Life is usually hectic. So often, a drive through McDonalds, Taco Bell or Wendy’s or takeout from a favorite Mexican or Oriental restaurant becomes the dinner of choice between school concerts, dance lessons, volleyball games, track meets and general family confusion.

There are dozens and dozens of books devoted to the traditional wine and food pairing: steak with red wine, chicken with white, etc. But here are some off the wall suggestions for foods we eat when we are in a hurry.

The recommendations come from Wine Folly, Insider, Wine Enthusiast and Parade Magazine. So when everyone is finally home on a midweek night or Saturday evening, it might be time to open a bottle of wine while the kids in the family are enjoying their soft drinks or a Wendy’s frosty.

Few folks regard Mexican food as wine friendly. However, there are some combinations that work very well.

Chili peppers’ intensity and heat can be cooled off by sipping a light, refreshing and well chilled Rose. Several Ohio wineries provide some that will be excellent choices. For those of you who prefer something a little heartier, a medium dry red blend could be a great option.

Tomato sauce, onions and garlic are often regarded as difficult. A bigger red like Cabernet Franc or Malbec will hold their own with these flavors.

Refried beans may call for another of those dry to off dry red blends. Or perhaps a French hybrid varietal like Chambourcin would work well.

When cilantro is used as flavoring, if the dish is not too spicy, consider a Pinot Grigio, Riesling or off dry white blend.

How about tacos? My favorite is a Pinot Noir or a Merlot. Both are relatively low in tannins and are great for that middle of the week quick dinner…or with takeout from one of our many regional drive throughs.

What about fast food take out?

Kentucky Fried Chicken? You may not want to invest in a bottle of expensive French Champagne (or California sparkler) for your dinner, but a bottle of Ohio slightly bubbly is often available for $12 to $15 and can turn that Americana chicken favorite into a real evening treat.

The recommendations for Big Mac include something like Pinot Noir or Merlot or light, low tannin red blends.

Bacon cheeseburgers from Wendy’s might taste just a bit better if accompanied by a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or even something like Dornfelder or Dolcetto.

Chick-fil-A has almost a cult following. (How long do you typically have to wait when you try to drive through at lunch time?) Next time you drive through in Mentor or wherever, plan to sip a glass of Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer or Gruner Veltliner.

Domino’s Pizza (or one from the many great local pizza companies here) would work with Pinot Noir if the pie contains lots of pepperoni or if it is cheesy only, consider Pinot Grigio.

Gewurztraminer is always a perfect choice for nearly every Oriental dish. The spiciness and off dry characters will stand up to nearly every dish, even some of the hottest Thai dishes.

And then there is the backyard grilling out if the snow melts off the deck. Hot dogs actually go pretty well with one of those chilled Rose options. And for Brats, pour a glass or two of Riesling, even if you top them with sauerkraut.

So just for fun, drop the snobbery and sip along with food that is what most of us enjoy, at least occasionally, during this busy time of year.

For additional information: dwinchell@OhioWines.org.