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Delightful Valentine’s Day Food and Wine Pairings
They say you can’t buy love, but you can certainly uncork it. Create a romantic atmosphere at home that feels sophisticated without the fuss with our Valentine’s dinner & wine pairings. Whether your idea of indulgence is a fresh Australian seafood spread, a classic candlelit steak, or a simple grazing board for two, finding the right bottle is the easiest way to elevate your meal.
Classic Charcuterie Board with a Crisp White or Juicy Red
A grazing board is the ultimate "no-fuss" luxury. Aim for a mix in texture and taste: silky prosciutto, spicy salami and pate alongside a trio of cheeses such as creamy brie, tangy goat’s cheese and nutty aged cheddar. Balance with salty olives, quince paste and crusty baguette slices.
The Wine Match
High acidity is key to cutting through rich cheeses and meats, like a cool climate Pinot Gris or beautifully pale Rosé. If you’re a devoted red drinker, opt for something juicy and vibrant to cut through the saltiness and any fattier meats like Gamay or Grenache.
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Serving tip: Serve these whites well-chilled (6-8 °C) to keep the pairing refreshing.
Succulent Steak Paired with a Bold Red Wine
Steak rewards simple technique: bring it to room temperature, pat dry, then season generously with salt and cracked pepper. Sear in a hot cast-iron pan with a splash of oil and a knob of butter, basting with garlic and thyme. Aim for a deeply browned crust and your preferred doneness, then rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute.
The Wine Match
Look for structure and "plush" tannins that embrace the char of the meat. Try a Barossa Valley Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon or the perfect partner to steak; an Argentinean Malbec.
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Serving Tip: Pour your red 30 minutes before dinner to let the aromas open.
Fresh Seafood and a Crisp White
Nothing says "celebration" like fresh Australian seafood. Choose the freshest: plump prawns, oysters shucked to order, scallops seared until just opaque, or a fillet of barramundi with crisp skin. Keep flavours clean- think lemon, dill, and a dash of butter or extra-virgin olive oil. For oysters, a simple squeeze of lemon or a classic mignonette is all you need.
The Wine Match
The right wine should enhance the ocean’s natural sweetness. A crisp white provides the acidic backbone needed to cut through richness, like a zesty Picpoul or Albarino. For those who prefer bubbles, a premium, cool-climate Sparkling acts as a natural palate cleanser, ensuring every bite of seafood tastes just as vibrant and fresh as the first.
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Serving Tip: Use a white wine glass instead of a narrow flute to really smell the delicate aromatics of a premium sparkling.
Decadent Dessert with a Sweet Wine
The golden rule for dessert? The wine should always be sweeter than the food. Finish on a high with a dessert that aligns with your wine rather than overpowering it. Chocolate fondant or flourless chocolate cake suits wines with cocoa-friendly richness, while berry pavlova, lemon tart, or vanilla panna cotta shine with fresher, fruit-led sweetness.
The Wine Match
You want a drink that complements the sugar without being cloying. A classic sweet wine provides honeyed depth for traditional desserts, while a vibrant, citrus-forward spritz is the ultimate companion for fruity, summery treats.
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Serving Tip: A little goes a long way - serve these in smaller glasses to concentrate the luscious scents. If you're opting for the Orange Spritz, serve it over plenty of ice with a slice of fresh orange to lean into those Mediterranean summer vibes.
Ready to Pour?
Explore Valentine’s Bundles & Mixed Dozens Ready to find your match? Whether you’re looking for a few specific options to complete your menu or want to take the guesswork out of the night with a full, curated mixed case, we’ve got you covered. Explore our Valentine’s Day collection and have the best of Australia (and beyond) delivered straight to your door. Here’s to a February 14th filled with great wine, good food, and even better company.
We stop at nothing to bring you great wine
For over 50 years, we've gone off the beaten track to bring you great bottles from independent wineries around the world. We taste over 40,000 bottles a year to find the 800 or so that make the final cut. Juicy reds, refreshing whites, tasty rosés, thrilling fizz - you'll find all sorts of hidden gems in our handpicked wine collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the delivery cut-off for Valentine’s Day?
Delivery cut-off dates can vary depending on location and demand, especially around busy occasions like Valentine’s Day. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to order early and check the latest delivery information at checkout.
Is wine a good Valentine’s Day gift?
Wine is a classic Valentine’s Day gift because it’s both thoughtful and easy to enjoy together. Whether you’re choosing a romantic red, a celebratory sparkling wine, or a mixed case to suit different tastes, wine creates a shared experience rather than just a one-off present. It’s also simple to personalise, making it a great option whether you’re celebrating at home or sending a gift from afar.
Can I pair wine with vegetarian or vegan meals?
Absolutely. Vegetarian and vegan dishes pair wonderfully with wine. Fresh, herb-driven meals work well with aromatic whites like Riesling or Pinot Grigio, while mushroom-based or roasted vegetable dishes shine alongside lighter reds such as Pinot Noir or Grenache. Many wines are vegan-friendly, making it easy to find the perfect match.
Do I really need different glasses for different wines?
While not essential, the right glass helps. A glass with a wider bowl allows bolder reds to "breathe" and soften, while a narrower glass helps maintain the chill and delicate aromas of whites and rosés. If you only have one set of glasses, a medium-sized wine glass with a slight taper at the top is a great all-rounder that will serve every style beautifully.
How do I store my wine if we don't finish the bottle?
Sparkling: Use a professional sparkling wine stopper and keep it in the fridge; it will stay fresh for 1–2 days. Whites & Rosé: Recap tightly and refrigerate; these usually last 3–5 days. Moscato & Spritz: These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be recapped and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day?
The best celebrations are the ones that feel personal. While its origins date back centuries, the day is the perfect excuse to slow down and celebrate your most important relationships. Whether it’s a romantic candlelit dinner for two or a relaxed "Galentine’s" lunch with friends, it’s a day defined by thoughtful gestures, great food, and, of course, a shared glass of exceptional wine.
