Winemaker’s Playbook: The Best Johnson Estate Pairings for Super Bowl 60
When it comes to the Super Bowl, we usually think of light lagers. But if you ask our winemaker, Jeff Murphy, he’ll tell you that wine isn’t just a guest at the party—it’s the MVP.
Many people ask... "What wine do I pair with chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, pizza, and beef sliders?" We sat down with Jeff to get his technical take on how to pair our current lineup with the heaviest hitters on your snack table. From "bubbles for salt" to "sweet for heat," here is your official game day guide.
The Matchups
Chicken Wings (Spicy/Buffalo)
The Picks: Sparkling Traminette, Sweet Riesling, or Liebestropfchen.
Jeff’s Insight: Don’t reach for the dry reds here! Dry wines tend to amplify the "burn" of buffalo sauce. Instead, go for the slight sweetness of our Sweet Riesling or Liebestropfchen. The sugar acts as a coolant for the spice, if you prefer drier wines we would recommend our semi-sweet Sparkling Traminette which provides a refreshing, aromatic counterpoint.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
The Picks: Proprietor’s Red or Marechal Foch.
The Logic: While the white wines mentioned above work great, if you’re a red drinker, this is where our Proprietor’s Red and Foch shine. Their fruit-forward nature and smooth finish can stand up to the creamy, tangy weight of the dip without clashing with the heat.
Nachos (The Works)
The Picks: Any of our Sparkling Wines, Traminette, or Ruby Rosé.
Jeff’s Insight: Nachos are a salt-and-fat powerhouse. Effervescence is your best friend here. The bubbles in our Sparkling wines act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the cheese and sour cream so every bite tastes like the first one.
The Pizza Box Special
The Picks: Marechal Foch or Founders Red.
The Logic: These are our "Classic Reds" for a reason. Founders Red and Marechal Foch have the earthy depth and structure to pair perfectly with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory toppings like sausage or pepperoni.
Beef Sliders
The Pick: Pinot Noir.
The Logic: For a juicy beef slider, Jeff recommends our Pinot Noir. It’s elegant and light-bodied enough not to overwhelm a small slider, but it has the cherry and spice notes needed to complement grilled beef perfectly.
Gear Up for the Big Game
Ready to secure your game day lineup? Whether you're local to Western New York or cheering from across the country, we make it easy to stock your cellar. All of Jeff’s top picks are available for purchase on our online shop with convenient shipping directly to your door. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and see us! Our tasting room is open seven days a week (10am–5pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am–6pm Friday and Saturday), where you can pick up your favorites and perhaps discover a new favorite before kickoff. Don't wait until the fourth quarter—stop in or order today to ensure your Super Bowl spread is a total touchdown.