Wine Guides & Tips
5 Sensational Sushi & Wine Pairings
Published 11 March 2025
Our winemaker shares her favourite pairings for the ultimate sushi and wine night
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Sushi and wine? Absolutely!
While beer and sake might be the usual go-to combinations, a well-chosen wine can take your sushi experience to the next level. Whether you’re into spicy tuna, crispy prawns, or a classic California roll, Villa Maria winemaker Jennifer Muir has put together a guide to help you find the perfect match for your favourite sushi rolls.
Bold
Spicy Tuna & Pinot Gris
Spicy tuna sushi delivers a bold kick of heat and rich umami flavours, making it an ideal match for the vibrant 2024 Cellar Selection Pinot Gris.
This Pinot Gris showcases rich fruit flavours, silky textures, and subtle baking spice, which complement the intensity of the tuna’s spice. Its crisp acidity refreshes the palate, while floral notes and a touch of sweetness soften the heat, creating a balanced and pleasurable pairing.
Silky
Salmon Avocado & Rosé
The silky texture of salmon and creamy avocado calls for a wine with bright acidity and fresh fruit character – enter the 2024 Cellar Selection Pinot Rosé.
Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fish and avocado, while its fruit-forward profile and delicate herbal notes complement the salmon beautifully. As a bonus, the soft pink hues of Rosé make for a visually stunning pairing!
Crispy
Crumbed Prawn & Sauvignon Blanc
Crispy, golden crumbed prawns pair beautifully with the vibrant 2024 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine’s intense aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit mirror the light, sweet flavours of the prawn, while its fresh herbal characteristics and crisp acidity enhance the dish’s flavours—whether served with an Asian-inspired sauce or a side of greens.
Delicate
Tofu Nigiri & Riesling
Tofu nigiri, known for its delicate yet satisfying flavours, finds its perfect match in the bright and aromatic 2024 Private Bin Riesling.
This Riesling’s lifted white florals, zesty lemon and lime, and slatey minerality bring out the subtle umami notes of the tofu, while its refreshing acidity cuts through the richness of sushi rice. A refined and balanced pairing for those who love elegant flavours.
California
Crab Roll & Chardonnay
The sweetness of crab, combined with creamy avocado and cucumber, is beautifully complemented by the 2024 Private Bin Chardonnay.
This Chardonnay’s creamy texture, delicate oak influence, and zesty citrus notes enhance the natural sweetness of the crab while balancing the richness of the roll. The result? A luxurious pairing that brings out the best in both the sushi and the wine.