The Best Wine and Sushi Pairings You Need to Try
When most people think about sushi pairings, they think sake. But some of the most exciting pairings happening right now involve wine.
The right wine can highlight the freshness of sashimi, balance richer rolls, and create an entirely different dining experience. That's one reason wine has become increasingly popular alongside sushi in Newport Beach, especially for diners looking for something beyond the expected.
At SET Steak & Sushi, the wine program was built with versatility in mind. While many guests arrive for steak in Newport Beach, others discover that a thoughtfully selected glass of Champagne, Sancerre, or Pinot Noir can be just as memorable alongside sushi.
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Why Wine Works So Well With Sushi
The misconception is that sushi requires sake. The reality is that many wines naturally complement the flavors found in sushi and sashimi.
The best pairings share a few common characteristics:
Bright acidity
Fresh fruit notes
Minerality
Balance rather than heavy oak or tannins
These qualities help support delicate seafood without overpowering it.
It's one reason the conversation around Newport Beach sushi has evolved beyond traditional pairings and into curated wine experiences.
Champagne and Sushi: An Underrated Power Couple
If there's one pairing that consistently surprises people, it's Champagne.
The crisp acidity and fine bubbles cleanse the palate between bites while complementing everything from sashimi to richer rolls.
SET's wine program includes several standout Champagne selections, including Veuve Clicquot Brut, Perrier-Jouët Rosé, Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut, Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs, Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Louis Roederer Cristal.
These wines pair especially well with:
Yellowtail
Tuna sashimi
King crab
Fresh oysters
Light sushi rolls
Champagne often becomes the easiest recommendation because it works across an entire meal rather than a single course.
Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc for Clean, Bright Flavors
Few wine styles complement seafood as naturally as Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine list features several excellent examples, including Domaine Eric Louis Sancerre by the glass, Cloudy Bay from New Zealand, Dog Point Marlborough, and multiple Loire Valley Sancerre selections.
These wines bring citrus, minerality, and freshness that pair beautifully with:
Hamachi
Albacore
Salmon sashimi
Ceviche-style preparations
Lighter sushi rolls
For guests exploring sushi in Newport Beach, Sauvignon Blanc is often one of the safest and most rewarding starting points.
Chablis Might Be the Sushi Pairing You're Missing
While Chardonnay is often associated with richer styles, Chablis offers something entirely different.
SET's wine list features Chablis selections from Famille Savary, Albert Bichot, and Laroche Grand Cru.
These wines lean mineral, crisp, and elegant, making them especially well suited for:
Sashimi
Scallops
White fish
Nigiri
The pairing feels effortless because neither the wine nor the fish competes for attention.
Don't Overlook Pinot Noir
Many people assume red wine and sushi don't belong together. That depends entirely on the wine.
Lighter-bodied Pinot Noir can pair surprisingly well with fattier fish, particularly salmon.
The wine program includes selections from California, Oregon, and Burgundy, including Joseph Jewell, Flowers, Kosta Browne, Domaine Serene, and several premier cru Burgundies.
Pinot Noir often works best with:
Salmon
Toro
Mushroom-forward dishes
Truffle accents
For guests who typically order red wine, Pinot Noir can be an excellent bridge between sushi and steak.
One Wine List, Two Experiences
One of the unique advantages of dining at a restaurant that combines steak and sushi in Newport Beach is that the wine experience doesn't have to stay in one lane.
A dinner might begin with Champagne and sashimi, move into a glass of Sancerre alongside seafood, and finish with a Napa Valley Cabernet paired with a prime cut.
SET's extensive collection includes everything from approachable by-the-glass selections to iconic bottles like Opus One, Silver Oak, Joseph Phelps Insignia, Sassicaia, and Screaming Eagle.
That flexibility is part of what makes the restaurant a destination for both wine enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Wine, Sushi, and a Night Well Spent
Whether you're sitting on the garden-inspired patio beneath twinkling lights or settling into the dimly lit dining room, the right bottle has a way of slowing down the evening in the best possible way.
It's one reason SET continues to be mentioned among the best restaurants in Newport Beach. Not because of any single dish or bottle, but because everything works together.
From exceptional Newport Beach sushi to one of the area's most extensive wine programs, it's a place built for lingering.
You can explore brunch offerings here: Brunch in Newport Beach.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
You know where to book.