Mastering Vegan Food and Wine Pairing with Amy McNutt of Maiden Fort Worth

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Pairing wine with vegan or vegetarian food challenges even seasoned wine lovers—but not anymore. Chef Amy McNutt, the culinary force behind Maiden in Fort Worth, Texas, joins Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield to break down the art of vegan wine pairing, bust myths, and provide actionable tips so anyone can master pairing wine with vegetables, vegan proteins, and creative plant-based dishes.

Discover why not all wines are vegan and how animal-based fining agents play a role in winemaking, plus how to easily find vegan-friendly wines. Amy shares industry secrets—from her go-to resource Barnivore to why some surprising wine and vegan food combinations work better than expected. Learn about common pairing mistakes, why you don’t need to overthink your plant-based pairings, and how experimenting with wine can actually make the experience more fun (and delicious).

Get ideas for pairing bold reds with vegan “steak,” discover what to do with tough-to-pair veggies like asparagus, and hear why dynamic whites are key when serving citrus-forward dishes. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, plant-curious, or just want to learn how to choose the best wine for your meatless meal, this episode will empower you to sip smarter and enjoy wine your way.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why some wines aren’t vegan and how to confidently identify animal-free options • Top mistakes wine lovers make when pairing with vegan and vegetarian food—and how to avoid them • How to use flavor, texture, and preparation to enhance wine and food matches (even with big, bold reds or tricky vegetables) • Simple, expert-recommended strategies for experimenting and finding your new favorite vegan food and wine combos at home

Top Timestamps & Titles:

00:03:20 – The Truth About Vegan Wine: What’s Really In Your Glass?
00:08:14 – Avoid These Common Mistakes When Pairing Wine With Vegan Meals
00:10:46 – Surprising Vegan Pairings That Actually Work (And Why)
00:16:40 – Mastering Plant-Based Pairings: Tips For Tricky Veggies
00:18:23 – Shortcut To Perfect Pairings: Wine First, Food Second
00:21:07 – Practical Vegan Wine Resources & Amy’s Go-To Guide (Barnivore)

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