Standing in front of a wine shelf (or scrolling online) and not sure what to pick? You’re not alone. The most common question is simple: red wine vs white wine — which one should I choose? The answer depends on taste, food, and the occasion.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in flavor, body, serving temperature, and food pairings. And if you’re ready to buy, you can shop wine online at SimpleAlcohol.com with delivery all over Lebanon and some of the best prices in Lebanon.
Quick answer (if you’re in a hurry)
- Choose red wine if you want something richer, bolder, and great with red meat, BBQ, or hearty dishes.
- Choose white wine if you want something lighter, fresher, and perfect with seafood, salads, and creamy meals.
- Still unsure? Pick based on the food — pairing is the easiest decision tool.
1) Red Wine vs White Wine: The Key Differences
🍷 Red Wine
Red wine is made by fermenting grape juice with the skins, which gives it deeper color, stronger structure, and a fuller mouthfeel.
- Flavor: richer, deeper (often dark fruit, spice, cocoa notes)
- Body: medium to full
- Best for: grilled meats, stews, strong cheeses
🥂 White Wine
White wine is usually fermented without skins, making it lighter, crisper, and more refreshing.
- Flavor: fresher, lighter (often citrus, apple, floral notes)
- Body: light to medium
- Best for: seafood, chicken, salads, creamy dishes
2) Choosing by Food: The Easiest Rule
Best food pairings for red wine
- Steak, burgers, BBQ
- Kebbeh, lamb dishes, grilled meats
- Pasta with tomato sauce or rich meat sauces
- Aged cheeses
Best food pairings for white wine
- Fish, shrimp, sushi, seafood platters
- Chicken and turkey
- Salads and light mezze
- Creamy pasta and white sauces
Simple trick: Match lighter foods with white wine, and heavier foods with red wine. If your meal is spicy, a chilled white can feel more refreshing.
3) Choosing by Occasion
- Dinner at home: red wine for heavy meals, white wine for lighter meals
- Summer gatherings: white wine is usually the easiest crowd-pleaser
- Winter nights: red wine feels warmer and richer
- Gifting: a quality Lebanese red wine is often the safest gift choice
4) Serving Temperature (Most People Get This Wrong)
Serving temperature makes a huge difference in taste:
- Red wine: best slightly cool (not warm). If your room is hot, chill it 10–15 minutes before serving.
- White wine: best chilled. Keep it in the fridge and take it out shortly before serving.
5) What to Buy in Lebanon (Practical tips)
- If you want a safe, classic choice: start with a Lebanese red wine.
- If you want something refreshing and easy to drink: choose a crisp white wine.
- If you’re buying for a dinner with mixed tastes: get one red + one white.
You can browse and order online from SimpleAlcohol.com with delivery all over Lebanon and some of the best prices in Lebanon.
❓ FAQ
Is red wine stronger than white wine?
Not always. Alcohol percentage varies by bottle, but many reds feel “stronger” because they’re fuller and richer.
Which wine is better for seafood?
In most cases, white wine pairs better with seafood because it’s lighter and more refreshing.
Which wine is best as a gift in Lebanon?
A quality Lebanese red wine is usually the safest choice, especially for dinners and formal occasions.
Can I buy wine online in Lebanon?
Yes — you can order online from SimpleAlcohol.com with delivery all over Lebanon (based on coverage and schedule).
Updated: January 2026. Availability and delivery may vary by location. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly.