Halloween is for grown-ups, too. And our "treat" often comes in a glass. Whether you're hosting a festive cocktail party or just pilfering the candy bowl after the kids go to bed, pairing your favourite sweets with wine makes the night way more fun.
In this blog, we've curated some surprisingly perfect pairings that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. We're talking about everything from chocolate to gummies to caramel. So grab your favourite glass, pop open a can, and let's get into it.
Why Halloween and Wine Are a Match Made in Heaven
Halloween is all about that sweet, nostalgic joy. Wine? It’s the sophisticated sidekick that keeps the fun from getting too sweet. The magic is in the balance. A crisp, acidic wine can cut through the richness of chocolate. Bubbles can reset your palate after a handful of gummies. It turns snacking into a well-rounded tasting experience.
Rule of Thumb for Halloween Wine Pairings
Here's the simple trick: match the intensity.
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Heavy, Rich Candy? Go for a bold, structured wine. Think deep reds that can stand up to the power of dark chocolate.
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Light, Fruity, or Sour Candy? Choose a crisp, bright, or bubbly wine. These sips will complement the fruitiness and refresh your palate.
A little acidity or some bubbles are your best friends this season. They keep your palate from getting overwhelmed by sugar. But honestly, the best pairing is the one you enjoy most, so have fun with it!
Spooky-Smart Pairings to Try
Ready to play mad scientist with your treats? Here are some brilliantly delicious pairings to get you started.
Dark Chocolate + Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a match made in haunted heaven. The deep, bitter chocolate flavors get even better with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Another idea is to make this an adult version of trick-or-treating, complete with indulgent treats like peanut butter cups or salted caramels.
Berry Candies + Red Blend Wine
That bag of cherry sours or strawberry belts needs a friend. A smooth and juicy Red Blend wine will blend beautifully with notes of ripe cherries and blackberries, forming the perfect companion. It’s the wine amplifying the fruity nostalgia in every bite that makes this pairing dangerously easy to love.
Caramel Apples + Sauvignon Blanc
The sticky and buttery sweetness of caramel and the juicy flesh of an apple find their perfect match in a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s lively acidity cuts through the softness of the caramel and brings out the apple's natural taste.
Sour Gummies + Rosé Bubbles
Do not let the cute pink shade mislead you. Sparkling Rosé is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to sour candies. The slight fruitiness of the Rosé pairs well with the candy's taste, while the strong bubbles wipe your palate clean after every tart and sour bite. It’s a duo that is both reviving and fun and, thus, keeps you going back for more.
Milk Chocolate Bars + Petite Sirah
If you are a fan of the smoothest milk chocolate, then a Petite Sirah is calling your name. This wine comes with its powerful and rich body as well as its fruity, jammy characteristics. It definitely possesses the power to challenge chocolate with its bursting flavor. However, it won't overpower the chocolate's smoothness.
Why Canned Wine Works Best for Spooky Season
We might be biased, but canned wine is basically made for Halloween.
It’s portable, easy to chill, and you don't have to worry about broken glass or lost corkscrews in the middle of a costume party. Each can is a perfect portion of premium wine, so there's very minimal waste.
Just Enough Wines is made from the finest California grapes, and each can is designed for real life, from a haunted house party to a candy raid in the middle of the night.
Plus, that sleek aluminum can is 100% recyclable. So you can have a fantastic night and be kind to the planet. Talk about a win-win: you get the style, and the Earth gets a little high-five.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candy & Wine Pairings
Looking for a way to get your food pairings right every time? A spooky night without flaws is no longer an impossible dream, just check this cheat sheet:
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Don't Serve Warm Reds: The reds should be chilled for about 15-20 minutes before serving. A slight chill (about 55°F) gives them a fresher and smoother taste.
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Keep Bubbles Cold: The maximum refreshment comes from the proper chilling of sparkling wines and rosé wine.
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Palate Cleansers are Essential: Have bowls of salted pretzels, plain popcorn, or crackers on hand.
These tips will keep your guests entertained and ready to relish everything you serve on the table with a side of canned wine.
Sip, Snack, and Stay Spooky
Halloween is a celebration of letting loose, embracing a little whimsy, and enjoying the simple pleasures like the perfect bite and sip. So this Halloween, don’t just hand out candy. Enjoy it. Pair it, explore it, and make your own spooky-smart traditions.
Wine pairings can range from sweet nostalgia to sophisticated indulgence, and there are wine pairings for every treat in your basket to lift the taste.
Are you prepared to load your basket with wine and have a fun time? Check out the Just Enough Wines premium canned wines collection and discover the ominous match made for you.
