Sip or Treat: 14 Wines to Elevate Your Halloween Candy Game
Halloween, a night of ghoulish delight, eerie tales, and mysterious happenings. It’s a time when the veil between worlds is said to be its thinnest, when the spirits roam free, and—let’s be honest—when we adults indulge in treats of our own. But why should kids have all the fun with their candy? This year, under the haunting glow of a full moon, join us as we awaken the spirited adult in you and elevate the age-old tradition of trick-or-treating.
Picture this: A moonlit night, much like the druids of old might have reveled in, except instead of a goblet of mysterious brew, you’re holding a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Creatures of the night howl in the distance, but worry not, for we’ve got a pairing that’ll make even a werewolf pause—a tantalizing marriage of wine and candy, as curated by your own personal sommelier-meets-warlock guide.
How Wine and Candy Pairing Works
Now, for those of you asking, “Is pairing wine with candy even a thing?” Let me answer your question with another question: Have you ever had chocolate with red wine? The trick lies in the balance; you’ve got to perfectly match the sugar levels, acidity, and intensity. Get ready, because this is the crash course you didn’t know you needed!
Dry Wines
Usually, dry wines work best with savory dishes, but certain candies beg to differ! Think Skittles and Sauvignon Blanc—a match made in Halloween heaven.
Sweet Wines
Here’s where your chocolate comes in. The fullness of the wine complements the richness of the chocolate, forming a divine marriage of flavors.
Red Wines
What’s Halloween without some blood—err, I mean red wine! These are fantastic for your red-hued candies.
White Wines
Fruity candies adore the light and crisp nature of a good white wine.
Rosé
Pink Starbursts, anyone?
The Ultimate Halloween Wine List
1. Cabernet Sauvignon with Snickers
Cost: Around $20 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, with its intense dark berry character and chocolate undertones.
2. Merlot with Hershey’s Chocolate
Cost: Approximately $25 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, rich and plush, perfectly highlighting the creaminess of the chocolate.
3. Chardonnay with Gummy Bears
Cost: $15-$20 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay, light and tropical, a fantastic backdrop for the sweet gummies.
4. Rosé with Pink Starburst
Cost: $18-$30 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Whispering Angel Rosé, crisp and fresh, making each Starburst pop.
5. Moscato with Sour Patch Kids
Cost: $10-$15 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Innocent Bystander Moscato, a light, fizzy, and slightly sweet wine that balances the tartness of the candy.
6. Champagne with Pop Rocks
Cost: Splurge-worthy at $50 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, the effervescence meets the pop for an explosive experience.
7. Sauvignon Blanc with Skittles
Cost: $15-$25 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, grassy and zesty, contrasting the sweetness of the Skittles.
8. Malbec with Kit Kat
Cost: Around $20 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Catena Zapata Malbec, deep and velvety, a perfect partner to the crunch of Kit Kat.
9. Riesling with Apple Jolly Ranchers
Cost: $15-$20 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Dr. Loosen Riesling, aromatic and sweet, enhancing the apple flavor.
10. Pinot Noir with Reese’s Cups
Cost: $25-$40 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: La Crema Pinot Noir, a wine with soft tannins that harmonize with the peanut butter.
11. Syrah with Dark Chocolate
Cost: $30-$40 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie, spicy and fruity, making the chocolate taste even richer.
12. Zinfandel with Caramel Squares
Cost: $20-$35 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel, robust and ripe, an ideal match for caramel.
13. Sauternes with Peach Rings
Cost: $40-$60 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Château d’Yquem Sauternes, luxuriously sweet, an indulgence that plays nicely with the juicy peach flavor.
14. Port with Tootsie Rolls
Cost: $25-$50 per bottle
Recommended Bottle: Porto Quinta della Rosa vintage 2000, silky and sharp, with an honest price and explosive fruit.
