From start to finish you can create a memorable meal on Valentine’s Day whether it’s for someone special or a special group of friends. And, forget white wine, this is a holiday for pink and red. These options – from steal to splurge – will make Cupid smile.  

Bubbly to begin

J Vineyards & Winery Brut Rosé, Russian River Valley, California $40

A pink to indulge your Valentine. As one of the country’s top sparkling wine producers, J Vineyards crafts bubbly to rival the best from around the globe.  Their elegant Brut Rosé from winemaker, Nicole Hitchcock, is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes from California’s Russian River Valley.Vibrant and juicy, it’s a pairing for spicy or salty dishes.

Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir Rosé, Emilia-Romagna, Italy $16

A pretty-in-pink sparkling that’s worth twice the price. Stylishly packaged with fabulous fizz inside, it’s ideal to share with friends or someone special. Made by the historic house of Chiarli founded in 1860, the wine is crafted mostly from red Grasparossa grapes grown in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Red berry succulence is complemented with crispness making it ideal to pour day or night.  

TIP: For a swoon-worthy splurge, look to Rosé Champagne from France. Seek out two magnificent bottles sure to impress: From a 200-year-old, family-run house, Champagne Henriot Rosé is complex and classy. A coveted French bubbly newly-introduced to the United States, Champagne Palmer & Co Rosé Réserve is sparkling seduction. (Approximately $75 each)

Rich reds for romance

2015 Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California $25

Could there be a more aptly named wine for Valentine’s Day? Bellacosa means ‘beautiful thing’ creating the perfect sentiment for uncorking a bottle this heart-filled holiday. Made with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hailing from California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma and Lake Counties, vintner Dan Cohn began the project to craft wines with flavor, character, and affordability. That’s a beautiful thing.

2017 Cusumano Nero D’Avola, Sicily, Italy $12

Swathed in a rich red label and topped with a glass stopper, this is an impress-for-less wine you’ll want to stock up on for Valentine’s Day and beyond. A family affair, Cusumano winery is run by two brothers along with their father. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s signature red with fruit-driven flavors and a kick of peppery spice. It’s a wine with freshness that pairs as easily with fish as it does chicken or meat dishes. An all-around winner.

TIP: Red wine-stained teeth don’t have to prevent you from kissing your Valentine. I discovered an easy remedy with Wine Nots. Just pop one of the effervescent tablets in your mouth and let it dissolve. Your teeth (and breath) are ready for Cupid’s arrow. (Box of 12 tablets $13)

Sweets for the Sweet

Taylor Fladgate First Estate Reserve Port, Portugal $20

When chocolate is on the menu, there’s no better match than a sumptuous Port from Portugal. Taylor Fladgate is one of the icons of the wine business and this bottling pays homage to the house’s history commemorating their first property purchase in 1744. Sweet berry flavors are balanced with racy vibrancy in a Port priced to please.

2014 Linden Late Harvest Petit Manseng, Virginia $28 (half bottle)

Virginia is the birthplace of wine in America and in my opinion, is one of the most exciting regions to explore. Not only is it a place to find world-class reds and Chardonnay, it’s a go-to destination for unique whites made from a French white grape, Petit Manseng.  Linden Vineyards is one of the state’s superstars and winemaker, Jim Law, has created a sweet wine that nears perfection. Grapes are frozen and pressed to create this liquid gold. Sipping it is like biting into a ripe golden raisin with a pleasing ping of tartness. A stunner.

TIP: Wondering how to pair wines with dessert? Think about color matching. Dark, rich reds match the intensity and smoothness of chocolate dishes while zesty, sweet whites with freshness complement the flavors of with fruit-based treats.