The Best Wine to Pair With Oysters

Nothing quite says fun and elegance like enjoying oysters and wine with friends and family. With so many varieties of both wine and oysters, it may seem daunting to order the perfect pairing, but fear not! With this guide, you can be sure to please the whole table with perfect pairings of wine and oysters.

Why Choosing the Right Wine Pairing Matters

Much like wine, there are seemingly endless varieties of oysters. As oysters filter the water around them, they take on the characteristics of the body of water they inhabit. So, oysters from the Atlantic have different properties from Gulf oysters or oysters from the Pacific. A bottle of wine that may pair perfectly with a briny, mineral-rich east coast oyster may not complement a west coast oyster with sweet and fruity notes so choosing an appropriate pairing can be quite important.

Ideal Oyster and Wine Pairings

Given our dedication to only serving the freshest and most sustainably sourced oysters, our oyster bar offerings are constantly changing. These general guidelines will help inform the best wine and oyster pairs year-round.

• A fruity and floral forward white wine, especially a sparkling white wine like prosecco or champagne pairs very well with briny, east coast oysters. 
• Sweeter, creamy oysters like those you may find sourced from the west coast pair wonderfully with a medium-bodied, high-acid wine like a Chablis. 
• Sauvignon Blancs are generally viewed as a great pairing with seafood for good reason.  Try a light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a sweet Pacific oyster.

Pairing Oysters with Cocktails 

We usually think of oysters pairing with white wine but there are also a number of fantastic cocktail and oyster pairings. Cocktails which use clear liquors like vodka or gin are perfect to complement oysters without overpowering their delicate flavors. There are also a number of sweet cocktails which can serve as a perfect balance to a briny oyster. 

• Nothing says class and sophistication more than a classic Martini paired with freshly shucked oysters. Made with either Gin or Vodka, a Martini is sure to complement oysters without overpowering their flavor.
• For saltier oysters like many sourced from the east coast, a sweet cocktail such as a Daiquiri is a perfect accompaniment to balance the flavors.
• A Bloody Mary goes well with all manner of seafood but perhaps pairs the best with oysters. Try a sweet, smooth oyster with a Bloody Mary for a well-balanced and filling pairing.

Experience the Best Oyster and Wine Pairings at Hamp & Harry’s

Whether you are an oyster connoisseur or looking to try them for the first time; we can find the perfect wine and oyster pairing here at Hamp & Harry’s. Even if wine isn't your thing, our expert team of bartenders can suggest the perfect libation to complement any of the fresh, sustainably sourced oysters from our raw bar. For any oyster lover in your life, a Hamp & Harry's gift card is the perfect present for any holiday or occasion. Whether you are looking for lunch on Marietta square or dinner; there are always exciting and new oyster and wine pairings here at Hamp & Harry’s.