10 Best Wines to Pair With Sushi — Expert Picks for Every Roll

Forget sake – sushi and wine belong together, and I’m about to show you why! Finding the perfect wine companion for your favorite maki rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. After years of pairing experiments (and yes, plenty of delicious research), I’ve compiled the 10 best wines to pair with sushi that’ll make any sushi night spectacular. Whether you’re ordering takeout or rolling your own at home, these accessible, foolproof pairings will transform your sushi experience from good to absolutely amazing.

Each of these wine selections complements specific sushi styles, bringing out their best flavors while adding a fresh dimension to your meal. While sake certainly has its place, wine offers a broader range of flavor profiles that can highlight everything from the delicate sweetness of fresh fish to the punch of spicy mayo. Ready to discover your new favorite sushi-night bottle? Let’s dive into these expert-approved matches that’ll have you wondering why you ever limited yourself to just sake!

Prosecco with Shrimp Tempura Rolls

• Bubbles cut through fried tempura
• Light and fresh, lifts greasy bites
• Makes sushi feel festive

There’s something truly magical about how Prosecco’s lively bubbles dance with the crispy coating of shrimp tempura. The bright, apple-pear notes in this Italian sparkling wine slice through that light batter like a freshly sharpened knife, preventing any heaviness from building up as you enjoy multiple pieces. Tempura rolls often come with richer sauces too, and Prosecco’s acidity helps reset your palate between bites.

For the best match, look for a brut Prosecco rather than extra-dry versions (which, confusingly, are actually sweeter). The drier style follows the classic pairing principle of contrasting textures – crisp bubbles against soft rice and crunchy tempura. Plus, there’s something about bubbles that instantly turns any takeout night into a celebration!

Sauvignon Blanc with Spicy Tuna Rolls

• Bright acidity cools spicy heat
• Crisp flavors match raw tuna
• Refreshes your palate between bites

When that spicy tuna roll hits your tongue with its fiery kick, you’ll thank me for suggesting Sauvignon Blanc as its perfect partner. The zippy, citrusy character of this wine acts like a cooling wave against the spice, while its herbaceous notes complement the fresh fish beautifully. It’s like having a built-in palate cleanser with each sip!

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs work particularly well here, with their pronounced grapefruit and gooseberry flavors. The wine’s natural high acidity stands up to wasabi and spicy mayo without getting overwhelmed, creating that perfect balance we’re all searching for when tasting wine with food. Next time you order that spicy tuna roll with extra sriracha, make sure you have a chilled Sauv Blanc ready to go!

Pinot Grigio with California Rolls

• Light and citrusy
• Complements crab and cucumber
• Simple, classic, and affordable

California rolls are often the gateway sushi for many of us, and Pinot Grigio serves as the perfect entry-level wine pairing. The subtle, refreshing nature of this Italian white wine mirrors the mild flavors in this beginner-friendly roll. Its lemon-lime notes accent the cucumber’s crispness, while the wine’s light body won’t overwhelm the delicate imitation crab.

This is probably the most stress-free pairing on our list – almost any decent Pinot Grigio from the grocery store will work beautifully. The wine’s simplicity allows the creamy avocado to shine while providing just enough acidity to keep things interesting. For those nights when you want a foolproof, budget-friendly option that everyone will enjoy, this classic combo never disappoints!

Dry Riesling with Dragon Rolls

• Slight sweetness balances rich eel sauce
• Great with avocado and unagi
• Handles sweet-savory combo perfectly

Dragon rolls present a fascinating pairing challenge with their combination of grilled eel, avocado, and that sticky-sweet unagi sauce. This is where an off-dry Riesling truly shines! The wine’s touch of residual sugar harmonizes with the caramelized eel sauce, while its backbone of acidity keeps everything in balance. It’s one of those “wow” pairings that makes both the food and wine taste even better together.

Look for German Rieslings labeled as “Kabinett” or “Spätlese” for the ideal sweetness level – not completely dry, but not dessert-sweet either. The wine’s natural stone fruit flavors play wonderfully against the rich, buttery avocado, creating a sophisticated yet approachable pairing. This combination proves that thoughtful wine pairing can transform even fusion sushi creations into gourmet experiences!

Albariño with Scallop Nigiri

• Spanish white, crisp and minerally
• Matches delicate scallop flavor
• Zingy enough for wasabi kick

For the purists who appreciate the elegant simplicity of nigiri, especially delicate scallop pieces, Spanish Albariño is your perfect wine match. This coastal white wine carries a distinctive saline quality that echoes the ocean-fresh taste of raw scallops. The wine’s pronounced minerality and bright citrus notes create a beautiful harmony with each buttery bite without overwhelming the subtle seafood flavors.

Albariño comes from Spain’s rainy Rías Baixas region, where it developed its unique character from growing near the Atlantic Ocean. That maritime influence in the wine pairs instinctively with seafood – it’s like they were made for each other! When you add a tiny dab of wasabi to your scallop nigiri, Albariño’s lively acidity stands up beautifully, cleansing your palate for the next perfect piece.

