10 Book & Wine Pairings (You Didn't Know You Needed!)

Hi, my bookish friend! I was scrolling through Instagram last week when I came upon a post featuring a “book tasting” event in which books were paired with a wine. Yesss! I was all about that idea!

So, down the rabbit hole I went: As it turns out, the “book tasting” event was held in London and sponsored by a book club created by English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, best known for “Dance the Night” from the Barbie movie. Her book club is a part of a larger online lifestyle website called Service95. (See Dua Lipa’s latest book club pick here!)

Since I live here in the United States and unlikely to travel to the Bookbar in London (let the record show I’m all up for going there if anyone wants to fund my trip - LOL!), I decided why not make “book and wine pairings” the theme for this week’s newsletter?

So, find your corkscrew, a glass, and a bookmark because below you’ll find:

My attempt at matching 10 book genres to different wine varieties.

3 Bookish buys for “literary” wine glasses, tumblers, and charms

A hack for reading more that uses “pairing” as its superpower

Now, I’m a wine lover (see my Vinvino profile). However, I know not everyone will share my enthusiasm. So, I also added a non-alcoholic beverage option with each pairing.

Happy Reading! (And Happy Sipping!)

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Since you opened this week’s newsletter, I’m pretty sure you’re the type of person who knows how to enjoy life, like pairing books with wine. No wonder we’re bookish friends! I’m so glad you’re here. ☺️

Share this week’s post with someone who’s up for sipping while turning pages.

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer

Bookish Recs: 10 Book and Wine Pairings

While relaxing with a few chapters is usually associated with a cup of tea or a mug of coffee, books and wine also make a fantastic combo. In the post I saw about the books and wine event, they took it a step further and asked: Can the type of wine you choose complement what you’re reading?

Let’s find out! Below, I’ve paired *10 different types of wine with popular book genres and a few book recommendations, including the latest new releases (the third book rec).

*These are only suggestions! The fun part about wine and books is finding your preferences.

Cabernet Sauvignon + Literary Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: An espresso or black coffee

The rich and bold flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon mirrors the depth and complexity often found in literary fiction. Just as a Cab Sauv often uncovers hidden notes with each sip, literary fiction reveals profound themes and layers with each turn of the page.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Pinot Noir + Young Adult

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cherry cola soda.

As a light red, Pinot Noir pairs well with the lighter stories associated with Young Adult (YA) novels. Pinot Noir’s delicate and nuanced profile of berry flavors upfront that give way to earthy undertones matches themes of first loves and coming of age.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

Merlot + Mystery

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cup of chai tea or a hot chocolate

The smooth and approachable nature of Merlot goes down easily with the intriguing plot of a good mystery. Mull over the plum, berry, and cocoa notes as you deliberate the clues and enjoy a satisfying finish with each mouthful and conclusion to the story.

Recommended Book Pairings:

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers

Malbec + Thrillers/Horror

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: An energy drink

The deep red color of Malbec matches the bloody plot in a thriller or horror novel. This bold, dry wine with persistent tannins keeps you going back for sips just as the suspenseful plot of a thriller keeps you turning pages.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

Chardonnay + Historical Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Mulled apple cider

Chardonnay, with its classic elegance and richness, enhances the themes of times gone by found in historical fiction. Go with buttery, oaked Chardonnay for historical romances and reserve the crispness of an unoaked variety for historical thrillers.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

Sauvignon Blanc + Fantasy/Romantasy

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Kiwi-lime sparkling water.

The vibrant and zesty character of Sauvignon Blanc complements the imaginative and whimsical elements of fantasy. For romantasy, choose a Sauv Blanc from New Zealand to transport you to extraordinary worlds of romance and adventure.

Recommended Book Pairings:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Crown of Betrayal and Blood by Nina Frost

Pinot Grigio + Science Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cucumber-mint lemonade.

Pinot Grigio’s crisp citrus and green apple notes and refreshing style pair well with the innovative concepts and futuristic settings found in science fiction.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

Rosé + Romance

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Strawberry daiquiri mocktail

The light and fruity profile of Rosé perfectly complements the tender emotions and joyful moments typical of romance novels. Just like the heartwarming nature of these love stories, Rosé is best enjoyed during the warm weather months.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Story of My Life by Lucy Score

Moscato + Rom-Coms

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Sweet tea

The sweet and playful nature of Moscato pairs wonderfully with the lighthearted escapades found in romantic comedies. Both offer a delightful experience.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn

Sparkling Wine + Action-Adventure

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Flavored sparkling water

The effervescence of sparkling wine matches the thrill and excitement present in action-adventure stories. Whether it's a daring escape or an exhilarating journey, both are best enjoyed with a sense of celebration and awe.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg

Have a wine + book genre combo to share? (Or own a winery and want to do a collab? 🤞)

Leave a comment

Bookish Buys: Literary Wine Glasses, Tumblers, & Charms

These products pair well with uncorking a wine and enjoying it with your latest read.

Show off your literary love as you read and sip with this stemless glass that has a cute saying: “In My Bookish Era.”

This tumbler is perfect for reading outside. It’s insulated to keep your white wine or rosé cool. With a spill-proof lid, you’ll be living the saying on it: “Drink Wine. Read Books. Be Happy.”

If you plan to host a books and wine book club event, these adorable literary wine charms will help your guests keep track of their glass as they flip through book pages.

Bookish Reading Tip: Habit Pairing

Pairing your reading time with a tasty snack or beverage can lead to you reading more.

Why? Research suggests that you’re more likely to keep a reading habit (or any habit you want to do) if you pair it with something pleasurable you already enjoy often (such as wine, but maybe not every single day!). The resulting dopamine release means you’re not relying on willpower to keep up the habit.

I can say that this hack works. I’m often easily distracted (probably undiagnosed ADHD), and reading at lunchtime is a habit I’ve easily kept up.

Bookish Quote of the Week Photo by Audry Fryer

“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.”

― John Keats

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