Love is in the Air: Don’t Stress Over Valentine’s Day Vino

by Robin Barr Sussman on February 11, 2026 in Food+Drink,
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From global wineries and boutique brands to wallet-friendly picks and celebratory sparklers, this year’s Valentine’s Day wine roundup offers something for every way you love.

 

For the Romantics

McCollum Heritage 91 Pinot Noir Rosé 2023, Willamette Valley

NBA player CJ McCollum and his wife Elise love to linger over a glass of McCollum Heritage 91Rosé. Photo courtesy McCollum Heritage 91.

Here’s a seriously swoon worthy rosé with loads of bright fruit flavors. Think punchy pomegranate, watermelon and tangerine peel with solid structure to hold up to savory meals. NBA player CJ McCollum owns the wine brand with his wife Elise, who chose her favorite flower, the anthurium, for the label. ($33) 

Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Brut Frizzante

This dry, fizzy Lambrusco with an Old-World Italian closure will charm your significant other. Photo courtesy Cleto Chiarli.

Think all Lambrusco wines are sweet? Not! Italians know that dry, fizzy Lambrusco is the perfect match for richly flavored dishes. What could be more alluring than a glass of ruby red wine capped with bubbles on Valentine’s Day? (about $19)

Pasqua Passione Sentimento Rosso Veneto IGT 2022 

Passione Sentimento Rosso Veneto is romance in a bottle. Photo courtesy Pasqua Wines

Just beyond the ancient walls of Verona with its iconic Juliet’s balcony, Pasqua Wines is crafting wines that embody the city’s enduring passion, like this blend of Merlot, Corvina, and Croatina. With notes of ripe red berries, sweet spices, and a hint of toasted wood, anticipate smooth tannins and a long, velvety finish. ($17.99)

Invention Vineyards Captivating 2023 White Blend, Texas High Plains

A silky Bordeaux-style blend with all the right moves. Photo courtesy Invention Vineyards.

Here’s a new one to the collection that will grab your attention and never let go. The Bordeaux-style blend of sauvignon blanc and viognier features a zesty palate of tangerine and citrus zest with a rich texture and mouthfeel. ($40)

For the Party Girls

Le Ragose 2023 Valpolicella Classico

Pour the Valpolicella Classico generously and bring on the pizza and pasta with ragu! Photo courtesy Le Ragose.

This Galentine’s Day, go old-school and affordable with a classic Valpolicella wine. Hints of coffee and bitter chocolate meet with crushed cranberry and subtle spice, ending in a savory finish that is ideal with an Italian feast. (about $21)

Juggernaut Wines

Approachable Juggernaut Wines are for girls who wanna have fun. Photo courtesy Elemental.

For those who love Valentine’s Day but without the serious x’s and o’s, reach for an approachable bottle with a bold, nature-inspired label. Juggernaut’s screw-cap Sauvignon Blanc ($16) or Red Blend ($20) fit the bill—and don’t miss the brand’s playful digital Valentine’s cards!

For the California Dreamers

Sullivan Rutherford Estate 2022 Coeur de Vigne Napa Valley

A velvety cabernet sauvignon that will make his or her heart throb. Photo courtesy Sullivan Rutherford Estate.

Translating to “heart of the vine” in English, this cabernet sauvignon with a velvety mouthfeel touts ripe plums, black currants, and hints of cocoa and tobacco. Worth the splurge. ($85-$95).

Frank Family Vineyards 2020 Brut Rosé, Carneros

Dreamy notes of wild strawberries, cream, and brioche laced with delicate pearl bubbles. Photo courtesy Frank Family Vineyards.

Here’s a sunset hued sparkler crafted with pinot noir and a kiss of chardonnay. With notes of red apple, wild strawberries, and brioche, this blushing brut pairs deliciously with everything ($60).

Flowers Vineyard & Winery 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Elegant and mouthwatering, Flowers wine is a must for Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy Flowers Vineyard & Winery.

The house of Flowers is dedicated to crafting balanced pinot noir and chardonnay marked by complexity, nuance, and fresh coastal minerality. Recently tasted at a Christy Lynn Collection fashion-and-wine collaboration in Houston, Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is mouthwatering and vibrant, with notes of yuzu, Meyer lemon, hazelnut, and green apple. Always bring Flowers on Valentine’s Day! (about $45)

Alma Rosa 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Prepare your palate for lip-smacking flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate. Photo courtesy Alma Rosa.

Soak in sunny Santa Barbara vibes with an elegant pinot noir. Rich and nuanced with bright red fruit, this wine goes with everything from conversation to mushroom dishes, salmon, and light meats like veal. ($50)

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Writer Robin Barr Sussman

Cover Photo courtesy Pasqua Wines

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s, Bluejack National, and Private Clubs Magazine.