, these twists are delicious served both warm or cold. A quick, yet hearty and comforting appetizer, these twists are a guaranteed delight.
Find the full recipe: Prosciutto and Cheese Pastry Twist
Wine pairing: Vernaccia
To compliment the saltiness of prosciutto and the richness of brie, we chose a Tuscan white wine coming out of San Gimignano, a small town west of Chianti. It’s fruity and floral with a slightly nutty undertone. Grown in fossil-rich soil, this wine is fresh and minerally which is a perfect compliment to the decadent prosciutto and cheese twists.
Shop on wine.com: Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Tradizionale 2017 - $26.99
13. Flatbread Pizza
When you want to avoid too much prep while hosting a larger group, one of the best options out there is a flatbread pizza. Make the dough ahead of time and keep it in your freezer to save even more time. Add toppings of your choice and boom, you’ve got an instant crowd pleaser.
Find the full recipe: Homemade Flatbread Pizza
Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio
You can go a lot of directions when selecting a wine to pair with pizza. We recommend keeping things simple. Our pick is the Terramore Organic Pinot Grigio coming from Venetio, Italy. It’s crisp and floral yet citrusy and acidic which will bring out the flavors of the pizza without overshadowing them.
Shop on Total Wine: Terramore Organic Pinot Grigio - $14.99
14. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Having a sweet option to serve guests is a fun way to switch things up. Your guests will feel like kids again having these delectable chocolate covered pretzels as an appetizer. How fun! These crazy dipped pretzel rods are easy and a pleasure to make! Choose your favorite chocolate and get dipping.
Find the full recipe: Crazy Dipped Pretzel Rods
Wine pairing: California Zinfandel
We recommend pairing chocolate covered pretzels with a good California Zinfandel. We recommend the OZV Zinfandel Lodi which is only $8.97 a pop. You seriously cannot beat that! This medium-bodied wine comes to us from Lodi, California, and has flavors of sweet cherries, blackberries, and earthy spice. The jammy sweetness combined with the dryness of the wine pair phenomenally with the richness of chocolate and the saltiness of pretzels. It really is a match made in heaven.
Shop Total Wine: OZV Zinfandel Lodi - $8.97
15. Caprese Skewers
For a refreshing bite, stick with a classic; caprese skewers. Fun to eat and equally as delicious, these skewers are a safe and easy choice. Featuring mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze, this flavor combination is an undeniable winner.
Find the full recipe here: Mini Caprese Skewers
Wine pairing: Limniona Rosé
Rosés are quite popular with caprese and it’s for good reason. They are crisp, light, and low in acid which prevents any sort of clash with the acidity of the tomatoes. The delicate nature of rosé will also naturally bring out the creaminess of mozzarella. Our recommendation is the Limniona Rosé which comes from Greece. It has bright cranberry, strawberry, and honeysuckle flavors as well as herbal notes. That combined with a balanced minerality and lasting finish, this is the perfect accompaniment to a classic caprese salad. This pairing is guaranteed to create an evening to remember.
Shop on wine.com: Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Rosé 2021 - $17.99
16. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Watch out, these air fryer pizza rolls will go fast. Crispy, cheesy, garlicky, this take on a classic childhood snack is absolutely mouthwatering. The best part is all you need is store bought pizza rolls, an airfryer, butter, herbs and parmesan cheese. It’s a recipe that requires minimal effort yet will leave your guests heavily impressed.
Find the full recipe here: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Wine pairing: Mulatschak
Pizza rolls are inherently fun so we naturally had to pair it with a wine that is fun. Que skin contact wine. If you haven't heard of skin contact wine that’s quite alright but it’s time to get on board. Essentially, it’s white wine that is made as if it were red. The grapes are fermented with the skin on, giving it a nice color. The length of time the grapes are fermented for will determine both the color of the wine as well as its body and tannin. This 2021 orange skin contact wine comes from Austria and features Welschriesling, Pinot Gris, and Traminer grapes. It has 7 days of skin contact and features notes of goldenberries, apricot, and peaches. It’s light yet tannic, which is the perfect way to wash down a cheesy, doughy pizza roll.
Shop on Kamp: Mulatschak Skin Contact 2021 - $25.00
17. Chili Crunch Baked Feta
Chili oil is all the rage these days with good reason. This two ingredient recipe is super easy to make and equally as delicious. All you need is feta cheese, chili crisp, and an oven. Voilá. Your tastebuds will be on fire. The best part? This is a one dish recipe and in terms of prepping, you really can’t ask for much more than that.
Find the full recipe here: Chili Crunch Baked Feta
Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Feta is a cheese that is inherently rich and spicy. When taking it up a notch, and adding chile crisp, you’re going to want something that can hold up well and has at personality of its own. We love the Sauvignon Blanc 2020 coming from Mendocino County, California. It has an unmissable lime zest as well as notes of pear and apple. The high acidity and full, mineral forward flavor make this wine the perfect complement to chili crunch baked feta.
Shop on Kamp: Sauvignon Blanc 2020 - $21.00
Bottom Line
Whether you’re hosting friends or just having an elevated night in, prevent unnecessary stress with our simple and delicious snacks that will leave your guests delighted. Want more creative snack ideas for all occasions? Check out our other snack guides here!
