Pairing Wine with Ham

Ham holds a special place in American kitchens, served up at Sunday brunches, holiday feasts and everyday meals. Its versatility in flavor and texture regularly makes ham a staple ingredient—or the star attraction—on dinner tables across the country.

But what about the perfect wine pairing? Whether serving a honey-glazed holiday centerpiece or a simple ham and cheese sandwich, there’s a world of wine to elevate your meal.

Join us as we explore the best ways to pair wine with ham and what wine goes with ham— whatever the occasion.

Different Types of Ham

The wide range of options for ham means that different wines will pair best depending on how your ham is prepared and served. An incredibly adaptable ingredient, ham can be smoked, baked, glazed, dry-cured, aged, shaved thinly or cut into succulent slices—the options are endless.

For example, a delicate dry-cured ham, like Italian Prosciutto, has a very different taste and texture to a classic glazed and baked ham, so the perfect wine pairing will also differ. No matter what type of ham is on the menu, a well-chosen wine can perfectly enhance your meal.

Whether you prefer red, white, rosé or sparkling wine, our handy guide to the best wine to pair with ham takes out all the guesswork so you can find a delicious match every time.

Best White Wines with Ham

Riesling

Riesling pairs perfectly with honey-baked ham, which is known for its sweet, smoky character and succulent texture. The wine’s high acidity and ripe fruit flavors balance the comforting richness of the ham, while its crispness refreshes the palate. Together, they create an irresistible, sweet-salty combination.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

A light, crisp white wine with notes of green apple and citrus, Pinot Gris/Grigio pairs well with silky Parma ham. Also called Prosciutto di Parma, this thinly sliced Italian cured ham is known for its savory flavor, subtle sweetness and velvety texture. The acidity of the Pinot Grigio strikes a wonderful balance with the richness of the ham, while its fruitiness complements the Parma ham’s natural sweetness.

Sauvignon Blanc

The honeyed, citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc will perfectly complement the sweet finish of a succulent honey-glazed ham, a dish that often incorporates fruits such as orange or lemon. The wine’s high acidity means it’s a great choice to cut through the rich texture of the meat. This pairing seamlessly blends savory and sweet flavors.

Gewürztraminer

The medium-to-full-bodied Gewürztraminer makes a delightful partner for glazed ham. This wine, known for its aromatic, often off-dry style with notes of lychee, rose and spice, complements all sweet glazes while balancing the richness of the ham.

Best Red Wines with Ham

Pinot Noir

Ham planned for lunch? Whether you’re going for Mortadella, an Italian ham with a nutty and slightly spicy flavor, or a salt-cured ham, Pinot Noir will pair well with savory, smoky ham. The light body, bright acidity and red fruit flavors of Pinot Noir complement the rich, savory profiles of the ham, creating a balanced and flavorsome pairing.

Syrah

Glazed ham, known for its rich and savory profile with a kick of sweetness, is well-paired with New World-style Syrah. The wine’s full body, ripe dark fruit flavors and peppery spice complement the sweetness of the meat, while its robust structure can stand up to the ham’s rich texture. Together, they create a well-rounded, satisfying match.

Cabernet Franc

A glass of Cabernet Franc is a good choice with smoky, savory grilled ham. The wine’s medium body, bright red fruit flavors and herby notes balance out the smoky elements of the ham. Additionally, Cabernet Franc’s moderate tannins and lively acidity provide a great counterpoint to the richness of the grilled meat.

Rioja

The red wines of Rioja in Spain—red blends made mainly from Tempranillo grapes—pairs beautifully with Ibérico ham (also called Jamón Ibérico). This Spanish ham is prized for its intense, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The wine’s medium-full body, dark fruit flavors and oak-aged complexity complement the Ibérico’s richness, while the tannins and acidity balance the signature saltiness of the ham. It’s a classic pairing seen commonly at tapas bars in the Rioja region and throughout Spain.

Best Rosés and Sparkling Wines with Ham

Grenache

A bright, fruity Grenache rosé, with its fruit-forward nature, is a delightful match for the intense salty richness of country ham. The American specialty, popular in the Southern states, is a dry-cured ham often smoked and aged. The wine’s acidity and light body balance out the richness of the ham, and its strawberry-cherry notes add a fresh, fruity contrast.

Prosecco

Prosecco is a light, sparkling Italian white wine known for its vibrant acidity and notes of juicy pear and citrus. Its fruity bubbles burst on the tongue, making it a delightful wine pairing for delicate slices of Italian cured hams such as Prosciutto and Parma ham. This sparkling wine’s acidity cuts through the tender, fatty texture, while its fruit-forward character complements the sweet-saltiness of the ham.

Lambrusco

This sparkling Italian red wine from Emilia-Romagna (which is famed for its premium pork products) is beloved by locals for its fruity, slightly tart character and bright acidity, Lambrusco is a winner when paired with all types of Italian cured meats. These include Prosciutto (mild and slightly salty), Mortadella (rich and delicately spiced) and Bresaola (aromatic and slightly sweet). While each ham has its own distinct flavor, Lambrusco’s soft bubbles and acidity balances any richness, while the wine’s berry notes complement the sweet and savory flavors of the ham.

Remember—the best way to pair wine with ham is by choosing the wine that tastes the best to you.

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