Top 10 Wine and Chip Pairings for the Ultimate Relaxing Night In

There's no better way to unwind than with a glass of wine and a bag of chips. These beloved snacks are not just comfort food—they're a source of pure joy. But before we dive into our snacks, let's explore how we can elevate these pairings to make your wine and chip experience even more satisfying.

Sande Friedman, who oversees the beverage program at Di Bruno Brothers in Philadelphia, is passionate about pairing wines with everyday snacks to maximize enjoyment. She shares her expert tips for matching popular salty snacks with the perfect wines. For even more pairing inspiration, we turned to "Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World" by sommelier and author Vanessa Price, a fun and insightful guide to pairing wine with all kinds of food.

Fun Wine and Snack Pairings That Blend the Best of Both Worlds

Crispy Potato Chips with Pétillant-Naturel

"When it comes to a basic potato chip, just go with whatever feels right in the moment," says Sande. "Or, use the simplicity of a plain chip as a blank canvas to create something uniquely yours." She suggests trying a skin-contact pétillant-naturel (or 'pét-nat'), particularly one from Bloomer Creek Winery in upstate New York.

"These unfiltered sparkling wines come from richer grapes and are fermented to be dry and earthy, with bubbles that enliven every bite," explains Sande. "Some bottles are a fusion of cider and wine—use the neutral chip to cleanse your palate as the wine evolves with each sip."

On the flip side, Price suggests pairing classic champagne with traditional chips. "For a timeless potato chip, a classic champagne is the perfect match. Any excuse to enjoy the good stuff!" she shared in a recent interview.

Barbecue Chips with a Merlot-Based Wine or a Sparkling Red Blend

"BBQ chips are a great match for a medium to full-bodied red wine," says Sande. "A dependable choice would be a soft Merlot-based wine, but for a more adventurous pairing, I recommend trying Mariotti Smarazen Bianco dell'Emilia."

This unique wine is a fizzy blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, with a touch of peachiness that might remind you of a peach barbecue sauce. Its frizzante-style bubbles make it a laid-back, perfect option for a backyard barbecue or a relaxed night in.

In "Big Macs & Burgundy," Price also suggests pairing BBQ chips with Central Coast Pinot Noir.

Salt and Vinegar Chips with Gamay Rosé

"This is the toughest pairing for me," admits Sande. "The bold vinegar in these chips can really linger on the palate. I turn to my go-to grape, Gamay, because its natural fruitiness and smoothness balance the acidity, bringing brightness without overwhelming the already sharp bite of the chips."

Opt for a still (non-sparkling) rosé made with Gamay grapes. Sande is particularly fond of Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay Noir Rosé. If you can't find Gamay, any dry rosé will do nicely with your salt and vinegar chips.

Doritos with Rosé Pétillant-Naturel

Don't hesitate to treat yourself when pairing chips and wine. Sande is a fan of Bichi's Pet Mex Tecate, a rosé pétillant made from a diverse blend of grapes.

"It's wonderfully sweet but well-balanced, light, and peachy-frothy—just the perfect drink to wash away the Dorito dust on your fingers," says Sande. "I prefer an off-dry wine to complement the cheesy, bold flavor of a Dorito. But anything too sweet, like a Riesling, Muscat, or Gewurztraminer, might feel too heavy."

Cheetos with a Chilled Light Red Wine

"For the ultimate junk food snack, you can't go wrong with a chilled light red wine," says Sande. "I always look forward to Fossil & Fawn's annual 'Do Nothing' red blend, a perfect match for a bag of Cheetos. It's as laid-back as the snack itself but always delicious." Just be prepared for orange fingerprints on your wine glass.

Cheetos also make an appearance in Price's book. She recommends pairing this addicting snack with Sancerre, a dry, crisp white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Loire Valley, France. Known for its bright acidity, zesty citrus, and mineral undertones, Sancerre stands up perfectly to this "dangerously cheesy" treat.

Sour Cream and Onion Chips with French Chardonnay

"One of my go-to pairings is French Chardonnay—medium-bodied and unoaked—alongside sour cream and onion chips," says Sande. "The bright lemon notes in the wine balance beautifully with the creamy, tangy coating of the chips. You’ll need a wine with enough body to match the rich flavor, so don't go too light." This pairing also works well with salted potato chips and French onion dip.

Pringles with Chenin Blanc

Grab a can of Pringles for your next movie night and pair it with wine. "For a snack with a relatively neutral flavor, I go with one of my favorite general potato pairings—Chenin Blanc," says Sande. "This honeyed white grape from the Loire Valley is beloved by wine aficionados. Since Pringles are a quintessential American chip, try an all-American Chenin, like Hobo Wine Co.'s Folk Machine Chenin Blanc."

Pretzels with Zweigelt-Based Red or a Jura White Wine

The natural choice for pretzels is often a red wine, as they have a malty, wheaty flavor. If you're leaning in that direction, Sande recommends a Zweigelt-based wine, which offers a peppery kick. Sande enjoys a liter-sized bottle from Vorspannhof Mayr, a medium-bodied wine with mulberry and cherry notes and a spicy, peppery finish.

"If you're feeling adventurous, try a Jura white wine with pretzels," suggests Sande. "These wines are far from your typical white—they're oxidative, aromatic, and even reminiscent of sherry. A pinch of salt can really enhance the experience, especially with a hearty dark rye pretzel."

Sweet Potato Chips with Pinot Noir

"Pinot Noir is the perfect red wine for anything involving sweet potatoes, whether it's sweet or savory," says Sande. "For something special, Amelie Berthaut's Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is an ideal choice. If you're looking for something a bit more unique, try the Copper Pot Pinot Noir from Thorne & Daughters in South Africa's Western Cape. It's a bit more brambly and spicy compared to a classic Burgundy Pinot, but still retains elegance and grace. It's one of the best South African Pinots I've tried, and a great value for the price."

Truffle Chips with Champagne

"Champagne is often touted as the ultimate chip pairing," says Sande. "And they're not wrong, but if you're splurging on real Champagne, why not pair it with an equally luxurious chip? My ultimate indulgence right now would be Moussé Fils 'Spécial Club' Brut, a rare 100% Pinot Meunier Champagne that's rich and creamy, served with Torres Truffle Chips and maybe some super ripe Harbison cheese or Amontillado. Go ahead, live your best life."