Fast Food Wine Pairings

Who says wine needs to be fancy? These fast food wine pairings prove that even fries, burgers, and chicken sandwiches can be elevated with the right bottle. From sparkling Cava with McDonald’s fries to bold Cabernet with a Five Guys cheeseburger, your favorite guilty pleasures just got a delicious upgrade.

Fast Food Wine Pairings That Actually Work

McDonald’s French Fries & Cava
Champagne and fries aren’t a secret — but fries and Cava take things up a notch. Cava is a Catalonian sparkling wine made in the traditional method, just like Champagne, but much more affordable. Most are made with Macabeo, Parellada, or Xarel·lo — crisp, refreshing, light, with zesty flavors of Meyer lemon and green apple. The bubbly, citrusy goodness balances McDonald’s salty fries perfectly. We picked McDonald’s because everyone has one nearby, but honestly, any fries will do. Now that is a Happy Meal.

Chipotle Chips with Guacamole & Grenache Rosé
Grenache rosé and guacamole are a match made in fast-casual heaven. Grenache rosé brings sugared lime zest, pomelo, Rainier cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and cucumber to the table. Paired with Chipotle’s salty, citrusy, extra guac, it’s fresh-meets-fresh flavor perfection.

Panda Express Orange Chicken & Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer and tangy, sweet, spicy orange chicken are a no-brainer. This floral, funky, slightly sweet wine has notes of lychee, stone fruit, tangerine, lemongrass, and ginger — perfect for complementing the tangy, MSG-laden goodness of Panda Express’s Chinese-American takeout.

Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich & Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc pairs beautifully with spicy chicken. Light-bodied, high-acid, and bursting with honeydew, white peaches, pomelo, and passionfruit, it enhances the spice while keeping things refreshing. Popeyes’ sandwich — crispy, tangy, and creamy on a soft potato bun — finds a perfect foil in this fruit-forward, palate-cleansing white.

Five Guys Cheeseburger & Cabernet Sauvignon
The classic cheeseburger and a bold Napa Cabernet — pure Americana. With flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and hints of cedar, tobacco, and spice, the Cabernet’s firm tannins cut through the richness of a Five Guys burger, while its robust character holds up against the savory toppings. Each bite is a harmony of richness and fruit-forward intensity.

Wingstop Buffalo Wings & Riesling
Wings and beer are so yesterday. Riesling balances Buffalo wings like a pro. Wingstop’s wings are tangy, spicy, and crispy — a slightly off-dry or semi-sweet Riesling (Spätlese or Auslese) tames the heat while bright acidity refreshes the palate. Lighter spice? Opt for a dry Riesling (Kabinett or Trocken). Sweet, acid, and fruitiness — perfection with every bite.

Domino’s Pepperoni Pizza & Sangiovese
Classic Italian-style pairings still work, even in fast food form. Domino’s pepperoni pizza — crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni — finds a perfect match in Sangiovese. With red fruit, vibrant acidity, and herbal undertones, the wine cuts through the richness and complements the tangy, savory, umami flavors of the pizza.

In-N-Out Burger Animal Fries & Orange Wine
Animal fries are decadent: melted cheese, grilled onions, and house spread over crispy fries. Orange wine — amber-colored, skin-contact, with notes of dried fruit, honey, spice, and a slight tannic grip — cuts through the richness while harmonizing with the caramelized onions and tangy spread. Weird, but it works.

Fast food and wine don’t have to be worlds apart. From sparkling with fries to bold reds with burgers, the right wine can elevate even the greasiest indulgence. Don’t overthink it — just pour, sip, and enjoy.

Now that we have explored the realm of fast food and wine– is there anything you think we missed? Tag us your fast food wine pairings with us @lastbottlewines! And stock up your cellar with our daily offer so you’re ready for your next drive through run!