Winter in Birmingham is made for hearty meals. From steak dinners and baked pasta to smoked barbecue and holiday feasts, colder weather brings richer foods to the table. Choosing the right wine isn’t about finding the biggest bottle on the shelf—it’s about finding the one that matches what’s for dinner.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, voted Best Place to Buy Wine in Birmingham by the readers of About Town for eight consecutive years, Birmingham Wine Specialist Scott Atkinson helps shoppers pair wine with real meals, not just grape varieties.
His advice starts with the food, because different cuts of meat, sauces, and preparations all call for something different.
Discover the best wines for winter evenings, from rich reds to smooth, slow-sipping selections that pair perfectly with cozy gatherings, comfort foods, and relaxed nights by the fire.
Steak Night Starts With the Cut
Not every steak pairs with the same wine. Scott recommends matching the wine to the richness of the meat.
“The greater the fat content, the more robust the wine.”
That simple rule makes choosing wine much easier.
For leaner cuts, Scott recommends:
“Filet, I would do more of a Pinot Noir.”
Pinot Noir offers enough structure to complement filet without overpowering its delicate texture.
For a rich, marbled ribeye, he reaches for something bolder.
“A ribeye, I would do a Rhone or a Syrah-based wine.”
The savory spice and fuller body of Syrah and Rhône-style blends stand up beautifully to the richness of the steak.
Serving New York strip?
“New York strip, I would do Bordeaux or Cabernet.”
Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends have the structure to complement the bold flavor of this classic cut.
Pasta Nights Call for Italian Reds
When winter brings baked ziti, lasagna, spaghetti, or other comfort-food favorites, Scott knows exactly where to look.
“Italy, Italy, Italy, Italy, Italy.”
Italian red wines are some of the most versatile choices for pasta dinners because they naturally pair well with a wide variety of sauces.
Scott also reminds shoppers to think about what’s in the recipe.
“Are we doing a very tomato-based? Then you go to the South. If it’s a cream pasta, you go to the north.”
Tomato-based dishes often pair beautifully with Southern Italian reds, while cream sauces are a natural fit for many Northern Italian wines.
Barbecue Deserves Zinfandel
Barbecue isn’t just a summer tradition in Alabama. Smokers and grills stay busy all year long.
When barbecue is on the menu, Scott’s recommendation is consistent.
“Barbecue is the uniquely American food. Zinfandel is the uniquely American wine.”
Whether you’re serving ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or smoked chicken, Zinfandel’s generous fruit and peppery spice make it a dependable match for bold barbecue flavors.
Holiday Dinners Need Flexible Wines
Winter is filled with gatherings where the menu includes everything from roasted meats to casseroles, vegetables, appetizers, and desserts.
When several dishes share the table, flexibility matters. Wines that pair well with a variety of foods help make holiday entertaining easier, whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a bottle to someone else’s home.
If you’re unsure what to serve, stop by The Pig and tell the wine team what’s on the menu. We’ll help you find a bottle that fits both the meal and your budget.
Keep Your Winter Wine in the Right Place
Good wine deserves proper storage, even if you’re planning to enjoy it soon.
Scott offers one piece of advice that surprises many shoppers:
“Don’t ever put it above the fridge.”
The heat generated by appliances can shorten a wine’s life and affect its quality.
Instead, remember Scott’s simple rule:
“Wine wants a cool, dark space…”
A closet, pantry, or cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat is a much better place to keep your bottles until dinner.
Make The Pig Your Winter Wine Stop
Whether you’re planning a steak dinner, serving baked pasta, smoking barbecue, or gathering around the holiday table, the wine department at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham makes choosing the right bottle simple.
Scott Atkinson and The Pig’s wine team are ready to help you find wines that match your menu, your taste, and your budget.
Browse the selection anytime at Pig Wine Online.
You can also stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham and tell us what’s cooking. We’ll help you find the perfect bottle for the occasion.
For more wine inspiration, explore our Meat and Wine Pairings, Wine Pairing Guide, and Best Wines by Occasion resources.
See you at The Pig this winter. #thepigbham