5 Rom Com Wine Pairings for Valentine's Day

Photo: Roman Odintsov via Pexels

The Month of Love has arrived! And we’re leaning in hard with some cheeky wine pairings to our favorite rom coms, one from each recent decade. What could be more fun? No matter who you're sunggling up with in front of the screen, we hope these sweet and goofy Valentine’s Day pairings make you smile for a while. Enjoy!

Remember that pretty, glowing final scene where Sam and Jake Ryan finally kiss over a classic birthday cake? Of course you do! It’s truly what teenage dreams are made of. Here are a few frothy wines to pair to your favorite cake for Valentine’s Day.

- Elio Perrone 'Bigaro' | Naturally a bit sweet, this strawberry-scented sparkler is beautiful with buttercream and dense chocolate cake
- Meinklang Frizzanted Rosé | A little dry, a little sweet, this Austrian bubbly cuts through buttery richness and cream cheese frosting
- Hush Heath 'Balfour 1503' Sparkling Brut Rosé | Delightful English Champagne-style sparkling wine, a friend to dessert all kinds

There’s so much to...

[RECAP] What We Learned At A Virtual Wine + Cheese Party

Photo: Leslee Miller

One joy in the time of Corona Virus? Virtual wine classes!

Sip Better's sommelier, Leslee Miller, has been putting her wine education chops to work from the comfort of her own home. Through her consulting business, Amusée, Leslee has begun hosting live themed wine classes via Zoom, and the latest one turned into one big wine and cheese pairing party! Wine lovers from around the country tuned in on Saturday April 18th to discuss how to create a killer cheese and meat spread (see that beauty up above?), which wines to pair with which snacks, and more. I was there too! And here are three of my takeaways:

VARIETY IS KEY
Make sure your cheese(and meat) board reflects the spice of life: variety! Choose at least one cow's milk cheese (like Gruyère), one goat's milk (such as fresh chèvre), and one sheep's milk cheese (like Manchego). Not only do these different milks offer many pairing combinations and flavor profiles to explore, they also ensure that most of your dining mates will find...

[RECIPE + PAIRING] Quick Roasted Tomato Chutney

Photo: Emily Rentsch

It's September and the tomatoes are poppin'! Here's a fast and tasty way to get into the spirit courtesy of my friend Chef Mike Shannon. This quick tomato chutney recipe doesn't even require fresh tomatoes (although you could certainly roast your own and gain some more bragging rights) and it makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Spread it on crusty bruschetta, add to fresh ricotta (as seen above) or goat cheese, serve it with fish or on top of a hearty burger. This is an all purpose delight.

Oh, and don't forget the wine! After the recipe below, you'll find some of my favorite pairings to tomatoes and other late summer fare. 

QUICK ROASTED TOMATO CHUTNEY
from Chef Mike Shannon
Make about 4 cups