Tina Turner, one of the most iconic and electrifying performers of the 20th century, is celebrated not only for her powerhouse voice and unforgettable stage presence but also for her impeccable taste in food and drink. While her musical legacy continues to inspire generations, another passion of hers quietly runs parallel: a deep appreciation for fine wine. Turner’s affinity for great wine is as vibrant and spirited as the music she’s known for. It’s not just about the glass of wine in her hand; it’s about the culture, the experience, and the joy of pairing the perfect wine with a meal—a pursuit that speaks to her global lifestyle and love for adventure.

Whether enjoying a crisp white wine with a light lunch or indulging in a full-bodied red with an evening dinner, Turner has often demonstrated a keen awareness of how the right wine can elevate any meal. But her love for wine isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about exploration, creativity, and the joy of combining flavors—just as she did with her music. From her roots in the American South to her time spent in Europe, Tina’s experiences have influenced both her palate and her perspective on pairing wine with food.

Tina’s Favorite Wine Pairings

Tina Turner’s approach to wine and food is one that embraces balance and harmony, much like her approach to music. Known for her refined yet approachable taste, she enjoys wines that reflect the rich tapestry of her life and travels. From reds to whites, rosés to sparkling wines, Turner’s selections are as diverse and vibrant as her global journey.

Reds: One of Tina’s most favorite wine varieties is red wine, particularly those with bold, deep flavors. A lover of rich, complex wines, she often reaches for a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, wines known for their deep, tannic structures and full-bodied profiles. These wines, which often come from the vineyards of California or France, are the perfect match for hearty dishes like steak, lamb, or roast duck. Turner has been known to pair a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with a rich ribeye steak, emphasizing how the tannins in the wine complement the charred, fatty richness of the meat.

Whites: On the other side of the spectrum, Turner also enjoys crisp, refreshing white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc, with its citrusy notes, pairs beautifully with lighter fare like grilled chicken, seafood, or even fresh salads. A lover of the Mediterranean diet, Turner often turns to dishes like grilled fish or seafood pasta, where the acidity in a good Sauvignon Blanc can balance the brininess of the seafood.

Chardonnay, on the other hand, is her go-to choice when enjoying richer dishes, such as creamy pasta or a buttery lobster. Turner appreciates the creamy texture and subtle oak flavors in a well-made Chardonnay, which provides a luxurious complement to a decadent meal. A glass of Chardonnay might accompany a lobster bisque or a perfectly seared piece of scallops, both of which mirror the wine’s smooth, rounded mouthfeel.

Rosés: When it comes to more relaxed moments or warm weather, Turner gravitates toward rosé wines. Known for their versatility, rosés can work beautifully with a wide array of foods, from charcuterie boards to Mediterranean appetizers. Tina has often been spotted enjoying rosé with a fresh summer meal—perhaps a dish of grilled vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and fresh bread. The lightness and delicate fruit notes of rosé can also be an excellent pairing with poultry or even a light seafood salad.

The Influence of Her Global Lifestyle on Her Wine Choices

Tina Turner’s life is as multifaceted as her wine collection. Born in the American South and later embracing a long chapter of her life in Europe—first in Switzerland and then in France—Turner’s international lifestyle has had a profound influence on her wine preferences. In her adopted home of Switzerland, she discovered a deep affection for the wines of the surrounding regions, particularly those from the valleys of the Rhône. The Swiss are renowned for their excellent local wines, many of which are influenced by French and Italian traditions.

In her years spent traveling across Europe, Turner became well-versed in wines from France, Italy, and Spain, often enjoying local varietals that weren’t necessarily internationally known but offered a glimpse into the terroir of each region. French wines, especially those from Bordeaux and Burgundy, are some of her favorites. The full-bodied red Bordeaux wines, with their rich history and complex flavor profiles, perfectly align with her bold, adventurous spirit. In contrast, the delicate and elegant Pinot Noir wines from Burgundy appeal to her more refined tastes, often paired with lighter fare or a quiet evening at home.

Having lived in Switzerland for much of her later life, Turner developed a particular fondness for Swiss wines. While the country may not be as famous for its wine exports as France or Italy, the Swiss produce some extraordinary wines, especially white wines like Chasselas, which pair beautifully with local cuisine, such as fondue or raclette.

