These pairings are presented as general guidelines. However, specific wines may exhibit an extreme such as too much oak or be sweeter or drier than what is typical for the varietals, which can nullify the pairing. So, it is best try the specific pairing before serving guests.

Sparkling (Champagne): caviar, oysters, lobster and chocolate covered strawberries. Cherry Creek Cellars Premier Cuvee is semi-dry and pairs well with these delicacies.

Chardonnay: lobster and seafood with butter sauce, chicken, pasta with cream sauce, veal, turkey, ham and Emmenthal, Gruyeres and Port-Salut cheeses. Cherry Creek Cellars Chardonnay is mild-mannered and works well with all these pairings.

Riesling: mild cheeses, clams, mussels, Asian dishes, sashimi, ham, pork, lobster Newberg, Tandoori chicken, Coquilles St Jacques. Sweeter Rieslings should not be paired with seafood. Cherry Creek Cellars Summer Breeze is semi-sweet blend of Riesling and two other grapes and works well with all but the lobster Newberg.

Sauvignon Blanc: oysters, grilled grouper, halibut or walleye, poached or smoked salmon, seafood salad, Irish stew, goat cheese and other strongly flavored cheeses, asparagus quiche. Cherry Creek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc has a citrus component and works especially well with grilled fish.

Cabernet Sauvignon: duck, goose, steak, pate, beef roasts, spicy poultry dark meat, cheddar, blue cheese, sausage. Cherry Creek Cellars Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with dark berry fruit and works well with these pairings.

Pinot Noir: braised chicken, cold duck, rabbit, charcuterie, partridge, roasted turkey, broiled salmon, veal, truffles, hard cheeses like Gruyeres. Cherry Creek Cellars Pinot Noir is medium-light with cherry overtones and pairs very nicely with all these foods.

Merlot: braised chicken, cold duck, roasted turkey, roasted beef, lamb, stew, liver, venison, meat casseroles and cassoulet. Cherry Creek Cellars Meritage (a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) has hints of cassis and vanilla which works well with all these pairings.

Cabernet Franc: pasta, steaks, meat stews and beef roasts. Cherry Creek Cellars Cabernet Franc has a smooth grape flavor with a touch of cedar and green pepper to enhance these foods.

Shiraz: braised dark meat chicken, chili, goose, meat stew, spicy beef, peppercorn steak, barbequed meat, spicy meats, garlic casserole, ratatouille. Cherry Creek Cellars Ninja Red (blacktop) is a semi-sweet blend of three grape varieties and pairs nicely with all these foods.

Dessert Wines: fruit tarts, cheesecake, chocolate torts and ice cream. Cherry Creek Cellars Fetter Hahn black raspberry dessert wine is like a heavenly dream with these desserts.