Unexpected Pairings: Virginia Wines & Global Takeout

A Willowcroft Guide to Sipping Local with International Flavor

In the greater Washington D.C. area, our takeout menus read like a passport—offering everything from spicy Thai noodles to soulful Creole classics, tacos that transport us to Mexico City, and pasta that could pass for a Roman holiday. But with so many vibrant flavors, how do you choose the right wine?

Here’s a twist: you don’t need to reach for an imported bottle. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards produces Virginia-grown wines that pair beautifully with global cuisines, right from our perch atop the Catoctin Ridge.

Whether you're winding down after work or hosting a casual dinner, here are some fresh and unexpected pairings to try with your favorite takeout.

Think: Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese
Go-To Wines: Albariño, Traminette, Chambourcin, Riesling
Why it works: From the heat of Thai curries to the umami of Korean BBQ, Asian dishes pack layers of spice, aromatics, and sweet-savory balance. Willowcroft’s aromatic whites and juicy reds are built to complement—not compete—with these flavors.

Try pairing:

• Albariño with Thai green curry or Vietnamese lemongrass chicken
• Traminette with pork dumplings or General Tso’s chicken
• Chambourcin slightly chilled with chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo
• Dry Riesling with sushi, pad Thai, or pho

Think: Pasta, Pizza, Eggplant Parm, Meatballs
Go-To Wines: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay Reserve
Why it works: Italian dishes tend to be rich, savory, and comforting. Red sauces, herbs, and cheese pair well with structured reds, while creamy pastas or seafood dishes complement full-bodied whites.

Try pairing:

• Merlot with meat lasagna or eggplant parm
• Cabernet Franc with wood-fired pizza or sausage bolognese
• Seyval Blanc with chicken piccata or pesto pasta
• Chardonnay Reserve with fettuccine Alfredo or shrimp scampi

Think: Tacos, Enchiladas, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwiches
Go-To Wines: Sauvage Rosé, Riesling, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc
Why it works: Spice, citrus, and smoky meats meet their match in vibrant, fruit-forward wines that can cool heat and highlight bold flavors.

Try pairing:

• Sauvage Rosé with carnitas tacos or shrimp ceviche
• Riesling with chicken enchiladas verde or tamales
• Chambourcin with beef empanadas or Cuban sandwiches
• Vidal Blanc with grilled corn elote or arroz con pollo

🫒 Spanish Tapas & Mediterranean Bites

• Think: Patatas Bravas, Jamón, Olives, Paella
• Go-To Wines: Albariño, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Applause
• Why it works: Tapas are made for grazing—and so are wines that can handle a range of salty, savory, and herby flavors. You want wines that stay interesting across the whole table.

Try pairing:

• Albariño with seafood paella or garlic shrimp
• Petit Verdot with grilled chorizo or lamb skewers
• Applause with Manchego and Marcona almonds
• Chardonnay with roasted peppers or tortilla Española

Think: Jerk Chicken, Gumbo, Fried Plantains, Crab Cakes
Go-To Wines: Traminette, Petit Verdot, Vidal Blanc, Rosé of Sharon
Why it works: These dishes bring spice, sweetness, and smoke. You need wines with bold flavor and balance—aromatic whites and deep reds shine here.

Try pairing:

• Traminette with jerk chicken or fried plantains
• Petit Verdot with gumbo or blackened fish
• Vidal Blanc with coconut curry shrimp or mango salsa
• Rosé of Sharon with crab cakes or spicy sausage jambalaya

Great wine doesn’t have to come from the same country as your food. It just has to bring balance, brightness, and joy to the table. At Willowcroft, we believe your local bottle should pair just as effortlessly with pad Thai or tacos as it does with pork chops and Virginia cheeses.

So the next time you grab takeout, skip the beer or soda, and reach for a glass of Virginia-grown wine. Your palate will thank you.

📸 Share Your Takeout + Wine Night!

Tag @WillowcroftWine on Instagram or Facebook and show us how you're pairing Willowcroft with global flavors.