Pairing wines with ham can be a delightful experience, as ham’s diverse range of flavors, from salty and savory to slightly sweet, provides opportunities for a variety of wine choices.

When it comes to enjoying a delicious ham dinner, finding the perfect wine pairing can take your meal to the next level.

The right wine can complement the flavors of the ham dish, enhance the taste experience, and create a delightful dining experience for yourself and your guests. 

So here are the top 12 amazing wine pairings with ham and why they work so well together.

1. Riesling: The slight sweetness and high acidity of Riesling can balance the saltiness of ham and its various glazes. The wine’s fruity and floral notes can also harmonize with the flavors of the meat.
2. Gewürztraminer: With its aromatic and slightly spicy character, Gewürztraminer can create an intriguing contrast to ham’s saltiness. Its floral and exotic fruit flavors can add complexity to the pairing.
3. Chardonnay: A versatile white wine, Chardonnay can work well with ham, especially when it’s baked with creamy sauces or served with buttery side dishes. Look for a balanced Chardonnay with moderate oak influence.
4. Pinot Noir: The red fruit flavors, gentle tannins, and bright acidity of Pinot Noir make it a great match for ham. Its light-to-medium body won’t overpower the meat’s flavors.
5. Zinfandel: For ham with a sweeter glaze, a Zinfandel can be a good choice. Its ripe fruit flavors and sometimes spicy notes can complement the sweetness and richness of the ham.
6. Rosé: A dry or slightly off-dry rosé can be a refreshing partner for ham, offering a balance of acidity and fruitiness that complements the meat’s saltiness.
7. Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The bubbles and acidity of Champagne or sparkling wine can cleanse the palate between bites of ham, making it a delightful option for festive occasions.
8. Merlot: With its soft tannins and red fruit notes, Merlot can provide a smooth and approachable pairing for ham, particularly when served with milder glazes.
9. Gamay (Beaujolais): A light red wine like Gamay can work well with ham’s lighter preparations. Its bright red fruit flavors and low tannins can complement the meat’s texture.
10. Chenin Blanc: This white wine’s range of styles, from dry to off-dry, can suit various ham dishes. Look for its apple, honey, and sometimes floral characteristics to enhance the pairing.
11. Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine like Cava can be a fantastic choice for ham, with its crisp acidity and citrus notes adding a lively element to the pairing.
12. Viognier: The aromatic and fruity profile of Viognier can create an interesting contrast to ham’s savory and salty flavors, making it a unique option for pairing.

What are the best wines to pair with ham?

The best wines to pair with ham are Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gewürztraminer for their slight sweetness and high acidity that balance ham’s saltiness.

Pinot Noir for its red fruit flavors and gentle tannins, and Champagne for its bubbles and palate-cleansing acidity that elevate the overall dining experience.

Additionally, Chardonnay and Zinfandel can complement ham with creamy or sweeter glazes, offering versatile options for various preparations.

Red Wine Pairings with Ham

If you’re a fan of red wine, you can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir and ham pairing. The light to medium body of Pinot Noir complements the saltiness of the ham without overpowering its flavors.

The fruity and earthy undertones of Pinot Noir add depth and complexity to the dining experience.

Another great choice is a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-bodied nature of Cabernet Sauvignon stands up well to the richness and saltiness of ham.

Its bold flavors of dark fruits and spice complement the meaty flavors and provide a satisfying contrast.

White Wine Pairings with Ham

For those who prefer white wine, Riesling is an excellent option when it comes to pairing with ham. Its acidity balances the richness of the meat and cuts through the fat, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.

The slight sweetness of Riesling also complements the saltiness of the ham, creating a balanced and refreshing taste experience.

Another white wine that pairs well with ham is Pinot Grigio. Its crispness and lightness make it an ideal match for ham.

Pinot Grigio offers a clean and refreshing taste that helps cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of both the ham and the wine.

How to choose the perfect wine to go with ham?

When it comes to choosing the perfect wine to go with ham, there are a few factors to consider:

Consider the flavors of the ham

The flavors of the ham, including its saltiness, sweetness, and any glazes or seasonings, should guide your wine selection. If you have a sweeter glazed ham, a slightly sweet wine like Riesling or a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir can be a perfect match.

For a more savory and salty ham, a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio can provide a lovely contrast.

Match the acidity of the wine with the ham

The acidity of the wine can help balance the flavors of the ham. For hams with higher acidity, such as glazed ham with a fruit glaze, a wine with higher acidity like Riesling can provide a complementary tanginess.

