Not Everything Has to Be Beer: NC Wine at the Super Bowl
When Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, beer usually steals the spotlight. But game day is about more than just beer. It’s about food, friends, and finding the perfect drink pairings to match your spread. But let’s be honest, game day food has evolved and so have our tastes. From spicy wings to loaded dips and pizza piled high with toppings, North Carolina wine, cider, and mead deserve a seat at the table. This year, think beyond the six-pack and bring local flavor to your party with NC-made sips that pair beautifully with your favorite game day eats.
Game Day Parings That Go Beyond Beer
Here are a few easy, crowd-pleasing ways to match NC Wine, Cider, and Mead with Classic Super Bowl snacks:
1. Dry Cider and Creamy dips
Dry apple ciders from North Carolina are crisp, refreshing, and incredibly food friendly. They cut through the riches of creamy dips like spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken dip, or queso, and they’re a natural match for cheesy pizza. Think of dry cider the way you’d think of a light lager, only with more character and local flair.
2. Semi-Sweet & Sweet Meads or Muscadine Wines + Spicy Wings
Here’s your gameday rule of thumb: sweet loves heat. Semi-sweet or sweet meads and muscadine wines shine alongside spicy dips, hot wings, and anything drenched in buffalo or chili sauce. This writer is a big fan of Muscadine braised pork butt chili! The touch of sweetness from honey or muscadine grapes helps cool the heat while amplifying bold flavors.
3. Sparkling Wine + Everything (Yes, Really)
Sparkling wine is the MVP of versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a big win or commiserating after a tough loss, bubbles always feel right. Sparkling NC wines pair effortlessly with salty snacks, fried foods, chips, and sliders and they instantly elevate even the most casual Super Bowl spread.
4. Off-Dry Whites + Savory Snacks
Off-dry white wines, like some terminate or seyval blanc made right here in North Carolina are perfect with salty and savory game day favorites like pretzels, popcorn, sausage rolls, and charcuterie boards. They offer balance without overpowering the food, making them ideal for grazing all afternoon.
A Taste for Everyone in North Carolina
Whether you love sweet or dry wine, dry apple cider, or the rich complexity of honey-based mead, North Carolina always has a taste for everyone. Our producers craft a wide range of styles that fit every palate, and every Super Bowl menu.
Buying Local NC Wine Is Easier Than You Think
Supporting local has never been simpler. Many NC wineries, cideries, and meaderies offer direct-to-consumer ordering, making it easy to stock up for gameday while supporting the farmers and producers behind your favorite bottles.
Looking for Award-Winning North Carolina Wines?
If you want to bring a true standout to your Super Bowl gathering, explore the 2025 NC Wine Competition Winners. These award-winning wines showcase the quality, diversity, and craftsmanship of North Carolina producers.
This Super Bowl Sunday, shake up your lineup. Not everything has to be beer. Choose local. Choose flavor. Choose NC Wine, Cider, and Mead.