Cupid's Crush: What's the Best Wine for Each Stage of a Relationship?

Have you ever wondered which wines pair best with the roller coaster of romance? From first dates to final goodbyes, we’re exploring wines that match every stage of your love life.

Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com.

Welcome, Natalie.

Great to be back with you! My motto for Valentine’s Day is candy is dandy and liquor is quicker – but wine is divine.

Let’s start with first dates. What wine would you recommend for those nerve-wracking initial encounters?

Romeo Prosecco
Italy

Juliet Prosecco
Italy

Feel free to smell or taste this dynamic duo of Romeo and Juliet Prosecco, the perfect icebreakers for those butterfly moments. The Romeo Prosecco dances on your tongue with green apple and white peach notes, while his partner, the Juliet Rosé, flirts with wild strawberry and rose petal aromas.

I’d pair this with citrus-kissed pan-seared scallops drizzled with a champagne butter sauce, garnished with fresh microgreens and edible flowers that mirror the wine’s delicate effervescence.

What if things don’t go as planned? I hear you have something for those ghosting scenarios.

Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine
Germany and Rouge, Spain

Feel free to smell or taste.

When you’ve been ghosted, swipe right on these terrific alcohol-free Noughty wines that let you keep your dignity and a clear head. They’re crafted with organic grapes and offer all the pleasure without the regret – unlike that idiot who never texted back.

I’d pair the sparkling with a healing bowl of lemon-brightened quinoa topped with honey-roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pumpkin seeds – comfort food that’s still kind to your waistline.

Noughty Rouge Syrah
Germany and Rouge, Spain

These wines are available from www.softcrush.ca.

Moving on to happier times – what should we pop open when we pop the question?

Lola Rosé
Pelee Island, Ontario

Feel free to smell or taste.

Getting engaged calls for a joyous wine and rosé-coloured glasses. How else would you get married these days given the statistics. But not so glum chum when you taste this delightful Lola Rosé from Pelee Island, Ontario.

It tastes like summer strawberries and the excitement of saying “yes!”

It’s proudly Canadian.

I’d pair it with delicate smoked salmon canapés topped with dill-infused crème fraîche and pink peppercorns, served on crisp cucumber rounds – light yet luxurious.

For anniversaries, which wine would you recommend?

Trius Cabernet Sauvignon
Niagara, Ontario

Feel free to smell or taste.

I have two spectacular Cabernet Sauvignons that are both proudly Canadian. The first is the Trius Cabernet Sauvignon from Niagara, Ontario, which is like a perfect marriage – complex, well-structured, and built to last. It unfolds with layers of black cherry, dark chocolate, and cedar.

For anniversaries, which wine would you recommend?

Best in Show
Pelee Island, Ontario

The Best in Show Cabernet Sauvignon from Pelee Island has garnered 95 points from top critics and is equally robust and long lived on the palate and the senses.

I’d pair them with herb-crusted rack of lamb, served with a mint-infused quinoa pilaf and grilled asparagus tips – elegant yet satisfying.

And if things don’t work out… what’s your recommendation?

Miraval Rosé
Provence, France

Feel free to smell or taste.

I have this gorgeous Miraval Rosé made by the famous Perrin family that also make the coveted Châteaux Beaucastel. It’s so fresh and juicy that it tastes like freedom and new beginnings. It also pairs beautifully with burning his love letters and smashing those stupid heart-shaped sugar cookies all to bits.

This is the wine that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt originally purchased; he remains the majority owner after their split. So you could say that this wine also represents the lasting positive memories we leave on each other’s hearts even when we’re no longer together.

With notes of fresh strawberries, citrus, and white flowers, it’s refreshingly crisp – like freedom! I’d pair this with a cleansing niçoise salad featuring seared ahi tuna, haricots verts, and baby potatoes dressed in light lemon vinaigrette – fresh starts never tasted so good.

Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?

Here’s my favorite toast: May your glass and your heart always be full.