If the ham is less acidic, a wine with a lower acidity level, like a full-bodied red wine, can create a harmonious pairing.

Opt for fruity wines to balance the savory flavors of ham

The savory flavors of ham can be balanced with a touch of sweetness or fruitiness in the wine.

Wines with fruity undertones, such as Pinot Noir or Riesling, can help bring out the natural sweetness of the ham and create a more nuanced taste experience. 

This combination of flavors can elevate your dining experience and leave your taste buds wanting more.

See my complete list of wine-tasting notes that can help you determine the best wine.

What are the best wines to pair with glazed ham?

Glazed ham offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Here are some wine pairing options that work exceptionally well with the sweet glaze on ham:

Pairing Wine with Baked Ham

For baked ham with a honey glaze, a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can be an excellent choice.

The sweetness of the wine complements the caramelized glaze and brings out the flavors of the ham.

Glaze and Wine Pairing

For hams with different glazes, such as a fruit glaze or a mustard glaze, it’s important to consider the flavors of the glaze when choosing the wine. If the glaze is sweet, opt for a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling.

If the glaze is tangy or spicy, a wine with higher acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc, can provide a refreshing contrast.

Honey Baked Ham and Wine Pairing

For a classic honey-baked ham, a sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco can be a delightful pairing. The effervescence of the wine helps cleanse the palate and the slight sweetness complements the caramelized glaze.

Which wines complement black forest ham the best?

Black Forest ham is a rich and flavorful cured meat with a slightly smoky taste. When it comes to pairing wine with this ham, you have a few options:

Wine and Black Forest Ham Pairing

A red wine like Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied red blend can be a great match for the intense flavors of Black Forest ham.

The fruity and earthy notes of Pinot Noir complement the smokiness of the ham, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.

Red or White Wine with Black Forest Ham

If you prefer white wine, a slightly sweet wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can provide a nice balance to the saltiness and smokiness of the ham.

The fruity and aromatic qualities of these wines can enhance the flavors of the Black Forest ham and create a memorable taste experience.

What are some great wine and ham pairing options for Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinner calls for special wine and ham pairings that can elevate your holiday feast. Here are some options to consider:

Wine Pairing with Christmas Ham

For the traditional Christmas ham, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a fruity red blend can be an excellent choice. The rich flavors of the wine complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the ham, creating a festive and satisfying pairing.

Best Wine to Serve with Ham on Christmas

If you prefer white wine, consider a Chardonnay or a sparkling wine like Champagne. These wines offer a celebratory touch to your Christmas dinner and pair beautifully with the flavors of the ham.

Personally, I like just plain white table wine like the “Three Dog White” from Three Dog Winery here in the county.

What type of wine goes best with a ham sandwich?

A light and refreshing white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or a rosé would pair well with a ham sandwich.

Cutting through the savory flavors of the ham while complementing any accompanying vegetables or condiments. 

Wine Pairing with Ham Sandwich

For a classic ham sandwich, the best pairing is with a light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais or a fruity white wine like Chardonnay can be a delightful choice.

The balanced flavors of these wines complement the simplicity of the ham sandwich without overpowering its taste.

Best Sparkling Wine to Pair with a Ham Sandwich

If you prefer a sparkling wine, a bottle of Prosecco or Cava can add a touch of elegance to your ham sandwich. The refreshing bubbles and crispness of these wines provide a delightful contrast to the savory ham.

What are the best wines to pair with smoked ham?

The best wines to pair with smoked ham include a rich and buttery Chardonnay that complements the smoky flavors and a fruit-forward Pinot Noir with its red fruit notes and gentle tannins that harmonize with the meat’s profile.

These wine choices enhance the smoky nuances of the ham and create a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.

Wine Pairing with Smoked Ham

For smoked ham, both red and white wines can work well depending on your preferences.

A red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel can complement the smoky flavors of the ham with its bold and fruity characteristics.

If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a Viognier can provide a lovely contrast to the smokiness.

Red Wine and Smoked Ham Pairing

If you prefer red wine, consider a Pinot Noir or a Grenache. These wines offer a balance of fruitiness and earthiness that can complement the smokiness of the ham without overpowering it.

White Wine and Smoked Ham Pairing

If you prefer white wine, a wine like Gewürztraminer or a Grüner Veltliner can be an excellent match.

The aromatic and slightly sweet qualities of white wine goes with ham that’s smoked. 

Also, see my post about 35 wines that pair well with Turkey here.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Lamb.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Salmon here.