A Beginner’s Guide to Pairing Wine with Seafood

Pairing wine with food can feel like an art form—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. When it comes to seafood, choosing the right wine can elevate your meal, enhance the flavors, and create an unforgettable dining experience. At Schnebly Redland’s Winery, we do things a little differently—with fruit-forward tropical wines that offer a refreshing and unexpected twist on traditional pairings. Whether you’re new to wine or just curious about exploring tropical pairings, this guide is the perfect place to start.

Why Wine and Seafood Are the Perfect Match

The magic behind pairing wine with seafood lies in balance. The natural oils and delicate flavors in seafood need something light and acidic to complement them, and wine is the perfect partner.

• Acidity Matters: White wines—and especially fruit-based wines—have a bright acidity that cuts through richness and highlights delicate seafood flavors.
• Freshness Enhancer: Tropical wines like mango, lychee, and passion fruit enhance the freshness of the dish, giving each bite more dimension.
• A Unique Twist: At Schnebly Winery, our wines are made from exotic fruits instead of grapes, creating a pairing experience that’s both vibrant and distinctive. These flavors can add surprising harmony—or contrast—that brings seafood dishes to life.

The Best Schnebly Wines for Seafood Pairings

Mango Wine – A Sweet & Citrusy Companion

One of our most popular selections, Mango Wine, offers a beautifully balanced sweetness with a touch of citrus and floral notes. Its tropical character complements seafood with a Latin or Caribbean influence.

Perfect Pairings:

• Grilled shrimp skewers with lime
• Fresh ceviche
• Light white fish with mango salsa

This wine enhances sweet and tangy elements in seafood dishes and balances out heat in spicier preparations.

Passion Fruit Wine – Bold & Tangy

If you’re looking for something that adds a bold, tart punch to your meal, Passion Fruit Wine is a fantastic choice. It brings a natural acidity that can cut through buttery textures and spices.

Perfect Pairings:

• Cajun or Creole-style shrimp
• Thai coconut curry with prawns
• Seared scallops with chili-lime butter

Its vibrant personality stands up well to rich sauces and heat, refreshing the palate with every sip.

Lychee Wine – The Floral & Elegant Choice

Light, floral, and slightly sweet, Lychee Wine is a match made in heaven for refined seafood dishes. Its delicate aroma and taste add elegance to any plate.

Perfect Pairings:

• Sushi or sashimi
• Pan-seared scallops with citrus glaze
• Miso-glazed cod

The floral sweetness of lychee balances salty, umami-rich dishes often found in Asian cuisines.

How to Create the Perfect Seafood & Wine Dinner at Home

Want to recreate a wine-and-seafood experience in your own kitchen? Here are some essential tips:

• Serve Wines Chilled: White and tropical wines shine at colder temperatures. Keep your bottles in the fridge for at least a few hours before serving.
• Balance Richness with Acidity: If your seafood is rich (like lobster in butter sauce or fried calamari), pair it with a crisp wine like Passion Fruit or even a Sparkling Lychee for contrast.
• Experiment and Have Fun: Try something new! For example, pair our CocoVino, a coconut-based wine, with coconut shrimp or Thai-inspired seafood curries. You might be surprised by how well it works.

Where to Try the Best Wine & Seafood Pairings in Miami

Looking to experience the perfect pairing in person? Visit us at Schnebly Redland’s Winery in Homestead, FL, where you can enjoy daily wine tastings featuring five of our unique tropical wines.

And don’t forget to stop by The Redlander Restaurant, our on-site dining experience where fresh seafood dishes meet our tropical wines in perfect harmony. From island-inspired shrimp to chef-crafted seasonal creations, your palate will thank you.

Ready to Sip & Savor?
Book your tasting or dinner today and discover how tropical wines take seafood to the next level.