Let’s face it: A lot of people just come for the party. And a football party includes certain beloved standbys-from zesty chicken wings and pizza to spicy chili and saucy meatballs. Beer is a classic match, but game-day party fare serves up a wide range of flavors that can match just as well with wine as they do with the usual beer selection. Here we help you tackle pairing wine with football party favorites-and those who are actually watching the game just may forget whether or not their team is ahead as they get lost in the winning food and wine highlights.

• Lighter-bodied, fruity California Zinfandel, Côtes du Rhône, or Syrah-based red wine.

• Pair with chilled Torrontés from Argentina or cold Spanish Cava, especially if guacamole is on the table.

• Sparkling wine often goes well with eggs-try Cava or Prosecco. Sauvignon Blanc could also make a good match.

• All-American hamburgers go well with all-American wines such as Zinfandel. If it’s topped with cheese and bacon, consider Spanish Rioja.

• Tomato sauce calls for an acidic red such as Italian Chianti or other Sangiovese-based wine. With a sweeter sauce, Pinot Noir can pair well.

Sausage or Hot Dog

• Try a slightly chilled Beaujolais or an off-dry Riesling.

• Chilled rosé is an incredibly flexible style that can make peace with virtually any meat, cheese or condiment on a sub.

• Sauvignon Blanc-the herbs in the dip will cancel out the herbal notes in the wine, playing up its fruitiness. Merlot can balance the herbaceous veggies for those who prefer red.

• And if the table includes a selection of these dishes, guests will certainly want to sample a variety of tasty tidbits. So what wines can play nice with a plateful of these foods better than others? Chilled Prosecco or rosé are both very versatile.