Craft & Cork >> Winemaking

Comfort food: After the hectic holiday season, there’s nothing better than indulging in our favourite, tried-and-true dishes. In Canada, our population’s wide-ranging cultural influences has given rise to a deliciously diverse lineup of comforting dishes. From the cheesy decadence of poutine to the spiced allure of naan and curry, a look at our go-to comfort foods reflect the country’s multicultural landscape. For wine lovers and makers, the menu also presents the opportunity for inspired wine pairings that promise to take your comfort to the next level. On that tasty note, let’s explore a roundup of top 10 comfort foods and their ideal wine companions.

1. Poutine

This quintessential Quebecoise comfort food of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, calls for a rich red wine.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir is our recommended sipper to complement the savoury gravy and creamy cheese curds, and enhance the umami flavors. Try our Australia Pinot Noir from the En Primeur Winery Series.

2. Macaroni and Cheese

A North American classic. After all, who can argue with all that creamy goodness, whether you make the effort with homemade or accept the low-brow awesomeness of some of today’s elevated boxed varieties.

Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay is the classic wine match for the creamy texture of the dish. It adds a hint of citrus brightness to lighten up the richness. Try our California Chardonnay Style from the Cru International collection.

3. Tourtière

To the uninitiated, this is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie, typically filled with minced pork or a mix of meats, and often enjoyed during the holidays. It makes a satisfying weekday dinner, especially when you can pick up a readymade one at your local bakery or grocer.
Wine Pairing: A bold Syrah or Shiraz works beautifully with the spiced, savoury richness of the tortière’s meat filling. Try our Australia Cabernet Shiraz from the En Primeur Winery Series.

4. Butter Tarts

This dessert enjoys iconic status for a reason. The heritage sweet, with a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, is simple and sublime. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream while you debate the big question of raisins or no raisins.
Wine Pairing: This most delicious dessert calls for a sweet wine to accentuate the tart’s buttery sweetness with honeyed, fruity notes. Try our Toasted Caramel Dessert Wine from the Cru Specialty collection.

5. Beef or Bison Stew

This hearty, rustic dish, often made with bison meat (a nod to Indigenous culinary traditions) and root vegetables, demands an equally robust wine. 

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec stands up to the stew’s rich, red-meat flavours and root vegetables, and complements the typical rosemary and thyme used to season the dish. Try our Chile Malbec Style.

6. Sushi

Fresh, fish-focused sushi is considered comfort food by many, particularly in urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto.

Wine Pairing: Look for light, crisp wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light, floral Gewürztraminer to match the cuisine’s delicate flavours without overpowering them. Try our Germany Style Gewürtraminer.

7. Chicken Pot Pie

This classic comfort dish, often made with a creamy chicken filling and encased in a golden, flaky pastry, works beautifully with an unoaked white.
Wine Pairing: Unoaked Chardonnay or Viognier are solid pairings here. Their acidity, and fruit-forward notes will work well with both the richness of the cream and pastry. Try our Australia Style Viognier Pinot Gris.

8. Naan and Curry

Spicy, rich and lively: Indian curries served with soft, warm naan bread are beloved in this country large and diverse cities. 

Wine Pairing: Try an off-dry Riesling or a fruity Grenache to balance the spicy heat of the curry while refreshing the palate. Try our Germany Riesling Style.

9. Cinnamon Buns

Sweet and sticky and irresistible! The iconic cinnamon bun is comfort food incarnate.
Wine Pairing: As a rustic dessert, these buns require a sweet-with-sweet wine companion. A sweet Moscato or rich dessert wine will highlight the cinnamon spice and gooey sweetness of the buns. Try one of our Cru Specialty wines.

10. Caesar Salad

The classic Caesar salad, often with bacon bits, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, is a comfort food staple served with soul-satisfying baked pasta.

Wine Pairing: A zesty, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes cuts through the richness of the dressing and bacon bits, creating a refreshing balance. Try our New Zealand Style Sauvignon Blanc.

Our takeaway: From macaroni and cheese to chicken curry, Canadian comfort foods span the culinary gamut and reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. They also present a fantastic opportunity for inspired food-and-wine pairing – and making!