If you’re an avid gamer (or maybe an obsessed power gamer?) then you’re probably looking forward to the launch of Guild Wars 2, an epic fantasy massively multiplayer online role playing game. So what do you drink? Please don’t tell me you bought a pallet of energy drinks and have a freezer full of frozen pizza.. Perhaps it’s time to class it up a little bit, grab a bottle of wine and get into the spirit of the game. Do we dare say role play?

Drinking wine while playing video games has the unique appeal of mixing two relatively complex hobbies into a super hobby. You can sip wine, pair it with food, and drink it at room temperature; all perfect components while adventuring with your… ahem… guild. Which wine to choose?

Pick a Profession Below





Elementalist

Background: Elementalists are multi-faceted spellcasters that channel elemental forces, making fire, air, earth, and water do their bidding. What they lack in physical toughness, they make up in versatility and the ability to inflict massive damage in a single attack.



What to Drink: Pinot Noir or Viognier

Highly aromatic wines that are delicate to the taste match the playstyle of this class. These wines put all their muscle into the air inside your glass. They may not be as robust as other wines, but don’t underestimate them; they are sophisticated powerful wines that demand a mastery of the elements. Check out a few secret California Pinot Noir regions.



Engineer

Background: Masters of mechanical mayhem, engineers love to tinker with explosives, elixirs and all manner of hazardous gadgets. They can take control of an area by placing turrets, support their allies with alchemic weaponry, or lay waste to foes with a wide array of mines, bombs and grenades.



What to drink: G.S.M.

A GSM is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Think of these wine varieties as a utility belt of flavors. Each varietal blends together with another to create a different wine. Where the Syrah hits you up front, the Grenache lingers, tingling on your tongue. Different blends for different scenarios.



Guardian

Background: Guardians are devoted fighters who protect their allies and smite their enemies by drawing from the power of their virtues. True guardians are brilliant tacticians and selfless defenders who know when to sacrifice their own defenses to empower their allies to achieve victory.



What to Drink: Sangiovese or Lambrusco

We look toward the holy lands to find well respected wines with a rich history. These wines have a heritage of honor and tradition. Many are still made in villas with techniques passed down through the generations of family winemakers.



The Regions of Napa Valley Get to know the regions and the wines of Napa Valley on this illustrated map. Buy Map

Mesmer

Background: Mesmers are magical duelists who wield deception as a weapon. Using powerful illusions, clones, and phantasmal magic to confuse and distract their foes, mesmers make sure every fight is balanced in their favor and their opponents can’t believe their eyes.



What to Drink: Petit Verdot

Like an illusionist, Petit Verdot blends into world-class wines going practically unnoticed. It’s a powerful grape that adds balance and complexity to its companion varietals. On its own, Petit Verdot is a force to be reckoned with, a versatile wine that adapts to a variety of situations.



Necromancer

Background: Practitioners of the dark arts, necromancers summon the dead, wield the power of lost souls, and literally suck the life force from the enemy. Necromancers feed on life force, which they can use to bring allies back from the brink or cheat death itself.



What to Drink: Botrytis Semillon aka Sauternes

The living dead in a wine? Yes, it exists. Sauternes are made of rotten fruit, grapes that have been reanimated as a powerful elixir. Be careful, too much could send you into an insanity from which you’ll never return.



Ranger

Background: Rangers rely on a keen eye, a steady hand, and the power of nature itself. Unparalleled archers, rangers are capable of bringing down foes from a distance with their bows. With traps, nature spirits, and a stable of loyal pets at their command, rangers can adapt to any situation.



What to Drink: Orange Wine

Orange Wines are natural wines that lack the manipulation of man. They pull their greatness from the land alone and are both delicate in structure but rugged in flavor. By drinking orange wine, you are giving yourself up to nature and the throws of all its beauty and treachery.



Thief

Background: Experts at stealth and surprise, thieves can move through the shadows, vanish into thin air, or steal items from their opponents and use them as weapons. Thieves practice an agile, acrobatic fighting style, which can make them very hard to hit.



What to Drink: Tempranillo

While you disappear into the shadows, know that your drinking companion, Tempranillo, has long avoided the spotlight. With a Spanish heritage, Tempranillo often hides behind Rioja. It can stand up to most any other varietal including the all-powerful Merlot.



Warrior

Background: Warriors are masters of weaponry who rely on speed, strength, toughness, and heavy armor to survive in battle. Adrenaline fuels their offensive power—the longer warriors stay in a fight, the more dangerous they become.



What to Drink: Cabernet Sauvignon

A pinnacle of strength, Cabernet Sauvignon is a front-line, in your face wine. Nothing can stand toe-to-toe with Cabernet and hope to stand a chance. End of story.

