The Best Wines to Pair With Your Favorite Types of TV Shows, According to an Expert (Video)

Karissa Kruse wants you to drink better wine while social distancing at home.

As the president of Sonoma County Winegrowers, Kruse knows a thing or two about which varietals you should be drinking any time. However, she’s got a few rather specific ideas on what you should be sipping right now as you sit at home watching TV show after TV show. Check out all of her recommended wine pairings for every type of show below.

Comedy: Something bubbly

“We all love that approachable, laughable, lighthearted show like Parks and Rec or Big Bang Theory, which pairs perfectly with a versatile and refreshing glass of bubbly,” Kruse says. Sparkling wine, she notes, has a “delicate nose, and wonderful balance of effervescence and refreshing acid. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. Best of all, bubbles always give us a feeling of lighthearted celebration, perfect for those times when you just need a laugh.”

Recommendation: Bubbly from J Vineyards and Winery.

Horror or suspense: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc

“The news has been scary enough lately, but if you’re looking to get your mind off of things with a fan-favorite binge like Stranger Things or The Walking Dead, pour yourself a glass of Sauvignon Blanc,” she says. Also known as “Sauvy B” or just “SB,” Kruse says, it's an adaptable wine that encompasses many “surprises” with its large range of flavors and textures. “This wine is known to be dry and crisp, just like most main characters in a scary show,” she says, “and it's light enough for afternoon sipping, in case you prefer a bright room.”

Recommendation: Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc

Reality TV: Chardonnay

As Kruse says, and we all know, “there are so many options when it comes to reality TV,” but Kruse (like many of us) has been loving The Masked Singer and Love is Blind. And, just like Reality TV, there are various styles of Chardonnay — making it easy for you to find the one you’ll love.

Recommendation: Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer.

Romantic shows: Rosé

When it comes to shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, rosé is the only answer. The pink dink evokes romance thanks not only to its color but also with its flavors of strawberries, melon, and kiwi, with rose petal accents.

Recommendation: Dutton-Goldfield Rose.

Action: Pinot Noir

If you’re binging Westworld and Chicago PD, Kruse says “a good Pinot Noir” should be on the menu. “Pinot Noir can be nuanced and layered, leaving you on the edge of your seat, or it can be deep and intense, providing a rush of enticing flavors,” she says. “Few wines inspire like versatile Pinot Noir. Fruity and lush, it's a perfect pairing for a heart-racing car chase or world-wide robot domination.”

Recommendation: Francis Ford Coppola Pinot Noir.

Documentaries: Syrah

Loving Tiger King? Try watching with an “intense” Syrah, too. “Syrah is a thoughtful wine, nicely textured, fruit-forward and juicy,” she says. “This wine shows balance, seriousness, and the potential to age well.”

Recommendation: Balletto Vineyards Syrah.

Dramas: Cabernet Sauvignon

As Kruse explains, Cabernet Sauvignon is just like a good scripted drama as its intensity is “unrivaled by most wines.” She adds, “Cabernet can be a bold character with a lot of backbone, rich with intense flavors, layered and complex. Sip alongside a co-star, like rich cheeses, as Cab is a great food wine.” Try it for the next episode of The West Wing.

Recommendation: Rodney Strong Cabernet.

Want all these wines delivered right to you? Try out Sonoma County’s new Sip From Home program, which incorporates a listing of special offers, virtual wine tastings, and free/reduced shipping costs for wine ordered online. Go ahead, you deserve a good drink right now.