How to Pair Wine with Pizza: Leaven Pizza’s Tips
Pizza and wine in Hereford? Yes please!
At Leaven Pizza, we don’t just care about great dough – we’re here for the full flavour experience. And that includes what’s in your glass. While pizza and wine might not be the most traditional duo, we reckon it’s one of the best. Balanced, bold, and downright satisfying.
Whether you’re dining in with us on Broad Street or grabbing a pizza to enjoy at home, here’s how to pick the perfect bottle from our list to pair with your favourite slice.
Margherita
Pair with: Pinot Grigio
Fresh tomato, creamy mozzarella, and basil need something crisp to bring it all together. Our Pinot Grigio is light and zesty, cutting through the richness and letting the classic flavours shine.
Hot Honey
Pair with: Pecorino
This one’s sweet, spicy and addictive. The Pecorino – not the cheese, the wine – brings bright acidity and subtle fruit, which balances the heat from the chilli honey without overwhelming the pepperoni. It’s a little unexpected, but it works.
Fennel Sausage
Pair with: Barbera
Big, bold, and packed with savoury goodness. Our Barbera is juicy and generous with just enough structure to handle the richness of sausage and the garlic butter base. A proper match for bold flavours.
Funghi
Pair with: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Earthy mushrooms, garlic crème fraîche, crispy sage… this one’s rich and comforting. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has depth, a little rustic charm, and enough boldness to pair beautifully with the truffle and mushroom flavours.
Venetian
Pair with: Primitivo
Anchovies, olives, capers – salty, punchy toppings like these deserve a wine with power. Primitivo is bold, fruity, and full of character. The sweetness in the wine balances the saltiness of the toppings without getting lost.
Not sure?
Pair with: Pinot Grigio Blush
This crisp rosé is an easy crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re ordering a mix of pizzas or just don’t fancy committing to red or white, it’s refreshing, light, and goes with pretty much anything.
Want bubbles?
Go for: Prosecco
Sometimes, fizz is the only answer. Our Prosecco is fresh, fruity and adds a little celebration to any pizza night. It’s especially good with veggie pizzas, burrata, or just as a pre-dinner sip.
Fancy a spritz instead?
We’ve also got a cracking list of spritzes and aperitivos if wine’s not your thing. From a classic Aperol Spritz to a bold Negroni Sbagliato, there’s something with a bit of sparkle and bite for everyone.
Pairing tips from the Leaven team
- Lighter pizzas = lighter wines. Tomato-based and veggie options love crisp whites and rosés.
- Richer pizzas = bolder reds. Creamy, meaty, or spicy pizzas pair well with juicy reds.
- Chill your reds slightly. Especially Barbera or Sangiovese – it makes them more food-friendly.
- Go with what you enjoy. No pressure, no wine snobbery here.
Wine pairing Hereford-style, the Leaven way
Pizza is already a top-tier comfort food – but when you get the right wine alongside it? Magic. All our wines are picked to play nicely with the flavours coming out of our oven. Whether you’re going big with spice, keeping it classic, or trying something new, we’ve got something on the list for you.
So next time you’re tucking into a Leaven pizza, have a look at the wine list and try one of these pairings. We’re always happy to chat if you want a recommendation – or pour you a glass to try.
The History of Aperitivo and How It Inspires Our Menu at Leaven Pizza
Enjoy Classic Aperitifs Like the Aperol Spritz and Negroni Sbagliato in Hereford
There’s something undeniably charming about the Aperitivo hour. It’s that golden moment between the end of the working day and the start of dinner, where conversation flows as freely as the drinks. At Leaven Pizza, we’ve taken this timeless Italian tradition and given it our own unique twist — right here in the heart of Hereford.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or meeting friends for a casual evening out, our drinks menu is crafted to bring a slice of Italy to your table. But before we dive into what we’re pouring, let’s take a look at the history of Aperitivo, and why it continues to inspire everything we do.
What Is Aperitivo?
Aperitivo isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual. Originating in northern Italy in the late 18th century, the concept was first introduced by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, the creator of vermouth. His aromatic, fortified wine became a staple pre-dinner drink in Turin, believed to stimulate the appetite and open the senses.
Over time, Aperitivo cocktails evolved to include everything from bitter amari to bubbly prosecco, paired with salty snacks or small plates (what the Italians lovingly call cicchetti). It’s more than a beverage — it’s a social custom designed to bring people together before the main meal.
The Italian Influence at Leaven
When we created the Leaven Pizza drinks menu, we knew Aperitivo had to be front and centre. After all, what better way to complement our slow-fermented sourdough pizzas than with a perfectly balanced Aperol Spritz?
We’re proud to serve up classic Italian aperitifs that celebrate this elegant pre-dinner tradition — with just a touch of Leaven flair. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or simply Aperol-curious, there’s something on our list for everyone.
Aperol Spritz Hereford? We’ve Got You Covered.
Bright, effervescent, and unmistakably orange — the Aperol Spritz has become an icon of the Aperitivo scene. Ours is served with all the hallmarks: a generous pour of Aperol, topped with prosecco and a splash of soda, garnished with a fresh slice of orange. It’s sunshine in a glass — even if the British weather has other ideas.
Seeking a more distinctive option? The Negroni Sbagliato is a happy accident that has since become a refined favourite. Translated as “mistaken Negroni,” this effervescent variation replaces gin with sparkling wine, resulting in a cocktail that’s lighter, fruitier, and no less satisfying.
Aperitivo, the Leaven Way
At Leaven Pizza, we aim to offer more than just drinks — we offer moments of connection and escape. Each cocktail is crafted to evoke a sense of place, whether it’s the charm of a Florentine pizza or the ease of a seaside terrace in Naples. Our Aperitivo cocktails selection is thoughtfully curated to complement our menu, from the depth of our marinara to the bright, seasonal character of our salads.
Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or making an evening of it, we invite you to raise a glass with us.
Join Us for Aperitivo in Hereford
Next time you’re wondering where to find a proper Aperol Spritz in Hereford or a standout Negroni Sbagliato, you’ll know where to come. Pull up a chair, order something bold and bitter, and soak in the atmosphere. This isn’t just any pizza place — it’s Leaven, where good food meets great company, and the drinks are always poured with purpose.