Be Mine // Valentine's Guide for Everyone

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and so I have resourced the wit and wisdom of Melanie Wagner, a certified sommelier and author of Hello, Wine, to produce a date night guide.  To round out Melanie's suggestions, I've pulled together gift ideas from Gilt, Vineyard Vines, Urban Outfitters, and more!

I love February. It’s a month brimming with promise and possibility, but without any real sense of urgency. Sure you can dream about all the amazing things you’re going to accomplish this year, but by all means, do it snuggled up by a crackling fire, under a cozy blanket. It’s winter, you’re validated. February is also a month synonymous with Valentine’s Day—an entire holiday devoted to loving those around you. No matter if that love is directed to your spouse, your kids, your pet, or your best girlfriends, love rocks. It’s why we’re here, and it makes life worth living, which is something to celebrate. And speaking of celebration, this is a perfect month for drinking robust red and gorgeous winter white wines. Below you’ll find some delicious recommendations, no matter your plans. Take my advice and treat yourself to something lovely this V-Day. I’m certain I’m biased, but I firmly believe that the only thing better than love in the air, is love in your wine glass too.

THE FIRST

Your first Valentine’s Day together is bound to feel blissful, but make sure you send the right message with your wine. If you’re dating Mr. Right, take the time to figure out what he likes and go with that.  

If he normally reaches for cabernet or zindandel from California, or he’s a Whisky, Bourbon or rum drinker, he likes luscious, rich wines dripping with ripe fruit flavor. Try Elyse Morisoli Vineyard zinfandel ($32) Chances are he hasn’t yet discovered this Napa gem, but he’ll adore the taste of succulent black cherries and its haunting floral and smoke aromas.

If he’s into Italy, pick up a bottle of Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva ($19) from Tuscany. It has a beautiful balance of dusty earth and bright red fruit flavors. It’s a terrific wine to pair with spaghetti and meatballs from scratch (hint, hint).

If beer is his thing, especially the hop-laden kind, buy a hard-to-get-your-hands-on pinot noir, like the 2011 Bethel Heights Estate pinot noir ($28) from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It’s got a cult-like following reminiscent of some of those micro brews and its gorgeous nose of bright cherry, ginger, and black tea will pique his olfactory interest.

// gifts for your first Valentine's, but not last //

1. Libratone Live Speaker + an iTunes Gift Card // 2. Love You Collar Stays + a new dress shirt // 3. Beer Glass Set + a 6 pack of his favorite
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If the man in your life seems more like Mr. Right now, and you’re iffy about life together post the 14^th, don’t worry about spending big bucks on a really special bottle to please his palate. Go with something cheap and cheeky, like the fun new line of red wines from Napa’s Swanson Vineyards. “With Love”, “Expensive Wine” and “Here’s to You” are all available at Target for $12.99. They are tasty little wines and with little commitment.

// gift for this Valentine's, but not next //

Arlie Babydoll from Anthropologie (it's mostly for you) // Exotic Driving Experience from Gilt City
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TEN YEARS IN

A decade of love (and all the accompanying emotions) is a major milestone. Be joyful! There’s no better way than with bubbles. Champagne and other sparkling wines are refreshing, extremely food friendly, and instantly put everybody in a romantic mood. For true Champagne, from Champagne France, look for an entry level wine from a grower-producer (a farmer who sells his own wine), as opposed to the big brands. The little guys generally produce a much higher quality product for the same price. A splurge-worthy example is Egly-Ouriet Brut NV ($69). You’ll drool over its aromas of lemon tart, hazelnut, and chalk. And its teeny tiny bubbles with leave you feeling elegant and sophisticated. If that’s a bit too splurgy, try Bouillot Cremant d’Bourgogne NV rose ($19). It offers the grace and beauty of the real deal, for a fraction of the price.

// love is in the little things //

1. Hershel Supply Novel Duffle + the promise to take a trip this year! // 2. John Robshaw, Nurpur, Limited Edition Blockprint + the promise of an afternoon at the theatre from Gilt City // 3. Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Lacey Wallet or similar from GILT // 4. True Love card from Urban Outfitters
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CAT WINE

If this year the holiday means you and your beloved feline at home with your Netflix queue, do not despair. Chick flicks and wine are dangerously delicious together! And if you’re drinking alone, better make it something worth drinking. One luscious, chocolaty red powerhouse that will hold up well in the bottle for a few days if you happen to have leftovers is Daou cabernet sauvignon from Paso Robles, CA ($23). Buy yourself some high quality dark chocolate (I love xoxo dark/almonds/sea salt bar!) and indulge.

// furry friends & netflix //

Burgundy Fair Isle Socks from Free People + Grooming Service for Fluffy from Gilt City

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LADIES NIGHT

You love your best girlfriends, and they love wine. Who needs a penis when you have pinot! Here are some gorgeous, feminine wines perfect for sharing with a crowd, and lots of yummy take-out.

• St. Innocent “Village Cuvee” pinot noir ($22) + sausage and balsamic caramelized onion pizza (I recommend Homemade Pizza Company)
• Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV ($18) + sushi (I recommend Coast)
• Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Reserve Personelle ($27) + Kung pao, chicken lad nar, and crispy veggie eggrolls (I recommend Penny's)

// ladies night //

t&j Designs credit from Gilt City

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What are your plans for Valentine's Day?  I'm pinning some of my favorite Valentine's crafts and gift ideas on Pinterest so follow-me for more inspiration!  You can ask Melanie for more advice by visiting her site http://melaniewagnerwine.com/ or following her on Twitter at @mwagnerwine

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Notes for this post:
- The wines (and pricing) are from Binny’s, except for Swanson’s Modern House Wine label, which is exclusive to Target. 
- Some product choices for gifts were suggested by the representatives of the brands or PR Agencies
- The kitten image is via pinterest, the wine images were all via a Google Image search, some product images were provided, some are via the site they are sold on and some found via Google Image search