This year, Valentine’s Day is shaping up to look a lot like any other day over the past 11 months. With no need to reserve a table for two at [insert your favourite fancy restaurant here] or stock up on chocolates for you and six of your closest gal pals. How can you make this Valentine’s Day one to remember?
Whether you’ve planned a romantic night in, or are joining a virtual girls’ night – I have curated a list of wine recommendations with a little something for everyone and every occasion.
Red Wines
Ideal for occasions where wine-stained teeth don’t matter and perfect for the “I cooked a roast” special event.
Pairs well with bold, earthy flavours such as red meat or dishes with hearty sauces. If you are considering tackling a roast, you should check out our Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home for the most perfect beef tenderloin recipe.
Something Comfortable
- Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
- This light-bodied dry red is one of our all-time favourites. It is a good introductory red wine for someone who may not love bold flavours, making it the perfect play-it-safe red.
Something Local
- Sandbanks Baco Noir
- From Wellington, Ontario we bring you this 2018 All Canadian Wine Championships Double Gold Medal Winner. This medium-bodied, extra dry red is slightly sweet with hints of black fruits.
Something New
- Casillero del Diablo Reserva Carmenere
- One of my all-time favourite grapes is carmenere and this devilish winery makes the perfect introduction to a Chilean carmenere. Similar to a merlot, this red is medium-bodied, smooth, and sultry.
- One of my all-time favourite grapes is carmenere and this devilish winery makes the perfect introduction to a Chilean carmenere. Similar to a merlot, this red is medium-bodied, smooth, and sultry.
White Wines
Ideal for candle-lit bubble baths and virtual girls’ nights.
Pairs well with light dishes such as seafood, salads, and fruits.
Something Comfortable
- Villa Maria Private Vin Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
- This slightly sweet, extra dry New Zealand white earned it’s all-time favourite status thanks to it’s hints of peach and tropical fruits. With a fresh crisp finish, this wine is sure to become a staple in your home.
Something Local
- Inniskillin Niagara Estate Pinot Grigio
- From the Niagara-on-the-Lake region, we bring you a pinot grigio classic. This semi-dry white has notes of citrus and pear, making every sip perfectly refreshing.
Something New
- Aveleda Vinho Verde Fonte
- Not technically a “white” wine, this Portuguese green wine is light, dry, and slightly sweet. Ideally consumed overlooking the Atlantic while on a balcony in Lisbon, this wine also fares well during selfcare nights when drunk in a bubbly bath. You can get my favourite bubbles (the Comforter bubble bar from Lush) here.
Sparking
Ideal for subtly saying “there is no way I am doing the dishes tonight”.
Pairs well with strawberries (I like mine covered in chocolate), charcuterie, and a plush robe.
Something Comfortable
- Veuve Clicquot Brut
- Often reserved for special occasions, Veuve is bold and fizzy. Heavy on the bubbles and with notes of lemon and green apple, this popular bubbly will not disappoint.
Something Local
- Malivoire Che Bello Brut
- From the Niagara region, this prosecco-style sparkling wine is crisp, light, and fruity. Hints of peach and apricot help to round out this not too sweet, semi-dry sparkling.
Something New
- Blue Nun 24k Gold Edition
- Containing real 24K gold flakes, this sweet sparkling white is sure to jazz up any occasion. Crisp and slightly fruity, it is the perfect addition to a day dedicated to romance and [self] love.
That’s it that’s all folks. I promised there’d be something for everyone! Let us know in the comments what you ended up choosing, we’d love to hear from you.
This post was guest contributed by Rachel Brown you can find her here.
