A No-Pressure Wine Guide

With a month until Valentine’s Day, we at BWG are prepping our wines for the sweetest day of the year. And you might want to start too!

Valentine’s Day can be complicated. Pairing the right wine with your Valentine favorites is even more complicated. But that’s where Benchmark Wine Group comes in. Whether you’re cooking, ordering in, or opening something “just because,” follow this no pressure wine guide to find out what to drink on Valentine’s Day.

We like the three acts theory: bubbles, bold, and blush.

Act One: Start with Bubbles

If there’s one night of the year that demands sparkling wine, it’s this one.

Champagne is perfect for kicking things off. It’s celebratory, a little flirty, and instantly makes the night feel special… even if dinner is still an hour away.

Pair it with:
Salty snacks, oysters, cheese, popcorn. (Yes, really!)

We suggest: Dom Perignon 1993, Egly Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Vieille Vigne Les Crayeres NV, or Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose 2002.

---

Act Two: Bring Out the Big Reds

Welcome to the candlelit portion of the evening. Big reds are cozy, dramatic, and meant for lingering over dinner.

Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or a smooth Merlot, as long as it’s something rich enough to stand up to a real meal.

Pair it with:
Steak, pasta, mushrooms, or anything with butter!

We suggest: Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2017, Guigal Hermitage 2000, or La Jota Vineyard Merlot 2012

---

Act Three: Think Pink

Rosé isn’t just cute, it’s incredibly versatile. Light pinks (still or sparkling) sit perfectly between white and red, making them ideal if you want one bottle that works with almost everything.

Pair it with:
Charcuterie, roast chicken, salmon, creamy dishes, chocolate strawberries… Rosé doesn’t judge!

We suggest: Henriot Brut Rose Millesime 2005, Sine Qua Non Rose Strapless 2005, or Summer Dreams Rose of Pinot Noir Martian Pink 2024

---

Forget “perfect” pairings. Choose a wine that feels fun to open, pour it generously, and enjoy the moment. Valentine’s Day is about good vibes, not validation.

Cheers to an iconic Valentine’s Day!