Are you looking for a fun, socially distant Valentine’s Day activity? One that is easy, romantic, and can be put together in a pinch? Well look no further because we have the answer for you: a do-it-yourself, Wine & Chocolate pairing.

Wine & chocolate go hand in hand, but most people are intimidated by pairings. For some reason, people get stuck thinking that they are not the foremost expert on their personal tastes and preferences. What someone tells you to like and what you actually enjoy can be two very different things. If you are still afraid to dive right in, I’m here to wade into the water with you and offer some hints for getting started:

First, pick up your favorite bottle (or bottles) of Burklee Hill Vineyard’s wine. Personally, I would grab a bottle of the Burklee Hill Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. It is full of profound aromas like blackberries, mint, toasted coconut, & graphite. The tannin profile is probably most similar to a rich dark chocolate or full bodied espresso, but there is a tremendous amount of juicy black fruit that peel back some of that grippiness. If you are looking for something a little less bold, try the Burklee Hill Vineyards Montepulciano. It presents aromas of pomegranate & fresh cedar, a medium body and maximum drinkability.

Now here is the fun part! Depending on which wine you have chosen, get some chocolates to try alongside it. I’ve made it a little easier for you to navigate the wine and chocolate world with the table below. While all of the wines in the table below are dry (read: not sweet) except the 2018 Dessert Riesling, their flavor profile can elevate the subtle aromas and flavors of quality chocolates.

It is important to note, that while chocolates with other flavor components are fun, they can have a major effect on the perception of the wine. Overly sweet chocolate is going to make the wine seem extra bitter. Nuts, coconut, caramel, & vanilla are going to lessen the perception of oak on the palate and push those fruity characteristics forward. Milk chocolates & caramel are also going to lessen the buttery or creamy flavor and texture of the wine. Bitter chocolates & nuts will lessen the perceived tannins in the wine & bring out fruity aromas.

Be sure to get a good variety of chocolates and dessert items to try. Quality chocolate is obviously a must but think outside the (chocolate) box: brownies, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate covered espresso beans, &c. Again, you are the foremost expert on your own taste. If you hate 70% dark chocolate, odds are, getting a 70% dark chocolate to pair Chocolate wine dark milk white 2019 BHV Rosé BHV Montepulciano 2017 BHV Malbec 2019 BHV Reserve Tempranillo BHV Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 BHV Zinfandel 2018 BHV Dessert R with wine is not going elevate it into your like category. Start with familiarity and expand outwards from there. Give yourself some guaranteed success and then maybe try something a little outside your comfort zone. At the end of the day, you’ll still have a bottle of wine and chocolates.

For a more in depth explanation and guided dessert pairing, be sure to get a ticket to the Burklee Hill Vineyards Wine & Dessert Pairing Class on Thursday February 11 at 6 pm.