Reds go with meats.
Whites go with fish.
But which wine really,
goes best with your dish?
With food and wine pairings, most of us follow the basic mantra our foodie friends have drilled into our minds: “Red wines go with meats. White wines go with fish.”
At its most basic level, yes, this saying is true. But following this supposed “rule” can actually limit your dining experience.
At Feast Raw Bar & Bistro, we believe there is a flavorful, colorful world waiting for you if you open your mind (and palate) to experimenting with your food and wine pairing. We sat down with Feast Co-Owner and General Manager Steve Kuntz to talk about his expert insights on wine pairings and how you can get the most out of your dining experience.
Take a journey through the vineyards with us and see how you can elevate your meal into an unforgettable memory—all with the help of the perfect wine.
Start with Body, Flavor, & Acidity: Food and Wine Pairing 101
When selecting a wine for your meal, Kuntz recommends not starting with the dish but with the wine—specifically the wine’s body, flavor, and acidity.
The body, or the weight and texture of a wine on your palate, can range across a spectrum from light to full-bodied. A combination of sugar levels, acidity, and tannins, a wine’s body is meant to compliment the dish with which it’s being paired. If the wine is overwhelming the meal’s flavors, it is likely too heavy in body.
That’s why most people assume red wines—typically thought to be richer in body—only go with hearty meat dishes. Similarly, white wines—which are well-known for being more light in body—are thought to go best with delicate seafood meals.
However, Kuntz suggests that the typical assumptions of pairing red wines with meats and white wines with seafood aren’t always accurate. “There are plenty of reds that go really well with seafood,” Kuntz affirms. “While a rich Syrah may not pair well with a delicate seafood dish, there are lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir that can enhance the flavors beautifully.”
After considering the body of a wine, check out the wine’s flavor profile, or the combination of its aromas and tastes. Wines can include notes of earth, flowers, fruit, spice, and so much more, each impacting its overall flavor profile. For Kuntz, it’s all about matching the wine’s flavor profile to the dish’s flavor profile. “I like to look at the aromas in a specific wine and then think about whether those are a direct match to something in the dish,” Kuntz says. “Like a wine with cherry notes might pair well with a dish that has a cherry sauce or a duck dish that might typically have a cherry sauce.”
Another key factor in food and wine pairing is acidity. “High-acid wines make your mouth water, ” Kuntz explains. “That little bit of acidity makes you want another sip and helps you identify additional flavors.” This balance is what makes certain wine and food combinations feel so satisfying. A high-acid wine can enhance rich, fatty foods by preventing them from feeling too heavy, while also bringing out nuanced flavors in the dish.
Is There a “Right” or “Wrong” Way to Pair Wines?
Kuntz firmly believes that there are “mistakes” when pairing wine with food. “As the saying goes,” Kuntz says with a smile, “Don’t ‘yuck’ my ‘yum’! If you want to have a specific wine with your dish, even if it goes against ‘typical’ pairing guidance, go for it. If you love a wine, have the wine you want!”
That said, there are some general guidelines to enhance your dining experience by balancing flavors and textures to create a more harmonious pairing. “Maybe avoid rich, fatty foods with wines that don’t have enough acidity to cut through the fat. The acid in wine refreshes your palate and prepares you for the next bite,” Kuntz explains. “Certain foods with high acidity, like tart vinaigrettes, can also clash with highly acidic wines, making the flavors too sharp.”
Ultimately, the best pairing is the one that works for you at the moment. “My perfect pairing might not match your tastes that day—and that’s completely okay.”Interestingly, wine can taste different on different days. “It’s an experiential thing,” Kuntz notes. “The way a wine tastes can depend on what you’ve eaten that day or even how you’re feeling. Some people even refer to ‘fruit days’ and ‘seed days,’ where wines might seem brighter or more muted depending on the conditions.”
At Feast, food and wine pairings are about comfort and love. If you’re looking for where to eat in Bozeman, Feast offers a refined yet welcoming experience that puts your preferences first.
Pairing Wine with Seafood: the Raw Restaurant Way
If you’re planning your next dinner in Bozeman, consider visiting Feast for a perfectly curated pairing. When it comes to raw seafood, Kuntz has a few go-to wine pairings that elevate the delicate flavors of the ocean.
- Chablis – A classic pairing with oysters, known for its crisp minerality.
- Sparkling Wines – Champagne or other bubbly wines enhance the freshness of seafood.
- Grüner Veltliner from Austria – A terrific pairing for shellfish, especially mussels in coconut milk.
- Chardonnay – A well-balanced white wine that complements a variety of seafood dishes.
One unexpected pairing Kuntz enjoys? Ahi tuna with a red wine. “You can get Pinot Noirs that have smoky, herbal, or earthy tones that bring depth to seared tuna,” he notes. “Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, in particular, offer a great balance, similar to Burgundy wines from France.”
How Does Feast Help You Choose the Best Wine for Your Meal?
At Feast, the goal is to help guests discover the perfect wine to complement their meal. Our approach is deeply personal, favoring old-world-style wines with lower alcohol and higher acidity to ensure they are food-friendly. Chef Kuntz spent considerable time curating a wine list that pairs effortlessly with our entire menu, offering an array of wines by the glass and by the bottles so you can have an immersive experience no matter your budget.
If you’re curious about which wine to pair with your dish but are unsure where to start, Kuntz says your server begins by asking a couple of simple questions about your preferences. Do you enjoy bold, adventurous flavors, or do you prefer to stick with familiar wines?
From there, your server will guide you through the list, considering not only flavor but also price. Some guests may want to indulge in a premium selection, while others seek a budget-conscious option that still enhances their dish. “I always give guests the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone—whether it’s trying a new grape or splurging on a fantastic bottle that truly enhances their dish,” Kuntz says. “Seeing the thought process behind a pairing makes guests excited to try something new.”
Your server will explain the thought process behind each suggestion they make, helping you understand why a particular wine enhances your meal. If you’re unsure which wine to choose, Kuntz often starts with a couple of simple questions to know your preferences. “Some people love to explore new flavors, while others prefer to stick with what they know,” he says.
Must-Try Food and Wine Pairings at Feast
If you’re looking for the ultimate food and wine pairing experience at Feast, Chef Kuntz has a few recommendations that stand out.
- Dish: Pineapple Chili Salmon
- Bottle: Damilano Nebbiolo – A medium-bodied, earthy wine that functions similarly to Pinot Noir. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with many dishes on our menu.
- Glass: Lafage Narassa – A blend of Grenache and Syrah that is juicy yet balanced. With its inviting cherry aroma and spice notes, it perfectly complements the bold flavors of our salmon dish.
Voted One of the Best Restaurants in Bozeman: Book Now
At Feast Raw Bar & Bistro, we believe the perfect food and wine pairing is about more than following the rules. It’s about creating a dining experience that’s personal, memorable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just starting to explore pairings, our expertly curated selection and knowledgeable staff are here to guide you.
Looking for the best restaurant in Bozeman to enjoy a curated food and wine experience? Feast is your destination.
Ready to elevate your dining experience? Book your table today at Feast Raw Bar & Bistro—one of the best restaurants in Bozeman.