Wine dating profiles and big screen romance at home

Even in a life filled with love, there is always room for more. I’m convinced that the lives best lived are those that have love as the foundation of every moment – whether how we perform our work, care for our familial relationships, or simply how we drive and interact with others at the coffee shop, grocery market, etc. 

Every Valentine’s Day, we pay tribute to romantic love. To help with that endeavor, I offer some wine match- making tips and thoughts on the perfect date night-in with wine and a movie as the centerpiece. 

Find your partner in wine 

With many meeting their Valentine’s date via a match-making site, I thought it would be fun to share a few wine dating profiles. 

Looking for a new wine to love this heart day, why not check out these varietals of wine you might not be drinking? 

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try Vernaccia: 

Aromas: A fresh bouquet with bright citrus and honeysuckle. 

Flavors: Crisp pear, grassy, and slightly almondy. 

Dating Profile: Outgoing and confident, you’ll be looking forward to your second date the moment you meet. 

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try Touriga Nacional: 

Aromas: Vibrant blueberry, dark fruit and leathery notes. 

Flavors: Warm oak, baking spices, eucalyptus and cherries jubilee. 

Dating Profile: Reads leather-bound books, but isn’t showy about it. A great conversationalist. 

If you like Pinot Noir, try Nebbiolo: 

Aromas: Bright florals, raspberry tea and ripe strawberries. 

Flavors: Ripe plums, rootbeer and cranberry. 

Dating Profile: Enthusiastic and charming, you’d bring this wine home to meet your parents. 

Ultimate date night in 

Dinner reservations can be hard to come by Valentine’s Day. Even if you and your beloved score a table, you’ll be sure to be met with crowds competing for parking and space at the bar. Consider booking dinner out on Feb. 15 instead. Then, plan a Valentine’s Day evening at home. Dinner and a movie is a classic date for good reason. Enjoying food and a film together is a catalyst for knowing one another better and creating shared memories. A movie from the comfort of your sofa is especially welcome during the chilly month of February.

Follow the tips below to pair your evening with the perfect wine and movie menu. Then, find the flick suited for your date night in, and your romantic evening is set to go. 

Concessions stand standouts 

Go all-in on the romantic movie-theme evening by pairing your wine of choice with classic concession stand treats. 

Popping corn and bubbles 

Whether it’s a gal-pal rom-com marathon, or a nestled-up night with your love, popcorn is a must! The corn brings out the slightly nutty attributes of sparkling wine while the wine brightens the savoriness of the snack. 

M&Ms and Gamay

Add extra sweetness to your romantic evening of couch camping by pairing M&M candies with Gamay. This is one of those fun and unexpected pairings that will have you looking for more reasons to sit, nibble and sip in front of your home screen. The bright, lush fruit flavors of Gamay come alive when enjoyed with this perpetual favorite, candy-coated semi-sweet chocolate concession stand stable. 

Dinner and a movie 

For a full meal in front of a film, try these pairings sure to fan the flames of love. 

Chardonnay and lap dinner. 

I love the class of food I consider made just for eating screen side. Whether sushi to go from your favorite sushi spot or a creamy vegetable soup, unoaked Chardonnay is a food and wine pairing hero. Perfectly delicate and light, unoaked Chardonnay also pairs supremely well with citrusy salads, chilled shellfish, goat cheese and gnocchi. Unoaked Chardonnay is just right for a light first course or cheese appetizer plate. 

Plated with Pinot Noir

For an evening where you make a movie-night intermission and eat at the dining table, pour some Pinot Noir. The soft, almost smoky tannins of Pinot Noir make the wine ideal for pairing with grilled seafood and meats. For a vegetarian pairing, try a vegan enchilada, which will have the smoky attributes to enhance the wine. 

Here are a few favorite romantic films to try. 

• “Roman Holiday” (1953) 
•  “Notting Hill” 
• “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” 
• “French Kiss” 
• “Sabrina” (1954 or 1995) 
• “Crazy Rich Asians” 
• “Sylvie’s Love” 
• “The Big Sick” 
• “Lady and the Tramp” 
• “Yesterday” 
• “All the Bright Spaces” 
• “Wildlife” 
•  “Always be My Maybe” 
• “The Fault in Our Stars” 
•  “Gifted” 

(written for the Los Altos Town Crier)