Ever since its ancient Roman origins, Valentine's Day has long been associated with wine and merrymaking. It once symbolized fertility, pleasure, and celebration. In modern times, we associate it with chocolate, roses, and cute cards with hearts. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or a Galentine’s gathering, there is a wine that's just right for your celebration.
A Brief History of St. Valentine’s Day
While there are a few origin stories of this love themed holiday, the most common one centers on St. Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest. According to legend, Claudius banned marriages for young men, believing single soldiers made better fighters. Valentine defied the order, secretly performing weddings for couples in love.
When his actions were discovered, Valentine was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14, around the year 269 CE. One legend claims he signed a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended or healed, “from your Valentine.”
By the Middle Ages, February 14 had become associated with romantic love in Europe, especially through the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer, who linked the day with courtship and devotion. Over time, the holiday evolved into the celebration we know now centered on affection and romance.
Valentine’s Day Wine Recommendations
Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Crémant, Prosecco, Cava)
Perhaps the most celebratory wine that goes with everything is a sparkling wine. Champagne probably takes the top spot with its French origins where so many people love to go on on their honeymoons. Champagne has long been tied to romance, but there are less expensive and really good sparkling wine alternatives from France (Cremant), Italy (Prosecco), and Spain (Cava).
Rosé
Was rosé made for Valentine’s Day? They come in just about every shade of pink, peach, and light red hues with styles ranging from crisp and refreshing to lush and fruity. Better yet, grab a sparkling rose to really add that celebratory pink pop to your V-day.
Pinot Noir
Elegant, expressive, and expensive (especially higher end versions), Pinot Noir is often described as sensual rather than powerful. It’s a go to wine for many wine lovers that perfer softer red wines. It pairs well with many dishes too from salmon, roast chicken, mushrooms, duck, and vegetarian dishes. Make Valentine's Day a reason to splurge on a nice bottle. (And maybe this is a good opportunity for the man in your life not to reach for a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon AGAIN.
Merlot
For something velvety and plush, Merlot offers ripe fruit and palatable tannins with chocolate and forest notes. While it may not have a good reputation in THE romantic wine movie Sideways, it's actually a rich, sensuous wine that offers 'sweetness' without being sugary
Dessert Wines
Even if you're not a fan of dessert wines, I feel like Valentine's Day is the one day where you should pay homage to these very technical wines. Late-harvest Riesling, a really good ruby Port, or a well made Moscato d’Asti are fine examples of winemaking to be tasted and experienced. They are also tailor made for sharing and pairing with with chocolate, berries, or that heart shaped dessert you plan to eat that evening.
Non-Alcoholic Wines
In case you've noticed, the non-alcoholic wine sections at the stores keeps getting bigger and bigger. It used to not even be a section, but now it has its own section with a sign at Trader Joe's and Total Wine. Even if you don't drink alcohol, there is still a wine for you.
The caveat is that they can be taste sweet, and they can also be expensive (or the same price as an alcoholic wine), which leads to the question of why am I buying this?
It's ValenWines Day. You can get the sparkly pop and the sweet effect to pair with those heart shaped confections, and zero side effects from drinking alcohol.
Wine for a 'Pretty Woman'
Who can forget Richard Gere teaching Julia Roberts that Champagne and strawberries bring out each other's flavor? You too can recreate this scene with a bottle of Moet & Chandon, strawberries, and a hotel room floor.
This famed pairing seemed to have originated when strawberries weren't actually very sweet, and thus matched the dryness of Champagne. But if you buy out of season strawberries in the northern hemisphere winter that falls in February, this pairing might actually work for Valentine's Day.
The Last Drop
What will you drink this Valentine's Day? My pick is always a pink bubbly
If you need another reason to celebrate, don't forget the last Saturday of the month is 'Open That Bottle Night' and another legitimate reason to pop a nice bottle of wine in February.
Celebrate ValenWines Day!
To learn about more Valentine's Day wine recommendations, check out these posts from the #worldwinetravel writers:
'Fair Verona and the Romance of Valpolicella' from Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles
'Pretty in Pink: Italian Wines Paired with International Flavors' from Camilla at Culinary Cam
'J'aime partager le vin et la vie avec vous' from Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm
'Valentine’s Amore: Sharing Luigi Righetti Amarone della Valpolicella' from Jennifer at Vino Travels
'Chef's Private Dinner at our Resort in Mexico' from Terri at Our Good Life
'A Love Letter to Wine' from Cathie at Side Hustle Wino
Catherine Schafer says
Thank you for the history behind Valentine’s Day and all of these delicious options to explore. I am with you, bubbles are always welcome in my glass!
wineivore says
Thanks Cathie! Nice to meet another 'bubble-head'. 🙂
Robin Renken says
I love the history of Valentines Day! I think it would be difficult to choose just one of your wine suggestions, but if forced I would agree with you and pop a bottle of something sparkling and pink!! I hope you had a lovely Valentines Day with a glorious bottle of pink bubbly!