What guideline is often stated regarding food and wine pairing?

The guideline "What grows together goes together" reflects the principle that foods and wines originating from the same region often complement each other well. This notion is based on the idea that the local climate, soil, and culinary traditions shape both agricultural products and wine styles, leading to flavors and textures that naturally harmonize when paired together.

Using this guideline, for example, a dish made with locally sourced seafood might pair nicely with a white wine from the same coastal region, demonstrating how local food and wine can enhance each other's characteristics. This rule also helps in navigating the vast array of wines and cuisines, simplifying choices and enhancing the dining experience.

The other options, while they have merit, are more specific or subjective and do not provide the same broad basis of pairing as the principle of regional compatibility does.