The Best Wine Pairings for Your Favorite Valentine’s Day Candy
02/07/2019 — Valentine’s candy is everywhere! And it’s not just in those heart-shape boxes, though there are plenty of those. If your significant other got you a box of chocolates or you bought every bag of conversation hearts off the shelf in excitement, here’s the wine to match. Karla Walsh, freelance writer and level one sommelier gave us her harmonious recommendations (rather than contrasting wines, since Valentine’s Day is more about compatibility than conflict).
Conversation Hearts & Sauvignon Blanc
We had a bit of a scare when we heard SweetHearts wasn’t making the Valentine’s candy classic this year but thanks to Brach’s and a lots of fun twists like conversation heart donuts, and conversation beans we can still say, “I love you,” through food. Walsh chose sauvignon blanc because, “A light crisp option won't overpower this lightly-flavored candy.”
Hershey’s Kisses & Cabernet Sauvignon
Yes, you can get Kisses year round (and for valentine’s day there’s even a lava cake version), but with ‘kiss’ in the name they land firmly in Valentine territory. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with them because, “The rich, dark fruit notes are powerful enough to partner with chocolate, while a little vanilla on the palate makes the chocolate shine even more,” says Walsh.
Red cinnamon candy hearts on a white background.
Cinnamon Hearts & Malbec
We’re not talking red hots here, but those larger seriously cinnamon-y hearts you can only find around this holiday. Walsh says Malbec is the ideal partner because the tannins can take the heat while a hint of spice in the wine plays nicely with the candy.
Related: Romantic dinners for two
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries on White
Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Pinot Noir
Clearly, this isn’t technically a candy, but if we don't consume chocolate covered strawberries did Valentine’s Day even happen? Well, yeah, but we refuse to accept it! The romantic dessert will bring out the berry notes found in Pinot Noir for a happy flavor marriage.
Related: Desserts pairing chocolate and strawberries
Opened with its filling on white background
Caramel-Filled Chocolates & Tawny Port
Straight from the heart-shape box, caramel-filled chocolates are sure to cross your plate (or napkin, or just end up in your hand) around Valentine’s Day. Walsh suggests partnering them with a tawny port that also has caramel and nutty elements.
Ferrero Rocher & Chardonnay
Another candy available year-round, Ferrero Rocher feels like a special Valentine’s treat thanks, in part, to the fancy gold wrapper. Plus, they make all kinds of Valentine’s packaging for the treat. Partner it with chardonnay because, “The brioche, hazelnutty qualities shine a spotlight on the starring nut, while the creamy quality of this rich white can stand up to the chocolate,” says Walsh.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts & Cava
We love Reese’s peanut butter cups, hearts, eggs, all the shapes! And we never need an excuse to drink bubbles. Why does this partnership work? Walsh says it’s because, “This crisp, affordable sparkling wine helps cut through the fat of the nut butter.” We think it’s a candy and wine marriage that’ll stand the test of time—we’ll enjoy it all year using whichever shape of Reese’s is within reach.