When you consider Valentine’s Day wine pairings, you may think of cheese and chocolates. But what about candy?

The key to this high-brow/low-brow duet is to find complementary wines that don’t leave you with a bitter, astringent taste in your mouth when you partake of the sugary sweets.

If you find yourself murmuring, “You’re pairing jelly beans with what?!”, don’t worry. We’ve included a few classic chocolate and wine recommendations for the traditionalists among you. But maybe consider giving one of the more unconventional combos a try. You just might find a new love on Valentine’s Day.

Cinnamon Hearts and Malbec 

Cinnamon hearts are a classic Valentine’s Day treat. They have the delightful chewy texture of other gummy treats without the sour or too-sweet taste. The light spice of the hearts pairs nicely with the smoky, robust flavors of Malbec.

Jelly Belly Hearts and Rosé 

Jelly Belly Hearts have a mix of tart and sweet cherry flavors such as cherry cola and Bing cherry. Try pairing them with a drier rosé which will balance the variety and enhance the Valentine’s Day feel. Besides, you can never have too much pink on the day of love, right?

Sour Gummy Hearts and Pinot Grigio 

If sour treats are your sweet’s candy of choice, go all in by pairing sour gummy hearts with Pinot Grigio. The delicate but bright acidity of this white wine mirrors the sour-then-sweet gummy hearts.   

Caramels and Sparkling Wines

We offer a variety of caramelly choices from local makers like Lake Champlain Chocolates and Big Picture Farms. Try pairing any of these delights with a sparkling wine. The bubbles cut through the sticky caramel and highlight the holiday mood.

Dark Chocolate and Zinfandel

If you aren’t feeling like taking a gastronomic risk, we’ve got you covered there, too. Any of our delightful dark chocolate treats will pair well with zinfandel. The rich, bitter bite of dark chocolates gets balanced by the moderately sweet zin, leaving you with a smooth finish.

Milk Chocolate and Pinot Noir 

The creamy taste and texture of milk chocolate pairs perfectly with lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir. This wine’s intense color and red fruit notes make it a romantic choice.

White Chocolate and Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 

Yes, we know white chocolate can be controversial. Should we actually be calling it chocolate if it doesn’t use cocoa solids? Regardless of how you feel about its name, white chocolate has a mellow palate that blends with and enhances other flavors. It goes particularly well with citrusy notes such as those you might find in a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Whether you take a risk or stick with a classic pairing, we’re happy to be a part of your day.

Happy Valentine’s Day!