10 Ultimate Fall Recipes and the Best Wines That Pair
Fall is the season for slowing down, gathering in, and savoring the warmth of a hearty meal and a great glass of wine.
If you’re wondering what is a good fall dinner menu, or searching for what to cook for dinner in autumn, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular fall foods—from braised short ribs to cozy soups—and paired each one with an affordable, delicious wine that’s easy to find at Trader Joe’s, Fred Meyer, or Total Wine for under $20.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning a quiet night in, these seasonal recipes from The Vineyard Mom bring together the best flavors of fall—and we’re helping you pair them like a pro.
Let’s pour a glass and dig in.
Check out my blog post on the Ultimate PNW Wines to Serve with Christmas Dinner.
🍂 1. Braised Short Ribs in a Red Wine Sauce
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Rich, tender short ribs slow-braised in a red wine sauce—this is comfort food with elegance. Perfect for Sunday dinners or a cozy dinner party.
Wine Pairing:
Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (around $15)
Bold and structured with notes of blackberry, plum, and oak. The tannins cut through the richness of the beef and complement the sauce beautifully.
Essentials:
🍂 2. Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Italian Sausage
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Earthy roasted squash, savory sausage, and fresh herbs—this is a fall favorite that looks as good as it tastes.
Wine Pairing:
Total Wine’s 90+ Cellars Lot 152 Chardonnay (around $11)
With subtle oak and baked apple notes, this Chardonnay balances the savory sausage while enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
Essentials:
🍂 3. Pumpkin, Beef & Bean Chili
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
This twist on a classic chili brings in pumpkin for extra depth and creaminess—hearty, filling, and made for chilly nights.
Wine Pairing:
Vinalba Malbec Reserva (available at Total Wine, around $19)
A big silky red with jammy fruit that stands up to the robust chili flavors. Malbec is a hidden gem for hearty fall dishes.
Essentials:
🍂 4. Sausage and Kale Soup
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Simple, satisfying, and packed with greens—this is the kind of soup that feeds your soul without much fuss.
Wine Pairing:
La Vieille Ferme Blanc (Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, around $8)
A crisp, light Rhône white blend that balances the saltiness of sausage and cuts through the earthy kale.
Essentials:
🍂 5. French Onion Soup with Mushrooms
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Rich broth, caramelized onions, and melty cheese—it doesn’t get cozier than this. The addition of mushrooms makes it even more savory.
Wine Pairing:
Hidden Drop Pinot Noir (Total Wine around $7)
Earthy and balanced, with enough acidity to cut the cheese and enough depth to mirror the umami-rich broth.
Essentials:
🍂 6. Turkey Gumbo
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
A perfect way to use up turkey leftovers—this gumbo is smoky, spiced, and hearty enough to be the main event.
Wine Pairing:
Vouvray Chenin Blanc V Classique (Total Wine, around $16)
Similar to Riesling, Chenin Blanc offers a good balance of acidity and sweetness, making it a great choice for spicier gumbos.
Essentials:
🍂 7. Easy Creamy Pork Marsala
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Savory pork and earthy mushrooms in a creamy Marsala sauce—this one feels like a special occasion but comes together fast.
Wine Pairing:
Scout & Cellar’s Sauvignon Blanc – Clean-Crafted all natural wines.
Bright, clean, and refreshing to balance the creamy richness of the dish. It’s also free of pesticides, sugar, and low in sulfites. Which means no headaches! Be sure and purchase through my link at use the code MYWINEWALK25 to get 25% off your order.
Essentials:
- 🍷 White wine glasses
- 🍄 Mushroom slicer
- 🧄 Marsala cooking wine
🍂 8. Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos with Smoky Black Bean Slaw
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Vegetarian, colorful, and full of texture—these tacos are fall’s answer to Taco Tuesday.
Wine Pairing:
Freakshow Petite Petit Red (Total Wine, around $13)
This juicy, slightly smoky red brings out the sweetness of the squash and complements the slaw’s spices.
Essentials:
- 🌮 Taco serving board
- 🌶️ Smoky paprika seasoning
🍂 9. Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Salad
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
A hearty vegetarian dish that works as a side or a light main—it’s fresh, nutty, and packed with fall flavors.
Wine Pairing:
Circumference Chardonnay (Costco, around $12)
A richer style of Chardonnay that complements the roasted squash and hearty grains without overpowering them.
Essentials:
- 🥗 Salad serving set
- 🌰 Wild rice blend
- 🍯 Maple vinaigrette mix
🍂 10. Stuffed Acorn Squash
via The Vineyard Mom
Why You’ll Love It:
Cute enough to serve at a fall dinner party, hearty enough to be dinner. Filled with grains, veggies, and savory bites.
Wine Pairing:
Dr. Loosen’s Dry Riesling (Total Wine, around $14)
A slightly off-dry white that pairs beautifully with savory-sweet squash and spice.
Essentials:
More Wine & Food Pairings You May Also Like
Love seasonal food and wine pairings? Here are a few other posts to inspire your next menu:
- Top Wine Pairings for Easter Dinner
From glazed ham to herb-roasted lamb, discover the best wines to serve with traditional Easter favorites—plus some fun spring surprises. - Best Wines for Summer BBQs
Smoky ribs, grilled veggies, and juicy burgers meet their match with bold reds, chilled whites, and a few unexpected crowd-pleasers. - Easy Summer Meals Paired with Wine
Quick, no-fuss summer recipes that pair beautifully with refreshing rosés, light reds, and crisp whites—perfect for weeknight dinners on the patio.
📝 Wrapping It Up: What to Cook This Fall
If you’re still wondering what are some fall-themed foods or how to plan a cozy fall dinner menu, just pick a few recipes from this list and mix and match the wines. Whether you’re entertaining or just enjoying a solo dinner with a glass in hand, these comforting dishes and seasonal wines are a delicious way to embrace autumn.
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Cheers to wine, comfort, and fall flavors!
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