Planning a romantic dinner in for your partner this Valentine’s Day?

Well, stop what you’re doing! Because whatever you are planning will NEED wine. And who better to give a wine recommendation than our resident Wine Geek, Brandon Little?

Brandon makes it simple, so you can confidently walk into the wine isle at your local liquor store instead of wandering up and down it with a confused look on your face.

No matter what menu you’re planning, Brandon has a wine for you!

Are you planning that classic Valentine’s Day seafood dinner? Because really, what screams romance more than lobster and scallops and BUTTER?

Or maybe you’re going a completely different route and you’ve planned a cozy movie night in (Valentine’s snuggles, am-i-right?). Buttered popcorn it is!

Either options pairs well with a Chardonnay! Something about rich, buttery foods make Chardonnay taste great.

The seductress of the red wine world - a nice Pinot Noir is sure to impress this Valentine’s Day.

According to Brandon, Pinot Noir is a gentle wine that pairs great with light foods like risotto or appetizers. Try it with your charcuterie board - Pinot Noir pairs great with meats and cheeses, peppered goat cheese in particular.

It also pairs great with pasta. Think Lady and the Tramp style spaghetti with red wine (in a red wine glass, not a dog bowl).

Viognier is another great option for Valentine’s Day. Brandon says it’s a floral wine and, pay attention husbands, it will go great with any flowers you buy for the day.

Maybe we should say that again - flowers, guys. Flowers.

It also pairs well with seafood, light meat dishes and cheese plates. It makes a great pairing for anyone wanting something light so you can -ahem- cuddle after.

Merlot is one of the best wines to have with chocolate, so if you’re planning dessert this is the wine to pair with it.

Chocolate covered strawberries? Yes!

Chocolate cake? Yes!

Kit-Kat’s straight out of their packaging? Uh…sure!

Let’s be honest. Sparkling wine SEEMS fancy, but it’s not just for weddings and New Year’s Eve anymore.

Brandon says that bubbles are the best way to celebrate! There’s something that happens to us when we drink bubbles. It puts you in a fun and happy mood and it pairs well with pretty much anything.

Some specific foods that pair great with bubbles are: fresh oysters, bleu cheese, shellfish and scallops. It’s another great wine to pair with a seafood date night!

Brandon also highly recommends pairing bubbles with creamy brie cheese. So creamy you could almost eat it right off your partner. Almost.