As fall brings cooler nights and cozy campfires, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than with a glass of wine in hand. The timeless ritual of roasting marshmallows over crackling logs and indulging in classic s’mores with loved ones is a simple yet cherished pleasure.
With their perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, s’mores are already a treat—but why not take it up a notch by pairing them with the right wine? The key is finding a balance between the sweetness of the dessert and the wine. Too much sweetness can overwhelm the palate, while a wine with a touch of acidity or spice can elevate the experience.
Here’s your guide to pairing wines with s’mores, turning a beloved campfire classic into a gourmet indulgence.
Classic Smores & Ruby Port
S’mores Flavor Profile: The traditional s’more is made of gooey toasted marshmallow, rich milk chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. This combination is sweet and creamy, with a hint of vanilla from the marshmallows and a light honeyed crunch from the crackers.
Wine Pairing: Ruby Port like Fonseca Bin27 or Taylor Fladgate Fine Ruby is a natural fit for classic s’mores. Its bold fruit flavors complement the sweetness of the marshmallows and the milk chocolate. The richness of Port contrasts beautifully with the cracker’s slight crispness, offering a balance to the sugary notes. The wine’s notes of ripe berries and subtle hints of chocolate echo and enhance the flavors of the s’more.
Why it Works: Port’s sweetness and depth prevent it from being overshadowed by the sweetness of the dessert, creating a harmonious balance without overwhelming the palate.
Dark Chocolate S'mores and Old Vine Zinfandel
S’mores Flavor Profile: For those who enjoy a richer, more intense twist on the classic s’more, swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate adds complexity. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the marshmallow, giving the dessert a more sophisticated edge.
Wine Pairing: St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate s’mores. This bold, fruity wine showcases flavors of blackberry, plum, and hints of peppery spice. The dark fruit notes complement the richness of the dark chocolate, while the wine’s subtle spiciness adds warmth to the overall experience.
Why it Works: Old Vine Zinfandel’s robust character holds its own against the intensity of the dark chocolate, while still balancing the sweetness of the marshmallow. The wine’s depth mirrors the complexity of the chocolate, enhancing the richness of each bite and sip for a truly satisfying pairing.
Peanut Butter S'mores and Tawny Port
S’mores Flavor Profile: For a more adventurous twist, peanut butter s’mores bring a savory-sweet dimension to the classic treat. The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate and marshmallow, creating a rich and indulgent dessert.
Wine Pairing: Croft Reserve Tawny Port, with its notes of caramel, dried fruit, and roasted nuts, is an ideal match for peanut butter s’mores. The wine’s aged, complex character enhances the savory depth of the peanut butter while its sweetness balances the chocolate and marshmallow.
Why it Works: Tawny Port’s rich flavors of toffee, fig, and almond elevate the s’more, complementing the nuttiness of the peanut butter while delivering a sweet, harmonious finish.
Gourmet S'mores with Flavored Marshmallows and Sparkling Rosé
S’mores Flavor Profile: If you’re feeling adventurous, flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean, coffee, or strawberry can add an exciting twist to the classic s’more. These variations introduce new layers of flavor, from fruity to spicy, transforming a familiar treat into something more creative and indulgent.
Wine Pairing: A sparkling rosé, such as Caposaldo Prosecco Rosé or Alta Vista Brut Rosé, provides a vibrant, bubbly contrast to the sweetness of marshmallow and chocolate. With notes of red berries, citrus, and a touch of florals, sparkling rosé adds brightness and balance, cutting through the richness while offering a festive flair to your campfire dessert.
Why it Works: The acidity and effervescence of sparkling rosé cleanse the palate, preventing the sweetness from becoming overpowering. Its light, fruity profile complements the gourmet marshmallow flavors, adding a sophisticated and celebratory touch to your s’mores experience.
S’mores with White Chocolate and Riesling
S’mores Flavor Profile: If white chocolate is more your style, the creamy, buttery sweetness of white chocolate paired with marshmallows creates a very sweet and mellow s’more. It’s a dessert for those who love smooth and subtle flavors.
Wine Pairing: Shades of Blue Riesling, especially off-dry or semi-sweet varieties, is an excellent match for white chocolate s’mores. With notes of peaches, apricots and white fruit, Riesling’s bright acidity and fruity undertones balance the richness of the white chocolate without overwhelming the dessert’s gentle flavors.
Why it Works: The sweetness of Riesling harmonizes with the creaminess of the white chocolate, while its refreshing acidity cuts through the richness, keeping the s’more from feeling overly heavy. The wine’s fruitiness also adds a lively contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Pairing wine with s’mores around the campfire can transform a simple treat into a gourmet experience. From the bold richness of Port to the effervescent charm of sparkling rosé, these wines complement and elevate the flavors of your favorite campfire dessert. Whether you’re enjoying a classic s’more or experimenting with flavors like peanut butter or white chocolate, there’s a perfect wine to pair with your creation. So next time you gather around the campfire, don’t forget to bring along a bottle of wine for a truly elevated s’mores experience.
