Nothing says romance and indulgence like wine does. From zesty and light to bold and intense, and frothy and suave, wines can work their magic on everyone. This is why wine is such an effortless part of Valentine’s Day celebration.
Wine makes for a great gift, in the fine company of chocolates and roses. You can pair it with any cuisine and explore different styles through a multi-course meal. If you want to keep things casual, you can play games like wine bingo and fill your evening with laughter and bliss.
It is wine’s versatility that allows it to express the many moods and shades of love. A sparkling wine to begin your evening; wine celebrates love. A zingy white that cleanses your palate; wine reminds you to be playful. A graceful red that gets better with age; wine holds the promise of eternal companionship. A dessert wine to end a romantic dinner; it encourages you to be indulgent.
Here are some award-winning wines for Valentine’s Day:
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Millesimato Rosé DOC 2021
This Italian Prosecco Rosé has refreshing aromas of green apples and strawberries. Crisp and bubbly, it is perfect for toasting to love and happiness. You can pair this delightful wine with a fresh Caprese Salad.
Price: ₹2950
Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2023
Sweet and luscious, this Chenin Blanc is like taking a tropical holiday with your valentine. This wine is perfect for couples who have a sweet tooth and are just starting to explore new wines to refine their palate. While it pairs well with sharp cheeses that offer a great contrast of flavours, this wine complements creamy Indian desserts like Rabri or Badam Kheer quite well.
Price: ₹1095
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Rosé
This elegant French Rosé makes for a great gift if your special someone appreciates finer things in life or if you are celebrating a milestone Valentine’s Day that calls for pulling all the stops. The Provence Rose is a versatile wine that can pair with an array of dishes from a tangy Prawn Balchao to a flavourful Grilled Haloumi.
Price: ₹5750
Wente Vineyards Beyer Ranch Livermore Valley Zinfandel
Indulge in the rich and velvety flavours of this Californian Zinfandel, a delightful choice for a romantic dinner. This is a great wine to pour with barbecue dishes like grilled chicken, roasted lamb or pulled pork.
Price: ₹3800
Here are some tips to keep in mind while selecting wine for your Valentine’s Day celebration:
- Keep your partner’s taste and preference in mind
- If you have a special meal planned for the evening, make sure that the wine complements the preparations
- If you are celebrating at home, chill your wine beforehand so that you can pour it without a delay
- Keep your glassware clean and ready for the evening
- If your partner doesn’t have an adventurous palate, stick to wines made from popular grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc
- If you are dining out, and feel you don’t have the confidence to order wine, just ask the sommelier for their recommendation
For more wine recommendations, check out the India Wine Awards 2023 Winners’ List. India Wine Awards is the country’s largest wine-tasting competition that curates a list of the best in-market domestic and international wines for Indian consumers. Our jury features some of the finest wine palates in the country who are urged to put on their consumer hat while tasting the wines. Click here to check out the winners.