Valentine’s Day Wine Ideas to Set the Mood
With February 14th just around the corner, many of us are starting to think about ways to celebrate. Valentine’s Day has a way of putting pressure on getting things just right. If you're in charge of making arrangements, maybe you're thinking, " Where should we go? What gift do I get? What are we eating? How should I set the mood? Luckily, great wine does a lot of the heavy lifting. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, getting to know someone new, or celebrating with friends, the right bottle can instantly elevate the occasion.
Here are some simple and thoughtful wine ideas to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Champagne and Chocolate: A Classic Pairing (That Often Doesn’t Work)
When considering picking up a bottle of wine for your Valentine, the classic example of Champagne and chocolate might be one of the first things to come to mind. Even though this is such a well-known pairing, it might surprise you to learn that, in most cases, they don't actually taste amazing together. We typically choose a brut-style Champagne. When you look at the chemistry behind food and wine pairings, the best matches come down to balance and complementary flavours and textures. If you've had a bite of a chocolate-covered strawberry followed by a sip of champagne, you may notice that the bitterness and acidity end up being amplified in a way that isn't the most pleasant.
What to Pair with Dessert Instead
So, what does pair well with dessert? Actually, the best choice for a sweet treat is a sweet wine. There are a few different ways to approach this. There are actually sweet styles of Champagne. Look for labels that say “Doux” or “Demi-Sec.” These styles have a higher sugar content and pair well with dessert. You could also opt for something like a Moscato D’Asti. A gorgeous, sweet, and lightly sparkling style of white wine from Piedmont, Italy. Pick up a bottle of the Icardi La Rosa Salvatica and see what we're talking about.
If You Don’t Want Sweet Wine, Pair Champagne with Savoury Foods
If you can't wrap your head around the idea of sweet wine, then perhaps a different food pairing is in order for your Champers. A bottle of Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs, some Oysters or caviar (if you're feeling luxurious), or a simple, creamy brie would be perfect!
A Cozy Night In: Pinot Noir (Especially Burgundy)
If you know your Valentine well, this is a great chance to slow down, spend quality time together, and really connect. You’ll want a bottle of wine that you can enjoy over the course of the evening, one that changes and develops as you sip it. Pinot Noir, especially from Burgundy, is perfect for this. Burgundy wines have many layers and take time to show all their flavors. It’s a wonderful match for a quiet, romantic night. We have a great selection of Burgundy at Market Wines. Choosing one can feel overwhelming, but our team can help you find the right bottle. Joseph Voillot or Claude Leblanc Bourgogne Rouge are both excellent options to start with.
First or Second Date Wine: Keep It Light, Versatile, and Easy
Maybe you don’t know your Valentine very well yet, or you’re on a first or second date. First dates are about setting the right mood. Romantic but relaxed, thoughtful but not too much (You want to keep it a bit mysterious). The right wine can help create a comfortable atmosphere that makes conversation easy. For a first date, it’s best to choose a wine that’s light, versatile, and easy to enjoy, so you can both focus on each other instead of the wine. If you’re not sure what to pick, here are some tips.
White Wine Picks for a Date
For white wine, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are safe choices because they’re popular and most people have tried them. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape and comes in many styles. To keep it simple, try an unoaked wine such as Chablis. It is a well-known type of Chardonnay that’s unoaked but still rich and textured. It is fresh, has nice minerality, and pairs well with food, so grab some cheese to go with it. The Defaix Old Vine Chablis would be a wonderful choice.
If you like Sauvignon Blanc, the Loire Valley in France is known for some of the best and most classic examples. Look for Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume if you want something a bit more special. We have both from Domaine Tinel-Blondelet, and they’re always a hit. The Touraine region in the middle of the valley also offers tasty, affordable choices. New Zealand is also famous for Sauvignon Blanc, with riper, tropical flavors. The Spinning Top is a favorite here.
Red Wine Picks for a Date (Tannin-Friendly Choices)
If white isn’t your jam, here’s a tip for picking a red wine, since it can be tricky. One of the main things people notice in red wine is tannin, which is the mouth-drying feeling you get from red wine but not from white. Some people like this, while others don’t. Usually, people who enjoy wines with a lot of tannin also like softer wines, but not always the other way around.
If you want a softer red, try Gamay, Pinot Noir, or Grenache from France. Italian grapes like Barbera or Dolcetto are also great options. The Dolcetto from Marengo is a favorite in our shop, and the Barbera from Pelassa is another good pick. Grenache is grown in France and Spain. The Raisin de Loup from Domaine de Marcoux is a juicy Grenache blend from the Rhone Valley. For a tasty and affordable Spanish wine, try the Latido de Sara Garnacha. It’s even better if you chill it a little before serving.
No Date? Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Friends
If you don’t have a date, don’t worry. Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate all kinds of love, not just romance. It’s the perfect reason to gather your favorite people, open a good bottle, and enjoy the friendships that feed your soul. The best part about celebrating with friends is that you can mix things up and try something new. Why not have a blind tasting? You don’t need to be an expert to have fun guessing what’s in your glass. You might even discover a new favorite.
Final Thoughts: The Right Wine for Every Kind of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can feel stressful, but it’s really about what you make of it. In the end, it’s a time to celebrate love in any form, and the right wine can help set the mood for any celebration. Whether you’re on a first date, celebrating an anniversary, or spending time with friends, there’s a perfect bottle for every occasion.