February 11, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola Winery Unveils Pizza and Wine-Loving Americans’ Favorite Pairings
Geyserville, Calif. (February 11, 2025) – Pizza and wine have long been a match made in culinary heaven, capturing the hearts—and palates—of Americans nationwide. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new national survey by Francis Ford Coppola Winery reveals that wine lovers are especially passionate about their pizza, proving that some matches are simply meant to be. Whether it’s a bold red with a classic pepperoni or a crisp white with a gourmet veggie pie, the love affair between pizza and wine remains stronger than ever.
It’s no surprise that 84% of American wine drinkers rank pizza as their favorite food—higher than the 71% of non-wine drinkers who feel the same—making wine enthusiasts 13% more likely to prioritize pizza in their lives. And when it comes to celebrating love, pizza is a must-have. Nearly 60% of those who adore both pizza and wine indulge in a slice at least once a week, compared to just 38% of non-wine drinkers.
For couples planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date, pizza and wine are the way to go. 70% of pie-eating wine lovers choose pizza as their ideal date-night meal, making them nearly 1.5x as likely than non-wine drinkers to opt for this tried-and-true pairing. After all, some love stories—like pizza and wine—are simply timeless.
So, what’s the best wine to pair with a slice? Well, that depends on who you ask. Red wine takes the crown, with over half (54%) of U.S. wine drinkers calling it the perfect pizza pairing, followed by white (22%), rosé (13%), and sparkling (10%). When broken down by generations though, not all ages agree on the best pairing.
Red Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reign supreme as America’s go-to pizza reds
- Gen Z (aged 21+) and Millennials are shaking things up – these younger drinkers prefer non-traditional varietals, and are over 3x as likely to reach for a French Red and nearly 3x as likely to choose a Red Moscato or “sweet red” for their ideal pairing
- Gen X and Boomer-aged wine drinkers prefer bolder reds, with this group twice as likely to opt for a Syrah/Shiraz with their slice
White (And Pink) Varietals
- Rosé (31%), Pinot Grigio/Gris (29%), Chardonnay (27%) and White Moscato (27%) are the top picks for wine lovers who like their pizza pairings on the lighter side
- Gen Z and Millennials are nearly 4x as likely to pair pizza with white French varietals, over 3x as likely to pair pizza with White Moscato, and over twice as likely to opt for white Italian varietals
Sparkling
- When it comes to pizza and bubbles, Champagne (35%) and sparkling rosé (33%) find the most favor, followed by Prosecco (25%)
- Younger generations are all about the fizz: a majority 65% of wine-drinking Gen Z & Millennials paired pizza with sparkling wine last year, compared to just 35% of Gen X & Boomers
One thing’s for sure—no matter the wine preference, there’s a perfect pour for every pizza.
1,001 American consumers completed an online survey about their pizza and wine preferences. Respondents were screened to ensure they are age 21 and older and consume pizza every 2-3 months or more often. A sub-quota of 500 wine drinkers is included, defined as those who consumed wine in the past 3 months and drink it regularly every 2-3 months or more often. Users were recruited through partners of Quantilope.
Red, white, and sparkling wine varietal percentages are among wine drinkers who typically consume wine with pizza (among other beverages).
Located in the heart of Sonoma County, California, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery proudly stands as a beacon of superior quality and integrity. Renowned for its award-winning portfolio, the winery crafts each bottle of wine on-site in its cutting-edge facility, amidst sustainably farmed vineyards. The esteemed portfolio includes the Diamond Collection, a shining star in the U.S. market as the third-largest domestic super-premium wine brand1, elegant Sofia sparkling cuvées, the highly curated Director’s Cut, and the exceptional, winery-exclusive Francis Coppola Reserve wines. Francis Ford Coppola, the visionary behind the winery, describes the Sonoma estate as a “wine wonderland” – an all-encompassing park that invites people of all ages to revel in life’s finest offerings: food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming, and diverse performances. Nestled in Geyserville, the winery captivates visitors with a rich array of tasting experiences and seasonal events. It also offers culinary indulgences from its on-site restaurant, Rustic, and the tranquil vista of two swimming pools framed by lush vineyards. Adding to its charm is a broad collection of cinematic history, a nod to Francis’s celebrated film career. Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a proud part of Delicato Family Wines, one of the fastest-growing top-ten wineries in the U.S.
Source1: Circana, Total US – MULO + Conv 26 weeks ending 1/26/25