Valentine's Day Wine & Entertaining: Create an Unforgettable Evening 2026

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to slow down, connect, and create a memorable experience with someone special. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two or a Galentine's celebration with friends, the right wines and thoughtful touches can transform an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Setting the Scene

Great entertaining starts with ambiance. Dim the lights, light candles, create a playlist that sets the mood, and set a beautiful table. The effort you put into the environment shows care and intention—qualities that make any celebration more meaningful.

The Perfect Valentine's Day Wine Selection

Start with Bubbles

Nothing says celebration like sparkling wine. The effervescence, elegance, and festive nature of bubbles make them perfect for toasting love and friendship.

• NV Graham Beck Brut Rose Methode Cap Classique Western Cape, South Africa - Beautiful pink bubbles, perfect for toasting love
• NV BIDO Sparkling Brut Rosé, Loire Valley, France - Elegant French sparkler that feels luxurious without breaking the bank
• NV Flare Sparkling Moscato, Valencia D.O., Spain - Quality natural sweet Spanish sparkler for celebrating together

Romantic Reds

Rich, velvety reds pair beautifully with romantic dinners and create a sense of warmth and intimacy.

• 2023 MNW "In Sheep's Clothing" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon - Silky, elegant Pinot Noir perfect for intimate dinners
• 2022 House of Brown Red Blend, Napa, California - Sophisticated Napa blend with depth and complexity
• 2020 Castlebridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa-Sonoma, Northern, California - Classic California Cabernet for special occasions

Rosé All Day (and Night)

Don't overlook rosé for Valentine's Day—its beautiful color and versatility make it perfect for the occasion.

• 2024 Wölffer Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé, Long Island, NY - Iconic Long Island rosé with beautiful color and flavor
• 2021 Monte Xanic Grenache Rosé, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja-California, Mexico - Elegant, food-friendly rosé with character

Menu Planning for Valentine's Day

Keep it manageable: Choose dishes you can partially prepare ahead so you're not stuck in the kitchen all evening.

Classic pairings:

• Oysters + sparkling wine or Sancerre
• Filet mignon + Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
• Salmon + Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
• Pasta with truffle cream sauce + elegant white or light red
• Chocolate dessert + dessert wine or Port

Chocolate and Wine Pairing

Valentine's Day and chocolate are inseparable. Elevate the experience with thoughtful pairings:

• Wine and Chocolate Truffle Gift Set - Expertly paired wine and artisan chocolates
• Chocolate Indulgence- Bell's Reines Chocolates & Villiera Down To Earth Red - Premium chocolate paired with South African red wine

Hosting Tips for Valentine's Day

• Prep ahead: Set the table, chill wines, and prep ingredients the day before
• Create a timeline: Work backwards from dinner time to stay organized
• Have backup: Keep extra wine chilled and simple snacks on hand
• Relax and enjoy: Perfection isn't the goal—connection is

Galentine's Day Celebrations

Celebrating with friends? Make it special with a wine tasting party, charcuterie spread, and fun activities. Our Virtual Tasting Experiences - 3 Bottles can add structure and education to your gathering.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Include sophisticated non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or those avoiding alcohol:

• NV Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Brut, Western Cape, South Africa - Premium alcohol-free sparkler
• NV Noughty Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé, Western Cape, South Africa - Beautiful pink bubbles without the alcohol

Make It Memorable

The best Valentine's Day celebrations aren't about expensive restaurants or elaborate productions—they're about thoughtfulness, presence, and creating space for connection. Great wine, good food, and genuine attention make any evening special.

Related Reading: Explore our Valentine's Day gift guide, discover wine trends and premiumization, and learn about wine pairing techniques.