Halloween season is upon us, and what better time to cozy up on the couch on a chilly October evening with friends or family to watch one of the season’s classics? We have picked three of our favorite fright flicks and, of course, it wouldn’t be a movie night without screamingly good libations and sweet’n’savory snacks! Grab your remote and join us to watch these three classic Halloween movies with the perfect wines and snacks.
Hocus Pocus (1993) and Champagne
A curious teenager moves to Salem from California, where he struggles to fit in and accidentally brings the town’s sinister Sanderson sisters, executed in the 17th century for witchcraft, back to life. The diabolical witches have only one night: you guessed it, Halloween night, to work their dark magic and restore themselves into existence before sunrise. You might be surprised to know it was a flop at the box office, but it quickly became a fan favorite on DVD (remember those?), and the rest is history. Watch for the uncredited cameo by iconic brother-sister director duo Garry and Penny Marshall playing a kooky couple. Garry, dressed as Satan for Halloween, is mistaken for the real Master of Darkness by the Sanderson sisters, which makes for a hilarious moment in the film.
Champagne and Popcorn
With witchy divas Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Katy Najimi in the roles of the devious Sanderson sisters, Champagne is the only beverage to sip while watching this movie. So, chill a bottle of Taittinger Brut La Française, a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is delicate with aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla pod, and brioche on the nose and flavors of fresh fruit and honey on the palate, making it perfect match for buttery popcorn. Pop your corn at home using this recipe for The Best Buttery, Movie-Style Popcorn or choose a fun recipe from the newly released ‘Hocus Pocus’ Cookbook.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Tawny Port
A young boy finds an alien hiding in his family’s shed, lures him out with Reese’s pieces, decides to keep him, and then helps him escape and get back home. It’s not your traditional Halloween movie, but the Halloween scene of E.T. alone is worth qualifying this cinematic gem for the season. Anyway, there is a lot of screaming and uncertainty at the beginning of the film before the story unfolds, and we are unsure where Steven Spielberg’s story will take us. The funniest moment is E.T. trick-or-treating covered in a sheet on the way to “phone home:” with the camera view through his cutout sheet, his eyes land on Yoda, and he starts to reach for him as one of his own. If you haven’t seen this classic, now would be a good time.
Tawny Port and Reese’s Pieces
The movie made Reese’s Pieces a thing, and coincidentally, they go amazingly well with a glass of Taylor Fladgate Fine Tawny Port. The chocolate and nutty peanut butter are an excellent match for the nutty, caramelized notes in this Tawny Porto wine.
Halloween (1978) and Lambrusco
The original slasher movie Halloween is a must-see on our list. After all, it kicked off a decades-long franchise with its Michael Myers saga. Did you know that director John Carpenter cast Jamie Lee Curtis as an homage to her mother Janet Leigh’s iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Physcho? Opening scene: Halloween night 1963 Haddonfield, IL, and little Michael brutally stabs his sister to death. Fast-forward to Halloween Eve 1978 and grown-up Michael Myers escapes the mental hospital and is ready to kill again!
Lambrusco and Take-out Pizza
How do you pair this slasher?! With Medici Ermete Quercioli Dolce Lambrusco DOC, a deep bloody…oops, ruby red and bubbly wine from the Reggio Emilia province of Italy. It is a succulent wine with delicate floral notes of violet and a luxuriously sweet, fresh mouth-feel. The bubbles dance on your tongue, and it pairs amazingly with take-out pizza, and there’s no better moment than movie night for that. Just make sure you don’t splatter sauce all over yourself screaming when the Boogie Man shows up! If you are a fan of the movie, outfit yourself for the occasion with a one-of-a-kind t-shirt by BWood New York bwood kills – B WOOD | BRIANWOOD
