Singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch is as traditional at a baseball game as Cracker Jack, popcorn, and a cool drink. But why just pick a boring beer or soda? Lots of wine varietals are standing at alert, ready to be written into the roster.

The 1908 song has become the unofficial anthem of North American baseball (although neither of its authors had attended a game prior to composing it).  Fans are generally encouraged to sing along, and at some ballparks, Giants, Dodgers, Padres, and other "home teams" are replaced with the team name.

Chardonnay pairs beautifully in tune with “Buy me some peanuts.”  The oaky, buttery taste complements the salt in the nuts. A sweet, cold Riesling brings out the sugar in the box of Cracker Jack (toy no longer included). If hot dogs are in the lineup, then grab a bottle of Zinfandel, with its deep purple hue and full body, or make up some pairings of your own.

John Komes, owner of Flora Springs Winery makes it short. “I’d start with the 2017 Family Select Chardonnay, just released, then move on to the 2015 Napa Valley Merlot. Both wines are smooth, food friendly and versatile!”

Jessica Edson, with Tuck Beckstoffer Wines, recommends Hogwash Rose Magnums. It is bright, refreshing, and salmon-pink in color. Hogwash 17 has fresh and lively aromas of rose, raspberry, and orange zest, with flavors of lemon, mandarin, orange, and honey .”
“Sparkling is the most versatile of wines,” says Michael Wangbickler, president of Balzac, the communications and marketing giant. “The generally high acidity and effervescence act to naturally cleanse the palate between bites. It pairs equally well with both salty and sweet snacks. For salty foods like peanuts or hot dogs — no ketchup, please! — stick with something on the drier side, like a Brut or Extra Dry Champagne or a Prosecco. For sweet snacks like Cracker Jack, choose something sweeter, like a Sec or Demi-Sec Champagne or a Moscato d’Asti.”

Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker at Cline Cellars in Sonoma, adds some interesting pairings for his day at the ballpark. “Everyone loves those big, fatty peanuts, so I would recommend a crisp white wine that would cut through some of the fat. Our legendary new label Farmhouse white would be the perfect choice. We combine Palomino, Roussanne, and Muscat Canelli, and the flavors just explode. The result is similar to an ‘adult’ Sprite soda.

“Our ancient vine Zinfandel is the perfect selection to go with the caramel character of Cracker Jack. In fact, this Zin tastes like a big strawberry that matches the rich, caramel flavor. The hint of vanilla in the wine comes from the American oak barrel used for aging.”

Mark Feinberg, an executive with Balzac Communications in Napa, has a short, surefire combination to thrill the bleacher seats and the scoreboard: “A buttery Chardonnay for Cracker Jack, Pinot Gris/Grigio with peanuts, and perhaps a Pinot Noir with hot dogs.”

Shonee, with Hertz Cellars in St. Helena, prefers a red wine with the hot dog. “We make a Grignolino, a Spanish Rosé that would meld nicely with the hotdog. With the Cracker Jack and peanuts, I would prefer a Chardonnay or our chilled Spanish white wine, the Grignoino.”

Either choice would be at the preference of the baseball fan — they could ‘swing’ either way.”

Then, it’s time to put down your glass, put on your glove, and “Play ball!”