The Road Linds Travels

I’m not big on Valentine’s Day. I view it as a capitalist society’s holiday void of any genuine love and affection. It’s governed by how much money one spends in the greeting card aisles and overcrowded restaurants. What I am big on are love and affection, and love and affection can be given and received any day of the year, preferably every day of the year.

*This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission should a purchase result from a click. This, in no way, affects you or your cost. Every single wine on this list I have personally tried and enjoyed.

Showing me love and affection is easy. It usually resembles a 750ml glass bottle with a cork, but like we’ve been told since we understood what “beauty” is, it’s what’s inside that counts.

So, what to gift that wine lover in your life this 14th of February? I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 delectable Valentine’s Day vino sure to make the heart happy and, well, healthy, too! This means the following are all red wines – sorry white wine lovers! Skip the restaurant and show your loved one how much you care with a delicious home-cooked meal and a wonderful bottle of wine.

TOP 5 VALENTINE’S DAY VINO

2019 Spiral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Originating from California’s north coast (Napa County to be precise), Spiral Cellars makes a wonderful cabernet at a heavy 14.5% alcohol.

The price tag can’t go unmentioned considering it’s grown in one of the priciest regions when it comes to wine. Your Valentine won’t even know the difference between this and a $65 bottle of wine. At $9.99, one can’t go wrong with the noticeable oak, vanilla, and dark fruits on the nose. Smooth tannins and a medium body with medium acidity make this cab a steal.

Pair it with most types of meat, including poultry and beef, and mature and hard cheeses, like pecorino or gruyere.

Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon

I’ve been meaning to make my way to this Clarksburg, California Vineyard ever since trying their zinfandel, which I adore. The Bogle cabernet is just as good and pairs well with savory shrimp tacos that include a dash of fennel. Believe me, I tried it the other night, and it was finger-kissing deliciousness.

Moon X Black Pinot Noir

This medium-bodied red is for you if you like a warmer, spicier Pinot Noir with more vanilla-oak aromas. It’s rich and slightly on the drier side with hints of plum, blackberry, and chocolate on the palate.

2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

This high-end bottle of wine from Washington’s Columbia Valley is only $11 at Trader Joe’s, and it’s fantastic. This mostly cabernet is actually a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 1% Mourvedre, .6% Cabernet Franc, .6% Merlot, .6% Petit Verdot, .6% Malbec, .6% Grenache. In other words, it’s essentially the best of all the wine worlds.

With smooth tannins and loads of depth and structure, this is a delicious cabernet sauvignon that is versatile when it comes to food. Its complexity and full-bodied feel come through on the lavender nose and the dark fruit flavor.

I recommend pairing this wine with any pasta dish or grilled chicken.

Kings of Prohibition Cabernet Shiraz

Kings of Prohibition, at $8.99, is an unconventional Australian wine, even down to its packaging. They say you shouldn’t just a book by its cover or a wine by its label, but that’s precisely what made me pick this eccentric-looking bottle up.

Made up of 51% cabernet and 49% shiraz, the varietals contribute to an exceptionally bold flavor that goes well with many dishes, including beef, lamb, or poultry. If you’re a pescetarian like me, then opt for tomato-based pasta dishes or stinky cheeses. Whether you serve with red meat or with sharp cheddar, this is one Valentine’s Day vino to remember.

If wine isn’t really your preference, but it’s someone special’s preference, consider a 3-bottle gift set from California Wine Club this Valentine’s Day. Three handcrafted bottles of wine are included in each gift bundle. These one-time deliveries come with a personalized gift message from you, as well as extensive tasting notes and matching suggestions. It’s really a no-brainer gift idea!

If you’re unattached, there’s no reason not to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We love ourselves, don’t we? With the code WINEBONUS, you can get two additional bottles of wine in your first delivery when you join the Premier Series Wine Club. (This offer excludes presents, case purchases, and other wine series.)However you choose to spend your commercial holiday, make certain you’re showing your love and affection the other 364 days of the year.