If You Like Beer, You’ll Like…

For those who consider themselves more beer drinkers than wine drinkers, the world of wine can often feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. But many wines actually share flavor qualities that make them a natural next step for anyone who enjoys the complexity and variety found in beer. From the bitterness of hops to the roasted maltiness of a stout, these familiar elements show up in wines too — just in different forms.

Why Beer Lovers Should Explore Wine

Beer and wine may seem worlds apart, but both are crafted through fermentation and offer vast flavor diversity. Understanding what draws someone to certain beer styles can guide them to wines that will satisfy similar flavor cravings. Wines can share bitterness, maltiness, acidity, or even earthiness, all elements familiar to beer drinkers.

Hoppy and Bitter Beer Fans: Look for Wines with Bright Acidity and Herbal Notes

For those who enjoy the sharp bitterness and vibrant herbal aromas of IPAs or pale ales, wines with pronounced acidity and herbal or green flavors will resonate.

A good starting point for new wine drinkers, especially those who prefer beer, are the grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Grüner Veltliner. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its zesty acidity and aromas of grass, green pepper, and citrus — similar to the fresh, piney hop character in many beers. Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian white, offers a peppery bite and crisp acidity, echoing the lively bitterness in hoppy beers.

The bright acidity in these wines mirrors the crisp, refreshing quality of hops, while their herbaceous notes recall the botanical flavors in beer.

Crisp, Light Lager Fans: Opt for Refreshing, Low-Tannin Whites and Orange Wines

Those who prefer the clean, light, and refreshing qualities of lagers and pilsners will enjoy wines with bright fruit, minimal tannins, and crisp finishes — but there’s also a unique style worth trying: orange wine.

Orange wine is a white wine made by fermenting white grapes with their skins — a process usually reserved for reds. This skin contact gives the wine an amber or “orange” hue and adds texture, tannins, and subtle savory or nutty flavors. It offers an intriguing complexity that still feels fresh and vibrant, similar to how a lager’s clean finish balances subtle bitterness.

Both lager and orange wine emphasize refreshment and drinkability, but orange wine adds a little extra depth and structure that can appeal to beer lovers looking for something new yet familiar.

Sour Beer Enthusiasts: Embrace Wines with High Acidity and Funky Complexity

Fans of tart, sour beers may find wines that balance acidity with complexity and subtle funk appealing. For a similar tart profile, try a dry Riesling or a Gamay.

Dry Rieslings deliver zippy acidity with stone fruit flavors and sometimes a mineral note, akin to the tartness of sour beers. Be careful when making your wine selection though as Riesling can be made in a range of styles from dry to syrupy sweet. Gamay, the grape behind Beaujolais, offers bright cherry flavors with earthy undertones and a lively mouthfeel, mimicking the playful complexity in sour beers.

Wheat Beer Drinkers: Savor Aromatic, Light-Bodied Whites with Spicy Notes

Those who enjoy the smooth, slightly sweet, and spicy character of wheat beers, like Hefeweizens, will appreciate wines with floral aromatics and gentle spice, like Gewürztraminer or Viognier.

Gewürztraminer is famously aromatic, with lychee and rose petal notes and a touch of spice, while Viognier offers floral aromas and stone fruit richness. Both wines mirror the soft sweetness and spiced character found in wheat beers. Their aromatic profiles and balanced sweetness echo the easy-drinking nature of wheat beers.

Fans of Malty, Caramel-Rich Beers: Try Richer, Full-Bodied Reds and Whites

Lovers of malt-forward beers like amber ales, brown ales, or bocks, with their caramel, toffee, and nutty flavors, will find similar richness in certain wines. For a similar impact, try a Merlot or oaked Chardonnay.

Merlot often shows plum and chocolate undertones with soft tannins that resemble the smooth maltiness of brown ales. An oaked Chardonnay offers creamy textures with vanilla and caramel notes, echoing the sweet, toasted flavors found in malt-forward beers.

Both styles emphasize roundness and richness, providing a smooth mouthfeel and sweet, nutty undertones.

Stout and Porter Drinkers: Explore Wines with Roasty, Earthy, and Bold Profiles

Those drawn to the dark, roasted flavors of stouts and porters — think coffee, chocolate, and smoky notes — will appreciate wines made from Syrah or Malbec, which have similar characteristics. 

Syrah is known for its peppery spice, dark fruit, and smoky undertones, while Malbec often delivers deep blackberry flavors with a hint of earthiness and cocoa. 

The roasted, smoky, and earthy qualities in these wines parallel the rich complexity of stouts and porters.