Vino for Your Valentine

Love is in the air, well, at least red and pink hearts are everywhere I go, and these very hearts are a constant reminder that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

While most of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with their loved ones over a romantic weekend getaway or dinner for two at a cozy, candle lit restaurant, my husband and I stay at home every year. We pop the cork on a good bottle of wine, make a big bowl of popcorn, and curl up in front of the TV. Nothing fancy here, but I do love finding that perfect Valentine’s Day wine.

If you’re wondering what makes a perfect Valentine’s Day wine, it’s the label (and whether it’s a wine you’ll enjoy, of course). This is one of those few times that I label shop when picking out a wine, and this year I’ve come across some really fun labels that are perfectly appropriate for Valentine’s Day. Wines with pink or red labels are always great for the day to celebrate love, but the following wines will no doubt bring the lips that you’re about to kiss into a full blown smile.

• Lange Estate Kissyfish Rouge – Lange Estate is located in Dundee, Oregon, and I love the label on the Kissyfish Rouge: a non vintage blended red table wine made with some of Oregon’s popular red varietals. Bright red fruits like cranberry and raspberry are complimented by a hint of spice, but the two fish kissing on the label makes this a great wine to share with your valentine.

• Domaine Meriwether Celebration Cuvee – The fact that bubbly speaks celebration isn’t the only reason to pop the cork on this one, it’s got a beautiful bright red label, but best of all it’s an outstandingly delicious sparkling wine.

• Carpenter Hill: Tango Red – I recently sampled the Tango Red at a wine tasting in Creswell, and I was impressed with this fruity and bold blend of Merlot and Petite Sirah, and the labels painting of a couple dancing the Tango is great for Valentines who love to dance.

• Naked Winery: Foreplay Chardonnay – Too risque? Check out some of their other wine names! Have no fear, this is a really tasty Chardonnay and will undoubtedly be a conversation piece.

• Some Young Punks: Passion Has Red Lips – Wow, what a label! But, don’t t let the label and the name of the winery fool you- these guys know what they are doing and make some very highly rated wines. This Shiraz-Cabernet blend is big, bold and beautiful.

• Quady Winery: Elysium – If Some Young Punks & Naked Winery are a little too on the wild side for you, check out the pretty heart on the label of Elysium. With a sweet label comes a sweet wine. Made from the black muscat grape, this would be a great pairing with dark chocolate.

~Did you ‘label shop’ for a Valentine’s Day wine? I want to know, so please share your wine finds right here on WineJulia.com!