The best wines to pair with popcorn range from a racy sparkling wine to a mineral Chardonnay. Chef David Frakes, the executive chef at Lynmar Estate Winery in Sonoma, is a big fan of the potential of popcorn and wine. To date, he has created over 100 different flavors of popcorn, brought to life with seasonal salts that he creates from the gardens of Lynmar’s organic estate. His top pairing? Popcorn with Cara Cara Orange Essence and Chardonnay Salt with a Lynmar Chardonnay. The Oscars, the biggest popcorn event of the year, are just days away, and these are the Oscar-worthy popcorn and wine pairings to have on hand for this year’s show.
Riesling and Grüner Veltliner
Domain Wachau is one of Austria’s iconic wineries, highly regarded for its exquisite and racy single vineyards of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling – two grape varieties that pair well with popcorn. Domain Wachau Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kellerberg ($49.99) is a richly textured, full-bodied white with notes of peach and minerals. Her Domain Wachau Riesling Riedbruck ($26.99) offers a more value-oriented option — crispy and elegant, it brings a refreshing compliment to salty, buttery popcorn.
champagne and sparkling wine
Cuvaison Brut Rosé, 2019 ($60) A Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that has been aged on the lees for two years to develop its complexity. This elegant sparkling wine impresses with its purity with pretty notes of strawberry, watermelon, lemon cream and a hint of ginger on the palate.
Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut ($74.99) The long aging process required to finish this champagne gives it a wonderful finesse and elegance. Notes of ripe apple and lemon zest on the palate and the wine’s remarkable balance make it a great choice with salted popcorn.
Riverbench, Cork Jumper Cuvee Santa Barbara, CA 2018 ($52) The Riverbench team, sparkling wine artisans from their SIP-certified winery (since 2008) in Santa Maria Valley, celebrates their 50th anniversary this year. This expression combines equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The creamy palate reveals ripe peach and citrus notes with hints of ginger and shortbread. Winemaker Clarissa Nagy recommends this one with white cheddar popcorn.
Chardonnay and Rose
Stoller Willamette Valley Rose, 2022 ($28) Winemaker Karl Weichold shows a fine hand with this juicy yet elegant wine. Notes of wild strawberry, Valencian orange and white tea combine to create a delicious finish. This one is perfect for any flavored popcorn, even a sweeter kettle corn would work.
Balverne Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2021 ($35) A very limited production Chardonnay from only wineries owned by Bob and Renée Stein. Winemaker Alex Holman ferments the wine in oak barrels, which develops notes of caramel, ripe apple and lemon cream on the palate. Delicious with a popcorn salted with truffles.
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