Pairing wine with food can be intimidating, says L.A. chef Gerry Garvin. Here's all you need to know: 1. Uncork some not-too-pricey wines. 2. Try them. 3. Have fun. "There is nothing wrong with opening a bottle, saying, 'I am not sure about this one,' then opening a second," says Garvin, who matches wines with recipes in his new book Dining In. "The first bottle could work for the second course or another day." PEOPLE asked the host of TV One's Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin to put together some surefire hits. "When I think about a pairing, I think about the ingredients: How is the dish seasoned?" For the steak entrée (with onion, rosemary and thyme), Garvin chose three hearty reds, including a $10 Malbec from Argentina. "It has a hint of spice but isn't too spicy." Making a match might seem tricky but, he insists, "There is no right or wrong. Enjoy the mystery of experimenting."
For Garvin's recipes go to people.com/holiday
The menu
Garvin offers a choice of three wines each to match with three courses, from the refreshing tomato salad to the rich, chocolate dessert. Cheers!
First course
Tomato & Mozzarella Salad The meal starts with the lightest wines—and a suggestion to "engage your guests. It adds another element when people express opinions."
1. Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rosé 2007 Australia, wine.com; $13.29
2. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007 New Zealand, wine.com; $16.99
3. Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007 South Africa, wine.com; $19.99
For Garvin's recipes go to people.com/holiday
Entrée
Pan-Roasted New York Steak with Onions and Warm Spinach Garvin's picks "will not overpower the steak, so the palate is not confused," he says. Wines with "a high fruit quality, I felt would be great."
1. Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2007 Argentina, empirewine.com; $9.95
2. McWilliams Shiraz 2006 Australia, wine.com; $10.79
3. Robledo Seven Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2006 rfwines.com; $16
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Mousse "If paired incorrectly, you lose the flavor of chocolate. These wines complement it but stay with the meal—you don't want a drastic change."
1. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel, thewinebuyer.com; $10.99
2. Dow's Fine Ruby (port), wine.com; $12.29
3. Grgich Hills Napa Valley Merlot 2004, napacabs.com; $16.95
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