05 Feb My Favorite Wine Picks for Valentine’s Day

I am sure you have heard that alcohol  sales during the Pandemic have increased and I’m  sure that it not such a surprise. Since Valentine’s Day is coming up and most will be celebrating at home, I thought I would share some of my favorite wine picks for you to enjoy with your significant other.

I do prefer red wine, and often as a pairing with chocolate, I will choose a Pinot Noir or Cab. If you are however enjoying a seafood or chicken dinner on Valentine’s Day, perhaps one of the whites I have chosen will be of interest.

According to the website, Very Well Health,

“According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, as the COVID-19 pandemic surges, more people may be turning to alcohol to cope with unprecedented uncertainty and stress. 

The study’s researchers found that alcohol consumption among adults increased by 14% from 2019 to 2020. Women, in particular, exhibited a 41% increase in alcohol consumption over a 2019 baseline.1 The survey study was published in September.”

I have heard of people trying a ” Dry January” this past month, but much of the consumption has been due to people being home more with more stress and responsibility. I also think people are drinking more as they are no going to bars, but rather enjoying wine at home.

Living here in NC I was pleasantly surprised at the many vineyards that have opened in North Carolina. Where we are in Northern North Carolina, there are over 100 Vineyards to visit.

I enjoy learning about different varietals, and there was a time I thought Cabernet Sauvignon was too heavy or too strong. I am glad to say I overcame this belief before we enjoyed a trip a few years ago to Napa/Sonoma in San Francisco. To read about our trip to WINE COUNTRY, CLICK HERE.

If you are thinking of getting a bottle for Valentine’s Day or trying a new bottle, I have a list of a few of my favorite wines I can suggest to you. 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Of course I love a well rounded red wine, particurally a Cab with some delicious chocolates for Valentine’s Day . Pre-Covid, we used to go to Raylen Vineyards and enjoy their wine and chocolate pairings for Valentine’s Day. In Napa, we enjoyed a wine and chocolate tasting at Castle De Amorosa, one of my favorite vineyards there, as the Castle is a sight to see! READ ABOUT OUR NAPA VISIT HERE. 

Angeline Cabernet Sauvignon- This was such a winner over the Holidays! The medium bodies Cab is fruit forward and met with savory tannins. It is a very smooth wine and would pair great with meat, mushrooms or cheese. $14.99

Joel Gott  815 Cabernet Sauvignon– blackberry, black current and mocha. Another very tasty and smooth Cab from California ( the Napa area) I was first instroduced a few years ago, when it was bought as a Christmas gift. Very flavorful and a great price point. $13.99

Juggernaught Hillside Cabernet– rich with blackberries, black current – this wine is very smooth and fruity. We would often enjoy a bottle of this at The Cottage, just to sip and enjoy. $17-20

Chardonnay

Chardonnay- Sonoma Cutrer– Another wine from Sonoma, this is so refreshing, with a light oak, fruity taste. I am not one for “Buttery” Chardonnays, or a heavy oak taste, so this is right up my alley with those subtleties. So good! $19.99  We have been eating a fair amount of seafood lately and this is a perfect pairing. 

White Bordeaux

Chateau Palane Bordeaux Blanc– White Bordeaux  I fell in love with  drinking white bordeaux at one of our local wine bars, when the owner had me sample a taste. Perfect for warmer months, there is a taste of peach, pineapple and citrus flavors. $13.99

Pinot Noir-

TULI Pinot Noir Sonoma 

One of my favorite wines. Smooth, with bright fruits and light tannins. $29.99

Somona Loeb Pinot Noir  

Fresh acidity with a fruity taste. $34.99

Chocolate and Wine, two of my favorite things! Treat yourself to a Valentine’s treat! You deserve it !

Enjoy your weekend!

Stay Safe,

Jess xo