Dinner & Wine Pairings: What to Make or Order for a Special Occasion
While Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a decadent, romantic meal, whether you’re cooking at home or making reservations at your favorite restaurant, it's not the only time to indulge in a special dinner or meal; those entrees deserve a special wine in your glass too. To make your celebration even more special, we’ve paired some classic and creative dishes with the perfect wines. Whether you’re craving steak, seafood, or something creamy and comforting, these pairings will elevate your evening.
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Lobster Wellington
A luxurious twist on a classic, this dish features tender lobster wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry.
Wine Pairing: Champagne (e.g., Bernard Gaucher Brut Prestige Champagne 2019)
The crisp acidity and delicate bubbles of Champagne complement the richness of the pastry and the sweetness of the lobster.
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Steak Diane for Two
A classic tableside dish featuring tender steak in a rich cognac and mushroom cream sauce.
Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon (e.g., Terroir Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020)
A bold, structured Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of the steak and creamy sauce.
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Marry Me Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and basil sauce—rumored to be so good, it leads to proposals!
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay (e.g., Tether Chardonnay 2019)
The creamy sauce and fresh basil in this dish are beautifully balanced by a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay with hints of vanilla and citrus.
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Katie Lee's Spicy Lobster Pasta
A bold and flavorful pasta dish with fresh lobster, chili flakes, and a light tomato-based sauce.
Wine Pairing: Rosé (e.g., Two Birds One Stone Rosé)
A dry, refreshing rosé brings out the spice and balances the richness of the lobster without overpowering the dish.
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Roast Chicken and Mushrooms with Red Wine Sauce
A rustic yet elegant dish featuring tender roasted chicken smothered in a rich mushroom and red wine sauce.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir (e.g., Handley Cellars Pinot Noir 2021)
The light tannins and earthy flavors of Pinot Noir complement the roasted chicken and the mushrooms in the sauce.
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Linguine with Shrimp and Garlic Cream Sauce
A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with garlic, shrimp, and a hint of parmesan for depth.
Wine Pairing: Chenin Blanc (e.g., Thacher Winery "Own Rooted" Chenin Blanc 2022)
A crisp, aromatic Chenin Blanc pairs wonderfully with the garlicky, creamy sauce and the delicate shrimp, offering bright acidity and a refreshing balance.
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Ann Burrell's Paella for Two
A Spanish-inspired dish packed with saffron-infused rice, fresh seafood, and smoky chorizo.
Wine Pairing: Albariño (e.g., La Trucha Albariño)
Albariño’s citrus and stone fruit notes are a great match for the vibrant seafood and rice flavors of paella.
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Classic French Mussels
Mussels steamed in a light, buttery white wine broth with garlic and fresh herbs.
Wine Pairing: Chablis (e.g., Domaine du Chardonnay 1er Les Lys Chablis)
The minerality and crisp acidity of Chablis elevate the briny flavors of the mussels while pairing well with the light sauce.
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Ina Garten's Engagement Roast Chicken
A simple yet stunning roast chicken dish said to be so delicious, it leads to marriage proposals!
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir (e.g., Meadowcroft Winery Pinot Noir 2023)
A light red like Pinot Noir complements the delicate texture and roasted notes of the chicken.
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Tyler Florence's The Ultimate Beef Wellington
A show-stopping dish featuring beef tenderloin wrapped in a mushroom duxelles and puff pastry.
Wine Pairing: Bordeaux Blend (e.g., J Bookwalter Conflict Red Blend 2020)
The tannic structure and bold fruit notes of a Bordeaux-style red blend pair perfectly with the richness of the beef Wellington and the earthy mushroom duxelles.
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Braised Short Ribs
Slow-cooked beef short ribs that become meltingly tender in a rich red wine and herb sauce.
Wine Pairing: Crianza Tempranillo (e.g., Bodegas Arzuaga Crianza Tempranillo 2020)
The dark fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and well-integrated oak of a Crianza Tempranillo complement the richness of the slow-braised short ribs while enhancing their deep, savory flavors.
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No matter how you choose to celebrate, the perfect wine and food pairing can make your dinner unforgettable. Whether you're cooking at home or ordering at a restaurant, these selections will ensure your night is as special as the occasion. Cheers to life, great food, and even better wine! 🍷💕
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