There’s nothing quite like the perfect slice of pizza—except when it’s paired with the perfect glass of wine. Whether you’re indulging in a crispy New York fold or digging into a thick Sicilian square, the right wine can elevate your pizza experience from good to unforgettable.
In 2025, regional pizza styles are more popular than ever, with Detroit-style leading the charge and classic Neapolitan remaining a timeless favorite. But what wines should you pair with each? This guide breaks down the best wine matches for every major pizza style, backed by expert sommelier tips and 2025 food trends.
Let’s dive in—your next pizza night is about to get a major upgrade.
Why Pair Pizza with Wine?
At first glance, pizza and wine might seem like an obvious match—but there’s real science behind the pairing. The right wine can:
- Cut through richness (high-acid wines balance greasy cheese)
- Enhance flavors (fruity reds amplify tomato sauce)
- Refresh the palate (sparkling wines cleanse the palate between bites)
According to Pizza Today’s 2025 Industry Report, more pizzerias than ever are offering curated wine lists, proving that this combo is here to stay. Whether you’re ordering delivery or making homemade pizza, these pairings will take your meal to the next level.
Regional Pizza Styles & Their Perfect Wines
1. New York-Style Pizza
Characteristics: Thin, foldable crust, light tomato sauce, stretchy mozzarella.
New York pizza is all about simplicity—crispy yet chewy, saucy but not soggy. The key to pairing wine with NY-style is choosing something that won’t overpower the delicate balance of flavors.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Chianti Classico – The high acidity cuts through the cheese, while the cherry notes complement the tomato sauce.
- Lambrusco – A slightly sparkling red that refreshes the palate between bites (perfect for pepperoni).
- Pinot Noir – A lighter red that won’t clash with the thin crust.
Pro Tip: If you’re eating a classic NY cheese slice, avoid heavy, tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon—they’ll overwhelm the pizza.
2. Neapolitan Pizza
Characteristics: Soft, chewy crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, minimal cheese.
Authentic Neapolitan pizza has a lightly charred, airy crust and relies on high-quality ingredients. The wine should enhance—not mask—the fresh flavors.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Sangiovese – The classic Italian red with bright acidity that mirrors the tomato sauce.
- Vernaccia (White) – A crisp Tuscan white that contrasts nicely with the wood-fired crust.
- Barbera – A medium-bodied red with low tannins, great for Margherita pizza.
2025 Trend: Natural wines are surging in popularity with Neapolitan pizzerias, especially orange wines (skin-contact whites) for their funky, complex profiles.
3. Sicilian Pizza
Characteristics: Thick, fluffy crust, rich tomato sauce, often topped with anchovies or spicy salami.
Sicilian pizza is bold and hearty, so it needs a wine that can stand up to its intensity.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Nero d’Avola – A robust Sicilian red with dark fruit and spice notes.
- Etna Rosso – Made from Nerello Mascalese, this wine has volcanic minerality that pairs beautifully with tomato sauce.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – A juicy, food-friendly red that won’t overpower the pizza.
Fun Fact: Sicilian pizza is gaining traction in the U.S., with Detroit-style variations (another thick-crust favorite) leading the trend.
4. Detroit-Style Pizza (2025’s Hottest Trend)
Characteristics: Deep-dish, crispy cheese edges, square shape, tangy sauce on top.
Detroit-style pizza is 2025’s fastest-growing pizza trend (per Hormel Foods’ 2025 Trend Report). Its thick, cheesy structure demands a wine that can handle richness.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Zinfandel – A jammy, fruit-forward red that stands up to the cheese.
- Barbera – High acidity cuts through the grease.
- Rosé (Dry) – Surprisingly great with pepperoni-topped Detroit pizza.
Why It Works: The caramelized cheese edges (called frico) need a wine with enough body to match—avoid light whites here.
5. Roman Pizza (Al Taglio)
Characteristics: Thin, cracker-like crust, sold by the slice, often topped with gourmet ingredients.
Roman pizza is light and crispy, making it ideal for white wines or lighter reds.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Pinot Grigio – A crisp white that won’t overwhelm the delicate crust.
- Frappato – A light, fruity Sicilian red for meat-topped slices.
- Prosecco – The bubbles make it a fun pairing for casual slices.
Chef’s Secret: Roman pizza is trending in upscale fast-casual spots, where wine-by-the-glass pairings are common.
Bonus: Pro Pairing Tips for Any Pizza
- Spicy Pizza (e.g., hot honey or chili oil): Off-dry Riesling or Lambrusco.
- White Pizza (no tomato sauce): Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino.
- Dessert Pizza (Nutella, fruit): Moscato d’Asti or Brachetto.
Quick Reference Table:
| Pizza Style | Best Wine Pairings |
|---|---|
| New York | Chianti, Lambrusco, Pinot Noir |
| Neapolitan | Sangiovese, Vernaccia, Barbera |
| Sicilian | Nero d’Avola, Etna Rosso |
| Detroit-Style | Zinfandel, Barbera, Dry Rosé |
| Roman | Pinot Grigio, Frappato, Prosecco |
Conclusion
Pairing wine with pizza isn’t just a trend—it’s a delicious way to enhance every bite. Whether you’re team New York thin crust or all-in on Detroit-style, there’s a perfect wine match waiting for you.
Ready to try? Grab a bottle, order your favorite pie, and tag your creations with #PizzaWineNight—we’d love to see your pairings!
What’s your go-to pizza and wine combo? Let us know in the comments