Tina’s international lifestyle has also made her a fan of Italian wines, particularly those from Tuscany, where she has enjoyed a glass of Sangiovese while dining on a traditional Italian feast. Her time spent in the Mediterranean regions has influenced her taste for wines that are refreshing, easy to drink, and versatile, qualities that are found in many Italian reds and whites.

Tina’s Favorite Food Pairings

Tina Turner’s love of food and wine is deeply intertwined. Much like her approach to music, she relishes the creative process of pairing flavors to create something special. Whether she’s enjoying an intimate dinner at home or sharing a meal with close friends, her pairings reflect her global palate and appreciation for diverse cuisines.

Seafood: Being a fan of the Mediterranean diet, seafood is a major component of Tina Turner’s food pairings. Fresh fish, shellfish, and even seafood pasta are often served with her preferred white wines. For a light and fresh meal, she might pair a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling with a platter of fresh oysters or a grilled Mediterranean fish like branzino. For more complex seafood dishes, like lobster or crab, she’ll lean towards a full-bodied Chardonnay, where the richness of the wine enhances the luxurious flavors of the shellfish.

Steaks and Red Meats: When it comes to red meats, Turner enjoys pairing a good steak with a powerful red wine. A juicy ribeye or filet mignon, grilled to perfection, is often complemented by a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Syrah. These wines, with their tannins and deep flavors, balance the richness and fat of the meat, creating a harmonious dining experience.

For a more rustic, hearty meal, she might enjoy lamb paired with a wine from the Southern Rhône, such as a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or a full-bodied Merlot that offers soft tannins and fruit-forward notes.

Italian Dishes: Tina’s love for Italian cuisine is reflected in her wine pairings. For pasta dishes, particularly those with rich tomato sauces or creamy textures, she might choose an Italian red such as Chianti or Barolo. Chianti, with its acidity and earthy undertones, is the perfect match for a classic spaghetti Bolognese, while Barolo pairs beautifully with a rich ragu or slow-braised meats.

Spicy Dishes: When it comes to spicier cuisines, Tina often turns to off-dry white wines, such as Gewürztraminer or Riesling, whose sweetness can help temper the heat of dishes like Indian curry or Thai stir-fry. These wines offer a pleasant balance between acidity and sweetness, creating a unique contrast to the bold flavors of spiced dishes.

The Art of Pairing Wine with Meals – Tina’s Personal Approach

Tina Turner’s philosophy on pairing wine with food reflects a deep sense of creativity and a flair for the unexpected. Her approach to wine is not about adhering to rigid rules but rather about creating a harmonious dining experience that reflects her personality and her life experiences.

For Tina, wine is not just about indulgence; it’s about creating an atmosphere—a mood. It’s about bringing together friends, family, and flavors in a way that feels joyful and spontaneous. In her view, the right wine has the power to elevate a meal, transforming the dining experience into something special. Whether she’s enjoying a casual meal with her closest friends or hosting a more elaborate gathering, Turner always ensures that the wine complements the meal and the moment.

Her pairings are an extension of her personality—bold, daring, and full of life, yet always with a sense of refinement and elegance. Her willingness to explore and experiment with different wine styles mirrors the way she approached her musical career, blending genres, sounds, and influences to create something uniquely her own.

Conclusion

Tina Turner’s love for wine and food is not just about taste; it’s a reflection of her adventurous spirit and passion for life. From her favorite red wines paired with a juicy steak to her love of crisp whites enjoyed with fresh seafood, Turner has cultivated a personal wine and food pairing philosophy that invites us all to explore and enjoy the joys of great food, good company, and, of course, the perfect bottle of wine.

Her approach to wine is a celebration of creativity and joy—a reminder that dining, like music, is an art. So next time you uncork a bottle of wine, think of Tina Turner and her adventurous spirit, and allow the wine to take you on a journey of flavor and discovery. Whether you’re savoring a rich Cabernet Sauvignon with a steak or sipping a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with fresh seafood, take the time to explore the magic that happens when food and wine come together. Just as Tina did on stage, you too can create something unforgettable.