Everything you need to know to start adding wine to your favourite cozy dishes.
If you’ve ever wondered whether cooking with wine is difficult, intimidating or something only chefs do, I promise, it’s not. Cooking with wine is actually one of the easiest ways to add instant flavour, depth and a little cozy magic to everyday meals.
And the best part? You don’t need expensive bottles, complicated techniques or fancy equipment. Just a splash of wine, the right moment and a dish that could use a little warmth.
I started cooking with wine about a year ago. Mostly because I was curious why so many recipes kept telling me to „add a splash of white wine“ or „deglaze with red“. I finally tried it and honestly, that one step changed everything .Now, adding wine to my dishes has become one of my favourite little kitchen rituals. It makes simple meals feels warmer, richer and a bit more luxurious. Especially during the colder months.
So here’s my complete beginner-friendly guide to cooking with wine. Explained simply, from my kitchen to yours.
Why Cook with Wine?
Wine adds three things to your food that broth or water simply can’t match:
- Depth & richness
Wine adds acidity, fruitiness and warmth. It makes your dish more dimensional.
2. Subtle sweetness or brightness
Depending on whether you use red or white, wine brings either softness of freshness.
3. A „restaurant-level“ finish
You know when food tastes balanced, polished and flavourful?
If you love my post – Top Comfort Foods to Pair With Wine in Winter- this guide pairs perfectly with it. Literally.
Red Wine vs. White Wine for Cooking
Let’s keep it simple:
Red Wine
Best for.
- beef stew
- tomato-based sauces
- mushrooms
- caramelised onions
- braised dishes
FLAVOUR: warm, deep, rich
My post – Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Has More Health Benefits? – explains exactly why red wine fees so grounding. and your food gets that same richness.
White Wine
Best for:
- risotto
- creamy pasta sauces
- chicken dishes
- seafood
- herb-forward or lemon-based meals
FLAVOUR: bright, crisp, fresh
White wine lifts the dish, while red wine deepens it.
What Wine Should You Cook With?
Rule#1: Cook with wine you’d drink.
It doesn’t need to be expensive. Just avoid „cooking wine“, which is salty and low quality.
Affordable & reliable wines for cooking:
These are perfect for both sipping and cooking.
Helpful Accessories for Cooking With Wine
These tools make the process much easier and elevate your kitchen setup:
- Stainless Steel Sauté Pan (perfect for deglazing and reducing wine)
- Dutch Oven ( Ideal for braises, stews and slow-cooked dishes)
- Glass Measuring Cups ( accurately measure your wine for cooking)
- Olive Wood or Beechwood Cooking Utensils (gentle on pans, aesthetic on the counter)
When Should You Add Wine in a Recipe?
Timing is everything, but it’s simpler than you think.
- Add wine right after your onions and garlic soften.
The lifts (or „deglazes“) the flavour from the pan.
2. Let it simmer before adding broth or cream.
This helps the wine reduce and mellow.
3. Give it at least 5 – 10 minutes.
Most alcohol evaporates. Flavour stays.
Beginner-Friendly Dishes to Make With Wine
- Creamy White Wine Pasta
White wine brightens the sauce and adds a little elegance.
2. Red Wine Beef Stew
Cozy, hearty and perfect for winter nights.
3. Mushroom Risotto (with white wine)
The white wine is what makes it taste restaurant-level.
4. Red Wine Tomato Sauce
Transforms regular pasta nights into comfort food perfection.
5. White Wine & Herb Chicken
Light, flavourful and easy to make.
If you love cozy rituals like in my post – 5 Cozy Winter Wine Moments You’ll Want to Recreate -, these dishes fit right into that vibe.
How to Store Leftover Wine for Cooking
Good news. You don’t need to finish the bottle.
- Store it in the fridge
- Use a wine stopper
- Keep for 5-7 days
- OR freeze into „wine cubes“ for future sauces
Cooking with wine becomes so easy when you prep like this.
A Little Personal Note
Cooking with wine has become one of those small rituals that makes my kitchen feel warmer and more inviting. There’s something so satisfying about adding a splash of wine to a pan, hearing it sizzle and watching it melt into something delicious. It’s simple, it’s cozy and it turns ordinary meals into little moments.
More Cozy Wine Posts You’ll Love
- Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Has More Health Benefits?
- Top Comfort Foods to Pair With Red Wine in Winter
- Why Switching to Organic Wine Actually Makes a Difference
- From Vineyard to Glass: Understanding the Journey of Your Favourite Wine