Wine Wine Pairings The Best Wines to Pair with Fish Tacos Citrusy whites tend to be best, but depending on the taco, you might be able to try a red. By Kristin Donnelly Kristin Donnelly Kristin Donnelly is a writer with nearly two decades of experience crafting stories and recipes for editorial publications, books, and brands. She was a food editor at Food & Wine for eight years. Kristin is the author of two cookbooks and co-host of the Everything Cookbook podcast. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 23, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Citrusy whites tend to be best, but depending on the taco, you might be able to try a red. Vinho Verde or Txacoli. These light, spritzy whites—Vinho Verde from Portugal and Txocoli from Spain—have a salty minerality and super bright acidity that acts like a spritz of lime. These are the ultimate beach wines, and fish tacos are the ultimate beach food, so this pairing just works. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer wines with a touch more body and fruit, try Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand. These wines tend to have a mix of citrus and tropical flavors and a zippy herbal quality that's tasty with cilantro. California or Oregon Pinot Noir. White wines are best with most fish tacos, but if you're eating one made with grilled fish, especially salmon, the red cherry fruit you find in Oregon Pinot Noir and lighter styles from California works well. Plus, a hint of spicy oak can pair nicely with the char. Kristin Donnelly is a former Food & Wine editor and author of the forthcoming The Modern Potluck (Clarkson Potter, 2016). She is also the cofounder of Stewart & Claire, an all-natural line of lip balms made in Brooklyn. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit