To me, the appeal of Valentine’s Day lies in its inherent malleability – some like to go big, while others tend to keep their expression of affection more low-key. However, in all cases, the old adage still rings true: it’s the thought that counts. Even in today’s unstable world, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate your relationship with your partner. The focal point of all these dates, however, should be one four-letter word…wine!
Below are a few wines that tie together any celebration of your choosing.
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas and the Perfect Wine to Match
Blissful Brunch Picnic
The feasibility of this idea may vary based on where in the country you’re reading this from (I’m looking at about a foot of snow on my lawn right now). If you’re lucky enough to be somewhere enjoying warm sunshine, why not take that special someone out to the park or beach for a romantic picnic? With a cozy blanket, a basket full of tasty snacks, and a portable speaker, there’s only one thing missing – the Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. This expressive white blend is comprised of 40% Grenache Blanc, 34% Roussanne, 20% Clairette, and 6% Bourboulenc. Make sure to bring some ice along to keep this one chilled.
At-Home Movie Night
Not entirely comfortable with heading back to the theatre yet? That’s OK – there are literally thousands of options available to you at the push of a button. Nuke some popcorn, kick up that recliner, and prepare for the laid-back V-Day that you deserve. For this scenario, I propose sampling the Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuissé. This excellent Chardonnay is crafted within the rolling hills of Burgundy. To match both the wine and the occasion, I recommend watching Wes Anderson’s newest flick – The French Dispatch.
Homecooked Valentine’s Day Dinner
They say that love is brewed in the kitchen. If you or your partner is culinarily inclined, why not find a great recipe and whip up your own personal Valentine’s Day meal? In terms of a wine pairing, there’s no grape more versatile than Pinot Noir – and that’s where the Craggy Range Aroha Pinot Noir comes in. Grown on the Te Muna Road vineyard in Martinborough, New Zealand, this thunder from down under has notes of plum and dark cherry on the nose. When it comes to choosing a dinner option, the Aroha goes great with both duck and lamb – just a suggestion.
Ski Weekend in the Mountains
Spend a weekend in the mountains and shred some snow while you’re at it. Skiing and snowboarding can be learned at any age (though your risk tolerance might vary a bit), so don’t let that prevent you from becoming the next Lindsey Vonn or Shawn White for a few days. One of the world’s premier winter sports locations is Chile; skiers and snowboarders will travel from all over the world to get a taste of the Chilean mountain air. So when you’re back in your cabin after a long day on the slopes and hankering for a glass of wine, there’s no wine more situationally appropriate than the Montes Purple Angel. This red hails from the Colchagua Valley of Chile and is made up of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot.
Night on the Town
Lastly, let’s take things back to basics. In a normal year, many people would celebrate Valentine’s Day by taking their partner out to dinner at a nice restaurant. If you’re still game, a meal out on the town presents a great opportunity to talk and remember what made you two connect in the first place. A number of couples like to look at a venue’s wine list before deciding to dine there – and I recommend choosing a place that has the Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno (or, if you’re lucky enough to have the option, BYOB it). This Tuscan red is comprised of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and goes great with any meal where red meat is the centerpiece.
Now that you’ve got a quiver of love arrows at your disposal, it’s up to you to make the most of your special day. Happy Valentine’s Day!
