8 Best Wines for Valentine's Day & Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers

Are you looking for the best wines for Valentine's Day and gift ideas for the wine lover in your life? Look no further. We have a list of the perfect wines and thoughtful gifts to make your day memorable. So whether you're searching for a bottle of luxurious red or a heartfelt present, we have something to fit every taste and budget. 

Choose the Best Wines for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine's Day calls for exceptional wines to make the moment extra memorable. Wines bring pleasure to the taste buds and help you relax, making them an excellent pair for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.

Whether sparkling rosé for an intimate backyard gathering or a bold cabernet sauvignon to share after dinner, choosing the right bottle of wine is key. 

How to choose the best Valentine’s Day wines?

Consider your companion's taste and preferences when selecting the perfect vintage. Tastes vary from person to person, so you may ask them directly or seek recommendations from their friends. Your wine-lover date will surely appreciate the effort.

Some popular and best wine choices for Valentine’s Day include:

Champagne

A classic celebratory drink that adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any romantic dinner, Champagne is the perfect bottle to pop for marking an occasion as memorable as Valentine's Day. So don't skimp on your Valentine's date and pair your seafood, sweets, or charcuterie foods with a luxurious bottle of Champagne.

Rosé

A light, refreshing, and fruit-forward wine that pairs well with various foods, from seafood, and pasta, to grilled meats. Rosé is also a safe choice for casual wine drinkers and white and red wine lovers alike. A Valentine's wine bottle of rosé will make for a romantic dinner and an exciting conversation.

Pinot Noir

Looking for the best red wine for couples? Known for its versatility, beautiful deep color, and complex aroma and flavor, Pinot Noir is always the top choice for those who like a slightly more robust wine to toast for Valentine’s Day. It is light-bodied and fruity with hints of cherry and berry flavors. Pinot Noir is considered a romantic wine that you'll often see served on romantic dinner dates, especially on Valentine's Day!

Merlot

Soft and smooth with notes of plum and chocolate, Merlot is another preferred Valentine’s Day wine for a fancy dinner of filet mignon or mushrooms. A velvety dry wine, Merlot is undoubtedly one of the world's favorite red wines and is recommended for beginners.

Malbec

Full-bodied with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice, Malbec wine would be perfect for your rich and vibrant Valentine’s dinner. It’s often paired with meat, poultry, and fatty fish, but it can also go with semi-hard cheeses. The deep warm color of Malbec will effortlessly blend with Valentine's décor.

Sweet Wine

A sweet wine is a great way to end a dreamy dinner on Valentine’s Day. The best sweet wine for date night, such as Moscato or Riesling, will pair well with your dessert. So if you want to impress your Valentine's date with a DIY Pink Moscato Lemonade Cocktail Recipe for Valentine's Day, here’s a simple recipe from Total Wine & More.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The bold and full-bodied black currant and oak flavors will complement your lamb or ahi tuna. The Cabernet Sauvignon is considered a sensual wine. You can say it's a lover's wine. If you’re looking for a wine to drink with your dark chocolates for Valentine's Day, Cabernet Sauvignon will harmonize with its flavor like no other.

Zinfandel

For a bold, hearty, and fruity flavor, Zinfandel is the best wine to impress a girl. It's also a popular choice for adventurous red wine lovers. Sultry and smooth, Zinfandel pairs well with Valentine’s Day dinner date staples, plus they are more affordable than Cabernet and Pinot Noir.

The best wine for a romantic night may be served with various Valentine's Day treats and foods, including chocolate-covered strawberries, cheese, oysters, and other aphrodisiac dishes.

If you decide to host a romantic Valentine's dinner at your place, remember to store and serve your wines at the right temperature. Keep them in a wine cooler or fridge to preserve their quality, so it doesn't ruin your date.

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Wine Lovers

1. Personalized Alcohol Gift Baskets and Subscription Boxes.

Need the perfect gift for a wine lover? Consider gifting a personalized alcohol gift basket or subscription box. Baskets may come with multi-colored wine glasses, charms, bar tools, and more. Have the basket monogrammed with the recipient's initials for an extra personal touch. A subscription box is another great Valentine’s Day gift idea. Most wine and alcohol stores offer customized monthly packages depending on personal preferences. This can include everything from gourmet snacks to beer glasses and stemware. Whether you aim to impress your friends or show that special wine lover how much you care, these gifts will leave a lasting impression.

2. Explore local wineries or vineyards.

If you want to give something unique other than a personalized Valentine's Day wine gift box, consider gifting a wine experience instead. Check out a local winery, vineyard, or wine bar for unique and special backdrops for your Valentine's Day date. Explore the tastes of regional wines, learn more about grape varieties, and discover how they're used in assorted dishes. Get to know your favorite producers and purchase a few bottles to take home with you. Wine tasting and exploring can be the perfect opportunity to bond over a shared love of wine, get to know each other more, and celebrate your togetherness this Valentine's Day!

3. Unique Wine Gadgets and Wine Cellar Essentials.

There's something about wine that encourages a bit of indulgence. So upgrade the way your wine connoisseur enjoys their favorite drinks with unique gadgets like aerators, corkscrews, and stemware sets. Make their epicurean experience complete with a bar table, stools, and bottle carrier that will make a statement in any home and improve your oenophile's life. Need luxury gifts for wine lovers? Consider all the little things necessary to create a custom home wine cellar, such as:

• temperature-controlled wine fridges
• cooling units
• wine preservation systems
• wine racks or pegs
• ice makers

With these gifts, they can sit back and enjoy every drop of their favorite wines while thinking fondly of the gift-giver – you!

Other Valentine's Day presents for wine lovers:

• Wine subscription service
• Wine lover's gift set of bar accessories like a bottle opener, strainers, and wine toppers
• Personalized wine bottle label
• Wine and cheese pairing kit
• Wine books or magazines
• A wine-themed painting or art print perfect for their wine cellars
• A wine-making experience or class
• A selection of fine wines or a wine of the month club membership
• Wine bottle retention straps

Valentine’s Day for Wine Lovers

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and a time for indulging in special treats like fine wine. No matter what type of wine you choose, it's crucial to pick the one you and your significant other enjoy and remember to drink responsibly. And choose a meaningful gift that the wine lover in your life will cherish. Share your favorite wine for Valentine's Day in the comments below!

Randy Green

Randy is a true wine storage aficionado and expert in wine cellar design. He gained construction experience as a partner in a general contracting business before niching into and passionately focusing on creating wine storage solutions for clients in 2016. He takes great pride in bringing these designs to life, and is dedicated to ensuring that every wine cellar he creates is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home or business. The Wine Cellar HQ team also includes refrigeration sizing experts and licensed HVAC technicians to ensure optimal climate control for your wine cellar, so that your wines can age to perfection.