Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s one of those special occasions that people generally celebrate with date nights, romantic meals, and the various accoutrements of love. Think candlelight, flowers, chocolates, slow music, poetry, and of course, a great bottle of wine. Red wine is what we commonly associate with Valentine’s Day – not only does it make for some excellent food pairings but also stimulates the release of happy hormones.
But while classic reds evoke romantic associations and are a traditional part of February 14 celebrations, there is plenty of variety among whites, rosés, and sparkling wines that you can choose from and upgrade your Valentine’s Day plans by a few notches. Wine also makes for a great Valentine’s Day gift, but it’s the finer touches – like a personal note or the presentation flair – that add pizzazz to it.
Whether you’re gifting wine, or celebrating the day with your gal pals, a special someone, or by yourself, there is a wine for you. But with so many options, we know it can be tough to choose the right one. So, we put together a list of the best Valentine’s Day wines for you:
Champagne or Prosecco
There’s something about popping the cork of a bottle of bubbly that just screams celebration. Champagne or sparkling wine is a classic choice for Valentine’s Day, and it’s sure to make the evening feel special. Whether you choose a dry brut or a sweet demi-sec, make sure to chill the bottle beforehand and enjoy it in a flute glass.
Try: Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Cuvée Champagne Rosé N.V. if you’re in the mood to splurge!
Pinot Noir
Among red wines, Pinot Noir is the most popular for Valentine’s Day because of its delicate and complex flavours. This wine is lighter in body than many other reds, with fruity aromas, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Look for a vintage from the Burgundy region of France or from Oregon in the United States, both of which are known for producing high-quality Pinot Noirs.
Try: Penner-Ash 2018 Estate Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied red wine known for its bold flavours and high tannins, Cab Sauv pairs well with rich, hearty dishes like steak or lamb, making it an excellent choice for an elegant Valentine’s Day dinner. You can’t go wrong with a well-aged vintage from Napa Valley or Bordeaux in this case.
Try: Ancient Peaks Winery 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (and pair with chocolate mousse!)
Merlot
Another popular red wine for Valentine’s Day is the versatile Merlot. If you are somewhat new to red wines, this is a safe and simple option that is easy to pair and smooth to drink. Merlot’s soft and plummy taste, medium-bodied texture, and affordable price range make it a crowd-pleaser.
Try: Ehlers Estate 2018 Merlot
Rosé
Light and refreshing wines like rosés and blush wines are perfect for a romantic evening or a Galentine’s get-together. This wine is made from a variety of grapes and can range from dry to sweet. Look for a Provence Rosé from France, which is known for its delicate and fruity flavours, or a deep pink Rhône Valley rosé.
Try: Robert Renzoni Vineyards Lyric Rosé 2020
Riesling
A white wine that is known for its floral and citrusy aromas, the Riesling is an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day because of its versatility. Most Rieslings are on the sweeter side, but you can find some excellent dry Rieslings as well. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy dishes and desserts. You can’t go wrong with a Riesling from Germany or from the Finger Lakes region in New York.
Try: Handley Cellars 2018 Riesling Anderson Valley
Chardonnay
This full-bodied white wine is known for its buttery and oaky flavours and pairs well with rich, creamy dishes like pasta with alfredo sauce or lobster. Look for a Chardonnay from Burgundy in France or from Napa Valley in California, which are both renowned for producing high-quality white wines.
Try: Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2018 and pair it with seafood
Ultimately, while choosing the right wine for a special occasion can be daunting, the most important aspect of Valentine’s Day is spending time with your loved one and enjoying each other’s company, so choose a wine that you both enjoy and that complements the occasion. In the end, whether you go with a classic Champagne or a bold Cab Sauv or any of the other exceptional wines out there, make sure you’re raising a toast to love!
