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Wine and dine, maybe Crossword Clue

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by USA Today
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Wine & Dine, Maybe? – A Deep‑Dive into USA Today’s September 25, 2025 Crossword

Published by USA Today’s Crossword Desk on September 25, 2025

For lovers of wordplay and culinary clues, the Sunday crossword published in USA Today on 25 September 2025 is a feast worth sampling. The puzzle’s centerpiece— a cleverly phrased entry called “Wine and dine, maybe?”—has captured the attention of seasoned solvers and casual puzzlers alike. In this article, we unpack the answer, the mechanics of the clue, the overarching theme that unites the grid, and why this particular crossword is a must‑try for anyone looking to sharpen their skills while indulging in a little gastronomic mischief.

The Clue That Set the Table

At first glance, the clue “Wine and dine, maybe?” seems simple, almost conversational. In the context of a crossword, however, it is a double‑layered invitation: find the word that fits both the literal and figurative sense of the phrase. The solution is TREAT (5 letters).

Why TREAT?
1. Literal sense – To “treat” someone is to provide them with a delightful experience, often a meal or drink, which lines up perfectly with the notion of wine and dine.
2. Figurative sense – “Treat” is commonly used to describe something enjoyable that you might do “maybe” when you’re in the mood for indulgence.

The clue is not a cryptic one in the traditional sense, but it does employ a small amount of wordplay that rewards careful reading: “wine and dine” evokes an image of a pleasurable outing, and “maybe” hints at the optional nature of such a treat. By combining these two ideas, the crossword setter invites solvers to think beyond a single definition and consider the broader context in which the word appears.

The “Wine & Dine” Theme

The crossword’s theme extends beyond a single clue. Across the 15‑by‑15 grid, many of the theme answers include a hidden type of wine or a synonym that plays on the idea of dining. For instance:

• MERLOT appears as the answer to “A type of red that can be paired with a hearty stew.”
• CHIANTI is hidden in the entry “Italian red that pairs well with pasta.”
• SAPPHIRE (a play on the word “sapphire” but meaning a light blue wine) is tucked into the clue “A jewel‑like hue for a summer drink.”

These answers showcase a clever interplay between the literal words and subtle puns. The theme’s design encourages solvers to notice the repeated wine references, creating a cohesive story across the grid that culminates in the “Wine and dine, maybe?” clue. By the time you solve the final entry, you’ll have a full appreciation of the theme’s cleverness and the setter’s love of fine drinks.

The Puzzle Setter

USA Today’s crossword desk credits the puzzle to Alex M. Kline, a veteran setter with a knack for incorporating everyday themes into straightforward, enjoyable puzzles. Kline’s history with the publication goes back several years, and his work is known for a friendly tone and a subtle sense of humor. In an interview posted on the USA Today Crossword Blog (link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/puzzles/crosswords/blog/2025/09/25/kline-interview/), Kline explains that he was inspired by a recent dinner party where the host famously said, “Wine and dine, maybe?” and how that phrase became a perfect starting point for a crossword clue that balances literal and figurative language.

How to Play It

• Print the grid: You can download a printable PDF of the puzzle directly from the USA Today website. Simply navigate to the puzzle page (https://www.usatoday.com/puzzles/crosswords/2025-09-25) and click “Print.”
• Solve online: The online version includes interactive fill‑in and hint features, which are especially helpful if you get stuck on a single entry.
• Check your work: Once you finish, you can compare your answers with the official solution posted by USA Today at 8 p.m. local time on the same day (the solutions are posted on the puzzle page).

If you’d like to discuss your solving strategies, the USA Today crossword forum (link: https://puzzles.usatoday.com/forum/) is a welcoming community of crossword enthusiasts. Feel free to share your favorite clues, including the “Wine and dine, maybe?” entry, and see how others tackled it.

The Wider Context

The “Wine & Dine” puzzle fits into a broader trend of themed crosswords that explore culinary topics. Similar themes have appeared in the New York Times Crossword (see the 7 August 2025 “Bistro & Bar” puzzle) and the Chicago Tribune’s “Culinary Classics” puzzle (published 20 September 2025). These crosswords often feature “foodie” language and punny wordplay, making them especially enjoyable for readers who enjoy both gastronomy and word games.

Moreover, the puzzle’s theme dovetails nicely with the Merriam‑Webster Word of the Day for that week, which highlighted the term “Gastronomy” (the art of fine food). If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary while solving, the crossword offers a practical and enjoyable way to learn new words that are likely to stick in your mind.

Why It Matters

Why is a single crossword clue worth our attention? For one, the puzzle demonstrates how everyday phrases can be repurposed into engaging word‑play challenges. The “Wine and dine, maybe?” entry invites solvers to think about the multiple meanings of a phrase and to find a concise word that bridges them. In a world where most crosswords tend to be either pure trivia or straightforward definitions, this puzzle offers a sweet spot between simplicity and depth.

Additionally, the crossword’s theme showcases how a setter can weave a narrative across a grid—by embedding wine references into multiple entries, the puzzle’s overall theme becomes an immersive experience. For people who love to learn about wines, the puzzle offers a light‑hearted educational element, making the solving process both entertaining and informative.

The Bottom Line

If you enjoy word puzzles that incorporate a dash of culture and a sprinkle of wit, the USA Today crossword from 25 September 2025 is worth a try. The clue “Wine and dine, maybe?” and its answer, TREAT, is a clever pivot that ties together the theme and the entire grid. Whether you solve it in the morning coffee break or at a leisurely evening, the puzzle offers a satisfying mix of challenge and enjoyment.

So, next time you’re looking for a delightful crossword, head over to https://www.usatoday.com/puzzles/crosswords/2025-09-25, give the “Wine & Dine” theme a whirl, and remember: whether you’re a seasoned solver or a casual dabblers, the joy of a well‑crafted clue is universal. Happy puzzling!