Wine Issue: Pairing Bottles With Somms Fave Covid Binges

So what pairs best with Phil Leotardo finally getting whacked?

What’s been your fave TV binge during COVID? And what bottle would you pair with it that sums up all that was good about it?


I’ve recently gotten back into Law and Order, which I hadn’t realized is actually just a soap opera for old dudes. The show pairs well with multiple bottles of Twin Sails Low Life (“the prosecco of beers”).—Matthew Landry, Stable House Bistro

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, plus Medici Ermete Quercioli Lambrusco Grasparossa.—Shiva Reddy, Collective Goods

I loved The Queen’s Gambit—it was trash, beautiful trash, like Rocky IV with chess and cool clothes. It pairs perfectly with Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel and its appropriately mid-century-modern label.—David Stanfield, Earls

Ted Lasso seems simple, but it’s really heartwarming. I got more than I expected! Lasso pairs well with Natte Valleij Cinsault, from South Africa. It’s a quaffable red that’s easy to enjoy without a second thought—but take a little time to decant it, and it opens up to become such an interesting wine.—Christina Hartigan, Gooseneck Hospitality

I am so obsessed with the Australian reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules. I’m still working through all the episodes, and I had started at the beginning of the pandemic. Pair with the 2018 Mac Forbes Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley. It’s a bright, intense and focused pinot noir from one of Australia’s best emerging producers.—Peter Van de Reep, Bar Gobo

It took a pandemic for me to watch The Good Wife all the way through. Then I binged hard, wishing I had Julianna Margulies’ eyebrows and sipping Musella Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore.—Jenna Briscoe, Medina Café


Back-to-back episodes of Ozark, accompanied with a Strangefellows Blackmail Stout. It’s got a rich, round and slightly sweet character that hides its dark side. Kinda like Marty.—Nigel Pike, co-owner, Main Street Brewing

I know I’m late to the game, but I watched The Sopranos for the first time during the pandemic. I watch it with a Peroni Nastro Azzurro, which became my favourite summer beer after having it with dinner at Pepino’s. Something about the crisp effervescence and drinking it from the green bottle at home while Tony pins his boat off the New Jersey shore gave me that glimmer of escapism I was craving.—Marissa Mills, brand manager, Granville Island Brewing