The 15 Best Appetizers for Wine Tasting Party

Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

Wine pairing: Champagne

Bubbly pairs well with just about any food, but salty snacks like these bacon-topped crostini really spring to life thanks to champagne’s acidity, which keeps taste buds refreshed and ready for more.

Find the best wine and cheese pairings you need for every cheese board, party platter and picnic.

Crab Crescents

This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California

Wine pairing: Chardonnay

Fluffy crescent rolls and decadent crab meat are a surefire crowd-pleaser when paired with a buttery, creamy-textured Chardonnay.

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Lemony Snack Mix

I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas

Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio

A light, citrusy snack and crisp Pinot Grigio go hand in hand to delicately dance atop taste buds.

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Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta

Wine pairing: Zinfandel

Zinfandel brings berries’ subtle flavors to life thanks to its sweet, fruity profile.

Fresh Fruit Salsa

Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

Light, refreshing, and citrus-forward wine will bring out the fruity flavors of mango, melon and pineapple salsa.

Sausage Mushroom Appetizers

These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Wine pairing: Pinot Noir

This classic pairing will fill mouths with hearty umami and earthy flavors.

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Riesling and Swiss Cheese Fondue

Cheese lovers are sure to enjoy dipping into this rich and fancy Swiss cheese fondue recipe sparked with Riesling. It makes a savory, no-fuss appetizer for the holidays. Don’t be surprised when the pot is scraped clean! —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida

Wine pairing: Reisling

Sweet and clean Reisling paves the way for the savory flavors of swiss cheese fondue and smoked sausage. This one gets bonus points for incorporating the wine into the recipe.

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So Very Berry Brie

Wine pairing: Malbec

Malbec’s notes of jammy berries will bring this appetizer’s raspberry flavor to center stage.

Pressure-Cooker Light Deviled Eggs

Our updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of traditional deviled eggs and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. Light ingredients lower the fat grams even more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Wine pairing: Prosecco

This sparkling wine’s crisp, palate-cleansing finish will leave taste buds ready for another decadent deviled egg.

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California Sushi Rolls

These taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Wine pairing: Pinot Blanc

The lighter version of Pinot Noir won’t overwhelm palates when paired with a simple-yet-satisfying appetizer like sushi rolls.

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Apricot Wraps

I accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering appetizer is one of our favorites, and we enjoy sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio

Wine pairing: Chablis

Bacon tends to be a heavy-hitting ingredient, but light-bodied Chablis and apricot will keep guests hungry for more of this palate-pleasing pairing.

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Orange Shrimp Mojo

Wine pairing: Moscato

Sweet Moscato’s citrusy notes will bring out the orange in this dish, and the wine’s sweetness will keep the jalapenos’ heat at bay.

Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball

Wine pairing: Madeira

With a nutty flavor profile, this red is sure to highlight this appetizer’s tasty toasted pecans.

Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus

This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario

Wine pairing: Rosé

Easy-drinking Rosé goes well with just about everything, but try this dip to explore the contrast between the sweet red-white blend and the earthy flavors of hummus and beets.

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Mini Burgers with the Works

I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont

Wine pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon

The robust and full-bodied profile of Cabernet Sauvignon lets the taste of beef flourish with every bite. Get ready for a mouthful of flavor with every bite and sip.

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