Whisky has plenty of well-known mixers—ginger ale, soda, citrus—but wine isn’t usually the first that comes to mind.

Yet combining whisky and wine can create surprisingly balanced, layered drinks, from classic serves like the New York Sour to lighter sparkling combinations.

This guide explores whether whisky and wine work together, which styles pair best, and how to start experimenting at home — whether you’re mixing a single drink or planning a wine and whisky party.

Whisky and wine are both steeped in history and craftsmanship, but they’re made in very different ways — and that shapes how they taste and how they work together.

Whisky is made from grains such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat, which are fermented, distilled, and aged in wooden barrels. Wine also undergoes fermentation. However, it is made from fermented grapes or other fruits like apples or berries.

The key difference lies in distillation. Whisky is distilled after fermentation to concentrate the alcohol, then matured in wooden casks. Wine skips this step entirely, with fermentation being the final stage before ageing or bottling.

Whisky is always aged in wood, often for many years, which develops both its colour and flavour. Wine may be aged in barrels or bottles, but timelines vary widely — from fresh, young wines to those matured over several years.

When it comes to how scotch is made, it must be matured for a minimum of three years but The Glenlivet has expressions that have been aged for far longer such as our 33-Year-Old Cellar Collection. Wine can be aged in barrels or bottles, but like whisky, how long it is aged can differ significantly. Some wines are only aged for a year, whilst other varieties mature for five years or longer.

Whisky tends to show notes of oak, spice, caramel, nuts and fruit, shaped by cask ageing and production methods. Wine flavours depend on grape variety and terroir, ranging from light and citrusy to rich, tannic or earthy.

Whisky is significantly stronger, typically between 40% and 60% ABV. Wine is much lighter, usually sitting between 12% and 15%, though fortified wines can be higher.

Yes, you can mix whisky and wine—and it’s more common than you might think. Classic cocktails like the New York Sour use red wine to add depth and contrast to whisky, while sparkling wines can lighten and lift richer drams. But it’s essential to balance the flavours and drink responsibly.

When combining these two alcohols, however, you do need to carefully balance the quantities of each and pay close attention to their characteristics. This will ensure you end up with a drink that tastes good, is free from unpleasant bitterness and has no harsh aftertaste.

There’s no single right answer — the best pairing depends on the whisky, the wine, and your personal taste. You can either match similar flavours or create contrast for a more dynamic result.

When choosing a wine to pair with whisky, consider the style (white, rosé or red), sweetness, body, and dominant flavours. Here are some combinations to get you started.

Light, citrus-led whiskies pair well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. Take The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, for example — its zesty fruit notes and soft sweetness are complemented by the wine’s fresh acidity without either overpowering the other.

Riesling is another white wine that works well with more delicate whiskies, enhancing the notes of the whisky without overpowering them. Most Rieslings tend to be on the sweeter end of the spectrum but there are also semi-sweet and dry varieties.

For sweeter whiskies with dessert-like flavours like our 10 year scotch, you can consider a semi-sweet or off-dry wine like a Moscato. The slight sweetness of the wine adds to the rich, sweet notes of the whisky.

Bold, full-bodied whiskies pair confidently with rich red wines like Syrah. Smoky or spiced expressions are particularly suited, with the wine’s dark fruit and peppery notes standing up to the whisky’s intensity.

Sherry and whisky are a natural match, especially when the whisky has been matured in sherry casks. The Glenlivet 12-year-old single malt scotch, with its fruit and spice notes, pairs seamlessly with sherry’s nutty, dried fruit character.

Vermouth is an aromatised, fortified wine that is flavoured with a variety of botanicals including juniper, cardamom, citrus peel, cloves, cinnamon, coriander and ginger.

Whisky and Vermouth pair incredibly well together due to them both having complex profiles. As such, Vermouth is a key ingredient in whisky cocktails like the Boulevardier, Vieux Carre and Manhattan.

Champagne is commonly used in elegant cocktail recipes, and it certainly adds an extra special touch when added to whisky thanks to its fizz. In addition, it’s bright acidity and crispness offer a nice contrast to whisky flavours which are often rich and/or complex.

When exploring whisky and wine together, it helps to think about two approaches: pairing and mixing.

Pairing means serving whisky and wine alongside each other, often with food. For example, a glass of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old alongside a crisp white wine can highlight different flavour notes across a meal.

Mixing brings both into the same glass. Classic cocktails like the New York Sour combine whisky with red wine to create a layered, balanced drink.

Both approaches work — it just depends on the experience you’re after.

Discover more ways to pair whisky in our guide to whisky food pairings.

A wine and whisky party is all about balance — offering variety while keeping the experience relaxed and easy to follow. With a little structure, you can turn a simple tasting into something more memorable.

Build a simple tasting flight

Choose three to five whiskies and wines and arrange them from light to rich. For example, start with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve alongside a crisp white wine, then move towards deeper expressions like The Glenlivet 15 Year Old paired with a fuller-bodied red.

Pair with the right food

Simple snacks help bring the flavours together. Think smoked almonds, charcuterie, sharp cheeses or dark chocolate — all of which complement both whisky and wine without overpowering them.

Offer water and ice

Provide room-temperature water so guests can explore how a few drops open up a whisky. A bowl of large ice cubes is also useful for those who prefer a more diluted serve.

Include a cocktail option

Not everyone will want to sip whisky neat, so offering a simple serve like a highball or one of the whisky and wine cocktails below keeps things accessible.

Keep the atmosphere relaxed

Good lighting, comfortable seating and a few thoughtful touches — like proper glassware or tasting cards — help create a setting that feels considered but never formal.

If you’re looking to combine whisky and wine in a single serve, cocktails are the easiest place to start. These drinks are designed to balance the richness of whisky with the acidity, sweetness or structure of wine — creating something layered but still easy to enjoy.

Here are a few ways to bring the two together:

Our twist on a classic French 75 cocktail, this recipe is a lighter, sparkling serve that pairs The Glenlivet with Champagne. The whisky’s soft fruit notes are lifted by the wine’s crisp acidity and bubbles, creating a refreshing, celebratory cocktail that works well as an aperitif.

A sociable option for sharing, this recipe combines red wine with fruit and spice, then adds whisky for extra depth. The Glenlivet brings a smooth, rounded character that enhances the wine’s dark fruit flavours without overpowering them — ideal for relaxed hosting.

This bright, floral cocktail blends The Glenlivet 12 Year Old with rosé wine infused with rose tea. The result is light, aromatic and gently sweet, with the whisky adding structure beneath the more delicate flavours.

For more inspiration on how to drink whisky in new and exciting ways, check out our guide to mixing whisky and tea. We’ve also got plenty of whisky cocktail recipes you can try, including fruity drinks and Old Fashioned variations.