The Ultimate Guide to Steak and Wine Pairing

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled steak paired with a great glass of wine. We believe every steak night should feel legendary—and the right wine makes all the difference. Whether you're grilling at home with one of our signature steak boxes or dining at our iconic Las Vegas steakhouse, this guide will help you match each premium cut with the perfect pour.

General Pairing Principles

Before we dig into the pairings, here are a few quick rules to make wine pairing simple and satisfying:

  • Fattier steaks (like ribeye or tomahawk) need full-bodied, tannic reds to cut through the richness.
  • Lean and tender cuts (like filet mignon) pair best with lighter or medium-bodied reds.
  • Grilling, sauces, and seasoning influence the wine—consider the whole plate, not just the protein.
  • Trust your palate! There's no "wrong" pairing if it tastes right to you.

Cut-by-Cut Wine Pairing Guide

Ribeye

Rich, juicy, and full of marbling.
This luxurious cut is made for bold wines. The fat in ribeye loves a wine with structure and deep flavor.

Perfect Wine Pairings:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – The classic match. Bold, tannic, and packed with dark fruit.
  • Malbec – Smoky and plush, especially from Argentina.
  • Zinfandel – Ideal if you’re grilling and want that smoky-spice kick.

Try it in The Gunslinger – our signature ribeye steak box that delivers rich flavor and classic cowboy energy.

New York Strip

Hearty, flavorful, and balanced between lean and fat.
This steak has structure and bold beefy character, making it perfect for wines with a firm backbone and good acidity.

Perfect Wine Pairings:

  • Super Tuscan Reds – Bold and complex, with notes of cherry, herbs, and spice.
  • Blaufränkisch – Austrian gem with dark cherry, acidity, and a smoky finish.
  • South African Bordeaux Blends – Dusty, fruit-forward, and refined.

Get yours in The Sammy – our New York Strip box named after the iconic Sammy Davis Jr., serving swagger and flavor in every bite.

Filet Mignon

Delicate, buttery, and supremely tender.
The most elegant cut of steak pairs best with wines that are smooth and refined—not too bold, not too shy.

Perfect Wine Pairings:

  • Pinot Noir – Light, earthy, and full of finesse.
  • Merlot – A silky, fruity partner that complements without overpowering.
  • Côtes du Rhône – Balanced, spicy, and smooth.

Savor it in The Showman – our filet mignon steak box that brings show-stopping quality to your kitchen.

Tomahawk

Big, dramatic, and beautifully marbled with the long rib bone left in.
This cut is all about presentation and flavor. It’s thick, bold, and needs a wine that can match its intensity.

Perfect Wine Pairings:

  • Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Structured and powerful with dark fruit and oak.
  • Amarone della Valpolicella – Rich and velvety with dried fruit and spice.
  • Shiraz / Syrah – Smoky, bold, and perfect with grilled tomahawk.
  • GSM Blends (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) – Juicy, earthy, and complex.

Order The Champ – our 38 oz USDA Prime Tomahawk that steals the spotlight at any dinner table.

What About White or Rosé?

Don’t love red wine? You’ve still got options.

  • Oaked Chardonnay – Pairs nicely with filet or strip steak, especially with creamy sauces.
  • Mature White Rioja – Earthy and bold enough to handle leaner cuts.
  • Deep Rosés – Try Tavel or Cerasuolo for rosés with structure and richness.

Pro tip: Look for white or rosé wines with body, texture, and a bold character.

Sauce & Side Pairing Tips

What’s on the side matters just as much as what’s on the grill:

  • Peppercorn Sauce: Go with Malbec, Rioja, or a rich Bordeaux blend.
  • Béarnaise: Pair with Chianti Classico, Brunello, or an oaky Chardonnay.
  • Chimichurri: Try Tempranillo or a lower-alcohol Grenache for balance.
  • Mushroom Sauce: Earthy notes love Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo.

FAQs About Our Steaks

What makes Golden Steer steaks special?

We serve USDA Prime beef, hand-cut and inspired by our legendary Vegas steakhouse. It’s the same quality we’ve served to icons like Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali.

What steak boxes can I order online?

We offer legendary cuts in curated boxes:

How should I cook them?

All steaks can be grilled, pan-seared, or oven-finished. Be sure to rest the meat after cooking to let the juices settle.

Are your steak boxes good for gifting?

Absolutely. These boxes are perfect for holidays, Father’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress.

FAQs About Golden Steer Steakhouse

What’s the story behind Golden Steer?

We’re Las Vegas’ oldest and most legendary steakhouse, serving stars and legends since 1958. From the Rat Pack to modern-day foodies, we deliver timeless experiences.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes! Our steaks, seasonings, and butters ship coast to coast, bringing Golden Steer luxury to your doorstep.

Can I dine in?

Yes—book your table and join us for a classic Vegas night out at the original Golden Steer location.

Final Thoughts

Steak and wine were made for each other—and with Golden Steer’s legendary cuts, you don’t have to be a sommelier to make magic happen. From ribeye to filet, tomahawk to strip, the right pour brings out the best in every bite.

Order your favorite steak box today and bring the Golden Steer experience home.