Vegetarian Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Wine

As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like curling up with a delicious vegetarian meal and a glass of your favorite wine. The McLaren Vale region of South Australia is renowned for its exceptional wines, and the team at McLaren Vale Cellars is here to share some of our top picks for vegetarian dishes that pair perfectly with the bold, complex flavors of the region's finest vintages.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna with Malbec

When the craving for comfort food strikes, there's nothing quite like a hearty lasagna. Our roasted vegetable lasagna, layered with tender eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, is the perfect canvas for the rich, velvety notes of a McLaren Vale Malbec. The wine's bold tannins and subtle hints of dark fruit complement the savory, umami-packed flavors of the dish, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing.

Pairing Tips:

• Look for a Malbec with a medium to full body and ripe, jammy fruit flavors.
• The wine's acidity will help to cut through the richness of the cheese and béchamel sauce in the lasagna.
• Consider adding a touch of fresh basil or oregano to the dish to further enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Quinoa and Roasted Beet Salad with Sauvignon Blanc

For a lighter, more refreshing option, try our quinoa and roasted beet salad, dressed in a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the crisp, citrusy notes of a McLaren Vale Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity helps to balance the salad's flavors, while the herbaceous undertones complement the fresh herbs in the dressing.

Pairing Tips:

• Opt for a Sauvignon Blanc with pronounced grapefruit, lemon, and grassy notes.
• The wine's refreshing acidity will help to cleanse the palate between bites of the salad.
• Consider adding toasted walnuts or crumbled feta cheese to the salad for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Cabernet Sauvignon

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing more comforting than a hearty shepherd's pie. Our vegetarian version, featuring a savory mushroom and lentil filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, pairs beautifully with a bold McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's firm tannins and notes of blackberry and cassis complement the earthy, umami-rich flavors of the dish, creating a truly satisfying pairing.

Pairing Tips:

• Look for a Cabernet Sauvignon with a medium to full body and ripe, concentrated fruit flavors.
• The wine's structure and acidity will help to balance the richness of the dish.
• Consider adding a touch of rosemary or thyme to the mashed potato topping to further enhance the pairing.

Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers with Rosé

For a lighter, more summery option, try our grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers, served with a refreshing McLaren Vale Rosé. The wine's bright, fruit-forward flavors and crisp acidity complement the smoky, charred vegetables and the salty, creamy halloumi cheese, creating a harmonious and refreshing pairing.

Pairing Tips:

• Look for a Rosé with a dry, elegant style and notes of red berries and citrus.
• The wine's acidity will help to cut through the richness of the halloumi cheese.
• Consider serving the skewers with a side of tzatziki or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette to further enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

No matter which vegetarian dish you choose, the team at McLaren Vale Cellars is here to help you find the perfect wine pairing to elevate your dining experience. Stop by our shop or visit us online to explore our curated selection of premium local wines and discover your new favorite vegetarian-friendly pairing.