Chablis with Sashimi Platters

• Unoaked French Chardonnay
• Clean, pure taste for raw fish
• Enhances tuna, salmon, yellowtail

When you’re splurging on a premium sashimi platter, you need a wine that respects the pristine quality of the fish – enter Chablis. Unlike other Chardonnays, this French classic typically sees little to no oak aging, resulting in a pure, mineral-driven wine that doesn’t mask the delicate flavors of raw fish. Its flinty character and subtle green apple notes create a remarkable synergy with premium cuts of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail.

Chablis comes from the northernmost region of Burgundy, where the cool climate and famous Kimmeridgian soil create wines with distinctive chalky minerality. This terroir-driven character makes it exceptionally food-friendly, especially with clean, pure flavors. When selecting a vintage, look for recent years for that fresh vibrancy that complements sashimi so beautifully – this pairing showcases why sometimes less is more when combining fine wine with premium ingredients.

Champagne with Salmon Avocado Rolls

• Tiny bubbles add freshness
• Cuts through rich salmon
• Fancy touch for simple rolls

There’s nothing quite like the marriage of luxurious Champagne with the creamy-rich combination of salmon and avocado. The wine’s fine bubbles and yeasty complexity elevate even the most standard roll to something special. Each sip acts like a palate reset button, with the high acidity cutting through the fatty salmon and buttery avocado, preparing your taste buds for the next bite.

While true French Champagne makes any meal feel like a celebration, don’t overlook quality alternatives like Crémant or American sparkling wines that offer similar profiles at more accessible price points. The toasty brioche notes that develop during the traditional méthode production process create a wonderful contrast with the clean fish flavors. When friends come over for sushi night, popping a bottle of bubbly alongside simple salmon avocado rolls instantly transforms the evening into a sophisticated affair!

Rosé with Rainbow Rolls

• Dry Rosé handles mixed fish layers
• Fruity notes pair with spicy mayo
• Pretty and perfect for parties

Rainbow rolls present a pairing challenge with their colorful array of different fish – how do you find one wine that works with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and avocado all at once? A crisp, dry Provençal rosé rises to the occasion beautifully. Its versatile character offers enough body for the fatty salmon while remaining light enough for the leaner fish varieties.

The subtle red berry notes in rosé complement the varying textures and flavors in this Instagram-worthy roll. When there’s spicy mayo involved, the wine’s fruity character provides a pleasing contrast while the acidity keeps your palate refreshed. Plus, let’s be honest – the pretty pink color of the wine alongside the vibrant rainbow roll makes for a stunning table setting! It’s the perfect choice for sushi parties where you want one bottle that can handle everything on the platter while keeping the mood festive and fun.

Grüner Veltliner with Veggie Rolls

• Peppery and zesty Austrian white
• Lifts cucumber, avocado, or asparagus
• Light but flavorful enough for veggies

Vegetable-focused sushi deserves a wine that celebrates rather than overwhelms its fresh, green flavors. Enter Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s signature white grape that seems custom-designed for veggie rolls. With its distinctive notes of white pepper, green apple, and fresh herbs, Grüner highlights the cucumber’s crispness, complements avocado’s richness, and even handles challenging vegetables like asparagus with ease.

What makes Grüner particularly special for vegetarian sushi pairings is its unique vegetal quality that mirrors similar notes in the food. The wine has enough weight to stand up to umami-rich mushrooms yet remains bright and zippy for fresher ingredients. If you’re exploring plant-based sushi options, don’t overlook this underappreciated gem of a wine – it might just become your new go-to for meatless Monday sushi nights!

Light Pinot Noir with Seared Tuna Rolls

• Soft tannins work with meaty fish
• Slight chill keeps it refreshing
• Surprising red wine sushi match

Yes, you read that correctly – red wine can work beautifully with certain types of sushi! When tuna gets the torch treatment, its proteins caramelize and develop more complex, meaty flavors that call for something beyond the usual white wine pairing. A light-bodied Pinot Noir, especially from cooler climate regions like Oregon or Burgundy, offers the perfect middle ground with its silky texture and red fruit notes.

The trick is to serve your Pinot Noir slightly chilled – about 30 minutes in the refrigerator before opening. This keeps the wine refreshing while allowing its subtle earthy undertones to complement the umami richness of seared fish. This pairing proves that red wine and fish can coexist beautifully when thoughtfully matched. Next time you order that specialty roll with seared tuna on top, surprise yourself and your friends by bringing a bottle of elegant Pinot Noir to the table – it might just change your sushi pairing game forever!

Knowing The Best Wines to Pair With Sushi Makes For Perfect Nights

Finding the right wine to pair with your favorite sushi rolls transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable. The best wines to pair with sushi consider both texture and flavor – from the crisp bubbles of Prosecco cutting through tempura to the subtle minerality of Chablis highlighting pristine sashimi. These pairings work because they either complement or provide pleasurable contrast to what’s happening on your plate.

Don’t be afraid to experiment beyond these suggestions! Once you understand the basic principles, you can discover your own perfect matches based on personal preference. The beauty of wine and sushi pairing is that there’s always something new to try – maybe a different red wine with that special roll or a unique white with your nigiri assortment.

So next time you’re planning sushi night, skip the sake (just this once!) and uncork something special instead. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these wine pairings will take your sushi experience to new heights. Grab your chopsticks, pour a glass, and discover just how wonderful these flavor combinations can be!