Food, Wine

A Perfect Date with California Wine and Chocolate

Nothings says "love" like a California wine and chocolate pairing.

Indulge in a unique pairing for Valentine’s Day, or any day: wine and chocolate. Of course, California wines bring a whole crew of aromas, tastes and textures to the table. And when they meet chocolate? It’s love at first sight. The sweet, bitter and rich flavors of chocolate cozy up to the diverse personalities and varieties of California wines. Whether you’re a wine pro or just out for a good time, grab your date or your friends, uncork that bottle and let the chocolatey adventure begin.

California Reds with Dark Chocolate

Think bold California Cabernet Sauvignons or Merlots. The robust tannins of these red wines embrace the deep cocoa flavors of dark chocolate, creating a harmonious balance that elevates both — bringing out hidden depths and richness in each other.

California Chardonnay with White Chocolate

White chocolate is made from cocoa fat, which gives it its creamy, buttery texture. Enter Chardonnay, the creamy white wine. The full-bodied texture and fruitiness complement the sweetness of the chocolate.

California Rosé with Fruit-Infused Chocolates

With its bright and fruity vibes, rosé is your best partner for fruit-filled chocolates. These wines, often boasting notes of red berries and citrus, bring out the refreshing qualities in fruit-filled chocolates.

California Sparkling Wine with Just About any Chocolate

California sparkling wine is known for its pairing versatility, and this holds true with chocolate. The crispness and effervescence of brut or extra brut styles cut through the richness of the chocolate, offering a delightful contrast. Meanwhile, a demi-sec or doux style, with their sweeter profiles, embrace the sweetness of the chocolate. No matter your chocolate preference, there’s a sparkling wine to sip with it.

Port or Dessert Wine with Nutty or Caramel Chocolates

California Ports and dessert wines are the life of the party. The rich, intense flavors of the wine complement the nuttiness or caramel sweetness in the chocolates, creating a decadent finale to your flavor journey.

Going Green

What’s sweeter than wine and chocolate pairings? In sustainable wineries, it’s building vibrant communities, being a good neighbor and treating employees right. After all, the dedication, skill and expertise of the people who grow our winegrapes and craft the wines greatly influence the quality in your glass. Almost equally as important are the relationships they have with surrounding communities. For sustainability-minded wineries and vineyards, being neighborly is a necessity. Many seek third-party verification to validate their sustainability through certification, with programs like Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing. So, if you want to do something sweet for the environment and local communities, choose a certified sustainable wine this Valentine’s Day. Better yet, grab your date or a friend and plan a trip to visit a certified sustainable winery. You can find certified wines and wineries here.