Why should the kids get all the treats on Halloween? As parents, we’ve all been known to dip our hand into the kids’ candy bags and “check” the candy every year. And I know I am not the only one who has toured around the neighborhood on Halloween night, guiding my little goblins from door to door with an adult beverage in hand. Well, believe it or not, there is a delicious way to pair your yummy Halloween candy with the perfect wines. These pairings are great for a night-in by the fire, to enjoy with friends, or to share at your spooky Halloween party.
The first thing to keep in mind is that candy-and-wine pairing rules are much like food-and-wine pairing rules: The lighter and brighter the candy, the lighter and fresher the wine. The richer and more complex the candy, the fuller bodied and richer the wine. See below for some basic pairings that you will absolutely love to try, all of which can be found in my book, Find Your Wine Identity.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is known for having bright citrus and high acidity. Because of this, you will want to pair this wine with candy that is fruity and sour in flavor, like Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Sweet Tarts or Starburst. The lemon-and-lime flavored candies create the perfect fruit bomb explosion in your mouth when sipping a Sauvignon Blanc.
SPLURGE! Novelty Hill Sauvignon Blanc | $22
STEAL! Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc | $16
Chardonnay
A rich, oak filled and vanilla spiced California Chardonnay is a big wine to pair with any food. As far as candy pairings, it especially tastes great with Butterfingers. The crispy buttery layers inside the chocolate melt in your mouth with each sip of Chardonnay. You can also try Candy Corn as an additional pairing. The acidity in the wine breaks down the Candy Corn to a creamy and sugary delight.
SPLURGE! Penner Ash Chardonnay 2020 | $45
STEAL! King Estate Chardonnay 2016 | $25
Pinot Noir
As the most food-flexible wine, Pinot Noir is also the red wine that pairs with the most candy. First, start out with Twizzlers. The bright strawberry flavor will accentuate the bright berry flavor within the wine. If you prefer chocolate, my personal favorite is pairing with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The peanut butter is savory and the milk chocolate is light and sweet which complements the earthy flavors of Pinot Noir. You can also try Milky Way, Almond Joy, Peanut M&Ms and Kit Kats.
SPLURGE! Westrey Cuvée 23 Pinot Noir 2015 | $60
STEAL! Owen Roe Growers Guild Pinot Noir 2019 | $16
Cabernet Sauvignon
The big bold flavors of the ripe red berries, oak, spice and chocolate in Cabernet Sauvignon are going to pair best with candy that has the most complexity. This includes a Snickers bar with peanuts and caramel, Twix bars with vanilla cookie, caramel and chocolate, and Hershey Dark chocolate are all going to be enhanced by the richness of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
SPLURGE! Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 | $85
STEAL! Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 | $18
