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It’s a big, heart-thumping world out there when it comes to picking “the” wine for Valentine’s Day. In this year’s roundup, we’ve lassoed in boutique wineries, iconic brands, affordable wines, sparklers, and limited-edition bottles for whatever kind of love you’re celebrating.
A Lovely Gift for Her
The U.S. arm of Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros in Napa, California, produces beautiful sparkling wines. The stunning 2020 Brut Rosé is especially fitting for Valentine’s Day with fruity and floral characteristics and Chardonnay added for structure ($47). Make it a gift with the Rosé Spa package: All-natural spa essentials from London Rose and a bottle of the winery’s beloved 2020 Brut Rosé ($98).
Say it with a Romantic Label
One of California’s leading sparkling wine houses has an exciting collaboration with visual artist Alexandra Grant and her art and design initiative, grantLOVE. The brands have joined to release LOVE Wine just in time for Valentine’s Day. GrantLOVE supports and promotes the work of underrepresented artists and arts nonprofits. Crafted from the exceptional cool-climate vineyards of Russian River Valley, Monterey County and Mendocino County, this brut cuvée has lively aromas of ripe raspberries, strawberries, and cherries with flavors of crème brulée and cinnamon. Purchase here. ($50)
The Whole Buncha Love 2022 Pinot Noir displays the ideal name and artwork on the label and the wine inside is another example of winemaker Kathleen Inman’s meticulous style for crafting pinot noir. Elegant and balanced, Inman keeps it interesting (and juicy!) by blending grenache from the Alexander Valley with pinot noir from the Russian River Valley. Fermented using only wild yeast, the wine boasts bright red fruit like pomegranate and dark cherry, exotic spices, and a rich mouth feel. ($73)
Drinking the 2021 Malbec from this renowned winery will make you feel like royalty. The label pays tribute to the grape’s history in France and its rise in Argentina with four female figures who symbolize milestones in the history of malbec. Anticipate gripping flavors of mocha, spice, dark berries and minerals, with a balanced finish highlighting ripe black and blue fruits. Available on wine.com. (about $119)
The 2022 pinot noir from San Luis Obispo Coast is lush and sophisticated with a pretty label to kick off a romantic evening. Its velvety texture leads to flavors of vibrant red cherry and strawberry with hints of vanilla and spice. ($28)
Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé Limited Edition “Toile de Jouy”
Here’s a festive wine featuring an ornate label inspired by the fabrics that adorned elegant French interiors in the 18th century. Beyond its elegant design, this fresh sparkling rosé is a true testament to French savoir-faire making it an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations or gifting. Purchase on Shopify here. (about $17)
Perfect Food Pairings
This woman-owned wine company based in California began with a mission to craft wines for the female palate. With high acidity and low tannins, ECR 2022 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a versatile pairing partner ($44). Its stainless steel fermented 2022 Chardonnay charms with bright layers of tart yellow apple, Meyer lemon, and grapefruit. Anticipate a crisp, clean profile that pairs effortlessly with myriad dishes, from seafood and fresh salads to creamy pastas.
Easy drinking and affordable, TILIA 2023 Organic Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, is committed to sustainability. Its bouquet of violets and rich plum marmalade is laced with chocolate, dark berries and vanilla oak flavors with sleek tannins on the palate. Pair it with dishes like a roast duck with sour cherry sauce. Chef’s kiss! ($13)
After a long hard winter, it’s natural to reach for something vibrant like the Kenefick Ranch 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. Zippy and complex with notes of citrus, lychee and melon, it’s especially tasty with goat cheese and fruit, spicy Asian or Indian fare. ($30)
Like a big, bold red wine to sip in the chilly winter months? Reach for full-bodied Stags’ Leap 2022 Petite Sirah with concentrated flavors of blueberry, chocolate, plums and black pepper. Try it with a coffee and black pepper rubbed porterhouse for two! A portion of proceeds will be donated to Cal Fire Foundation through February in support of the LA fire relief. ($50)
This iconic Napa Valley winery’s 2023 Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay is expressive with perfumed aromas including tangerine marmalade. Anticipate a rich, round character with mouthwatering flavors of Asian pear and sweet apple. Lovely with a buttery lobster dinner, avocado salad, and creamy risotto. ($50)
He’ll love you for uncorking or gifting the popular 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This full bodied, impressive wine bursts with nutmeg, coffee bean, blackberry, black cherry and toasted oak nuances – making it the perfect partner for a hearty lamb, grilled chop or steak dinner. Ten percent of all proceeds from its wine sales will be donated to CAL Fire to support the LA wildfire relief efforts through February. ($60)
For the Free Spirited
When alcohol is not in the plan, there are good alternatives. Libby Non-Alcoholic Wines (the name was inspired by light + bubbly) delivers a full-flavor experience made from dealcoholized wine with only 35 calories per glass. Stored in cute, reusable light weight bottles with a swing top, Libby is available in a Sparkling White and a Sparkling Rosé on BetterRhodes.com, H-E-B, and Central Market ($17.99). Optionally, consider Josh Cellars Non-alcoholic Sparkling, which is refreshing alone or in a spritzer ($17).
For the Galentine’s Gathering
When fun but affordable wine is on the agenda, reach for Juggernaut wines – the adventurous nature labels are a surefire conversation starter. The Hillside cabernet sauvignon rocks with flavors of black currants and vanilla, or choose the Russian River pinot noir, Marlborough sauvignon blanc, or Sonoma Coast chardonnay ($16-$20).
For an intense red that pairs with chocolate lava cake and late nights, crack open Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot from Washington state which tastes more expensive than its amazing price ($14.99). Bread & Butter 2022 rosé and merlot (both $16) are also solid picks.
More Celebratory Sparklers
The 2019 Etude Blanc de Noirs is a traditionally styled brut offering the truest expression of pinot noir and chardonnay from Etude’s Grace Benoist Ranch in Carneros. The fine mousse showcases a lively citrus zest with acidity balancing rich fruit. And it pairs well with all food – caviar, anyone? ($60)
Made with pinot noir and chardonnay, this classic sparkling rosé from Italy is dry, clean and elegant with the freshness of wild strawberries, red currants, and sweet almonds. Purchase on Wine.com here. ($36)
Don’t Forget Chocolates
No need to go shopping – Houston-based Mostly Chocolate will ship these sweet colorful gems! Indulge in four seasonally exclusive bonbon flavors including Dark Chocolate Crunch and Champagne and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Mostly Chocolate classics are available in store or online in Build Your Own Boxes ($21-$105). Plus, head chocolatier Dany Kamkhagi is introducing his 3D Smashable Chocolate-Covered Pecan-Filled Hearts ($20), along with a variety of Valentine’s-themed delights.
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Cover photo courtesy J Vineyards & Winery
Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) 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, Houston CityBook Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.
