Valentine’s Day is upon us, and we want you to be prepared. Our experts Laura Koffer and Eduardo Dingler have put together a tight lineup of go-to V-day wines, perfect for whether you’re going out and going big, ordering in, or bingeing Netflix in your pajamas. Treat your valentine—heck, treat yo’ self—to something special this year.
Champagne
There’s no question that we equate Champagne with love and joy. Think of your last big toast. Think of life milestones like new homes, new marriages, new kids and grandkids. Can they be properly celebrated without Champagne? It’s the go-to for a reason. You really can never go wrong.
Pair with Valentine’s favorites like oysters, caviar, seafood towers, and more.
Rosé
It’s okay to skip the roses and open a bottle of rosé instead. It’s both fresh and effortlessly romantic, boasting hues of pale salmon and vibrant pink, aromas of red berries to citrus blossoms. Rosé is a great selection for a Valentine’s Day lunch or Galentine’s Day celebration.
Pairs perfectly alongside charcuterie or sushi.
California Pinot Noir
Playful and polished, California Pinot Noir is our VP of Wine Eduardo Dingler’s Valentine’s Day favorite. Versatile, food-friendly, and effortlessly smooth, with bright fruit, soft tannins, and an easygoing charm, it’s the kind of wine you’ll find on restaurant pairing menus—and it’s perfect for a special date night.
If you’re still getting your Valentine’s menu set, pair your California Pinot Noir with a wide variety of foods, from roast chicken with mushrooms to salmon, or even pasta with a creamy sauce.
Merlot
Merlot is the wine that gets our VP of Wine Laura Koffer’s vote. It’s romantic and expressive, showcasing all the aromas you associate with Valentine’s Day: roses, chocolate, and fresh flowers. Soft, plush, and irresistibly smooth, it’s the ultimate go-to date wine… easy to love, but still plenty special.
If you need a perfect pairing for a three-star restaurant meal or the finest steak you can make at home, Merlot is in your corner.
Dessert Wines
It’s Valentine’s Day. Don’t you dare skip the dessert wine, which is decadent and indulgent—dessert without dessert (or dessert with dessert). Our selection is the 2013 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance. It’s a truly world-class wine that’s concentrated and decadently unctuous, with an undercurrent of fresh acidity that keeps the palate juicy.
This is a wine for the ages, as captivating today as it was centuries ago. Enjoy alongside chocolate, berries, cheese—or as the dessert itself!
