There’s a time for swirling, sniffing, and decoding tasting notes, and then there’s a time for throwing on your comfies, queuing up your latest binge-watch, and pouring yourself a large glass of something wonderful. At The Grape Gazette, we believe great wine shouldn’t be reserved for white tablecloth dinners and Michelin-starred meals. Sometimes, the best bottle is the one you crack open in front of the telly.
This is where wine and TV pairings come in. Welcome to the ultimate guide, a not-so-serious (but very satisfying) look at which bottles match the mood, characters, and chaos of Britain’s favourite shows. Whether you’re deep in a BBC thriller or crying-laughing over a sitcom rerun, there’s a wine and TV pairing that’ll make your screen time even better.
Peaky Blinders – Rioja Reserva
Bold, brooding, and complex, just like Tommy Shelby. A rich, smoky Rioja with oak and spice is the perfect partner to all the razor-sharp intensity and brooding Brummie drama. Light a candle, pour a generous glass, and toast to the Shelby Company Ltd.
The Great British Bake Off – Moscato d’Asti
Sweet, bubbly, and full of feel-good vibes. This lightly sparkling dessert wine is as charming and comforting as a Hollywood handshake. Sip while yelling “not a soggy bottom!” at the screen and wondering if you, too, could master a mille-feuille.
Love Island – Rosé Prosecco
Bright, bubbly, and a bit cheeky, exactly what you need for grafting and drama in the villa. Serve chilled with ice (and gossip) for full effect. Bonus points if you add a sparkly straw and some cocktail umbrellas.
Line of Duty – Pinot Noir
Twisty, complex, and best enjoyed while you shout “Mother of God!” at AC-12’s latest breakthrough. A moody Pinot Noir keeps you company through all the interrogations, cover-ups, and those slow, dramatic zooms on Hastings’ face.
Gavin & Stacey – Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh, zingy, and easy-going. Sauvignon Blanc fits the heartwarming chaos of Barry and Billericay like a glove. Perfect with a bag of crisps and a takeaway curry, ideally shared with your best mates.
Downton Abbey – Vintage Champagne
Only the finest for the Crawleys, darling. Pop some vintage Champagne and let the bubbles sparkle alongside aristocratic squabbles and scandalous servants’ secrets. Don’t forget to raise your glass every time Maggie Smith drops a killer one-liner.
Doctor Who – Orange Wine
Weird, fascinating, and a little bit timey-wimey. Orange wine (made from white grapes fermented with skins) is a funky choice for a time-travelling adventure. Pair with jelly babies, fish fingers and custard, or whatever alien delicacy is trending this episode.
EastEnders – Shiraz
Dramatic, spicy, and full of strong characters. Shiraz brings bold energy to match the ever-escalating drama on the Square. Best enjoyed when someone shouts “You ain’t my mother!” and the credits hit with a boom.
Whether you’re watching solo, having a duvet day, or hosting a bottle-and-box-set evening with mates, these wine and TV pairings prove that high culture and couch culture can go hand in hand. It’s wine o’clock, the kettle’s staying off, and the telly’s going on.
Cheers to that, and pass the remote!
Discover more quirky wine pairings here
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