A Hop in the Hot Tub with Hoda for Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤ ❤ ❤

I swung by the Today Show on Friday and took a little hop in the hot tub with Hoda, Meredith Viera, and Ray Isles of Food & Wine Magazine. Whether you plan on hopping in the hot tub with your honey,  snuggling on the couch with Netflix, or even popping the big question, we’ve got the wine picks for every occasion.

 

Hop in the Hot Tub

Leslie

2014 Casillero del Diablo, “Devil’s Collection” White, Chile $15

Instead of being angelic this Valentine’s night, toast your devlish side. Pour a glass of this refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer from Chile’s Casablanca Valley.  Crafted by the talented hands of winemaker Marcelo Papas of Concha y Toro, it’s crisp and juicy making it ideal to tame the heat of the hot tub…or just stoke the fires of your Valentine’s celebration.

Ray

NV Infinite Monkey Theorem White ($15/4 cans) 

It’s in a can! No glass in the hot tub! What the heck! Plus, it’s a lively white blend with a tiny touch of spritz, which you can chill down a lot. Ideal for hot tub sipping. Infinite Monkey Theorem is a cool urban winery that first started in Denver, and has spread to Austin, TX as well. 

On the Couch with Netflix:

Leslie

Croft “Reserve” Tawny Port, Portugal $20

Get your dessert on with this luscious wine. (I call it a belly-button sipper.) A new Port from the classic house of Croft, this reserve is aged approximately seven years and captures the fresh fruit notes of a youthful tawny. A touch sweet and very smooth, this Port is ideal with a cheese platter, chocolate covered strawberries, or for cuddling on the couch with the one you love.

Ray

2013 Killibinbin Sneaky Shiraz ($14)

This is a juicy, rich Aussie Shiraz—a fun wine to relax with on the couch—plus the label looks like a movie still from a 40s Noir film, which is cool. And it’s sneaky. Which is sort of sexy. Depending on how well you know your date, you could also opt for their Seduction Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pop the question with Wine:

Leslie

2014 Beso de Vino, Garnacha, Carinena, Spain $10

What better way to pop the question than with a kiss? This sexy red means “kiss of wine” and it hails from the Spanish region of Carinena. This historic area is home to old vines that produce intense reds. This one — from nearly 40 year old Garnacha vines — over-delivers for its price, which means you can spend more on the honeymoon. That deserves a big kiss.

Ray

NV Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut ($48)

If you’re going to pop the question, you need Champagne. What other wine says romance so clearly? Also, I love the red, removable ice jacket with its red bow on this Piper Heidsieck non-vintage brut; it adds an extra touch of fun to the occasion. This is classic Champagne, from the Champagne region in France, crisp and lively, perfectly dry. Chill it down, pop the cork, and then pop the question. 

Whatever you’re doing this Valentine’s Day – you’ll have the right wine to go with it!

Cheers!