Women’s World of Wine: Valentine's Wines to Try | Platinum Magazine

Valentine’s Day always stirs a particular excitement in me. It gives something of the thrill akin to a Jilly Cooper novel (I loved Rivals on TV last autumn!) – mysterious admirers, loving gifts and the promise of wine from my husband, or perhaps even a secret admirer!

However, I do find that many British men don’t share in the excitement that women have for Valentine’s Day. Some British men, particularly those of a certain vintage, view Valentine’s Day as more of a chore than a celebration. My husband prefers us to celebrate at home rather than in a restaurant. He argues that V-Day set menus are overpriced and that restaurants turn the tables too fast to maximise their profits on one of the busiest nights of the year.

That’s why we often eschew going out on Valentine’s Day in favour of something more genuine and intimate at home. I’ll buy the wine while he’ll cook my favourite meal (my husband is the chef in our house!).

And while the shops explode with trinkets and the florists buckle under demand for red roses, I believe nothing captures the essence of the day like a fabulous bottle of wine popped open and shared.

Among the celebrations, I’m particularly excited for my single friends and my mum, all of whom are embracing the Valentine’s spirit with fresh enthusiasm this year. I’m crossing my fingers for them to experience those heart-fluttering dates. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of hearing about a friend’s date – where they went, what they wore, and the stirrings of potential love.

I can’t wait to invite them over for wine, to hear all about where they went, who they clinked glasses with, and the moments that made their night special. Here are six bottles that I recommend for celebrating this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day wines to try:

Morrisons The Best Chianti Classico | (£10.50, morrisons.com)

Consider choosing a Chianti from the romantic heartland of Tuscany, Italy. This region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes near Florence and Siena, and crafts some of the most beautiful Sangiovese wines in the world. Chianti is a bold red wine characterised by vibrant acidity, ripe red cherries and spice. It’s popular and can usually be found on restaurant wine lists as it’s a perfect match with food such as T-bone steak, charcuterie, pizza and pasta.

Spy Valley First Release Sauvignon Blanc 2024 | (£12.99, waitrose.com)

One of the most famous grape varieties and in-vogue wines is Sauvignon Blanc. A go-to of mine is Spy Valley from Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. This is made by the skilful female winemaker Emily Gaspard-Clark, who creates this joyful, restrained, elegant style of Sauvignon that is dry and crisp with citrus and tropical fruits. I love that Spy Valley have sustainable practices too.

Love by Léoube Organic Rosé | (£17, coop.co.uk)

Located on the south coast of France, a few kilometres from St Tropez, the grapes are cooled by the Mediterranean sea breeze and surrounded by olive groves. Winemaker Romain Ott has rosé wine running through his blood, coming from a pioneering Provençal rosé winemaking family. This is a beautiful rosé, dry with lots of fresh fruit: white peach and strawberries. A perfect companion for a cosy, romantic night in. The label itself says it all: this is ‘Love’ wine.

Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Capitel San Rocco, Tedeschi 2020 | (£16.50, thewinesociety.com)

I adore the family making this wine, led by Sabrina Tedeschi and her daughter Chiara. The Valpolicella Ripasso is a smart choice – crafted from the remnants of Amarone production, it delivers depth without the steep price. Full-bodied red with lots of freshness and red cherry, great with pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, or steak. Worth every penny, so treat yourself.

Bouvet Tresor Brut | (£17, majestic.co.uk)

A great way to start the evening is with something cold and sparkling. Opt for Crémant, made using the traditional method but from outside the Champagne region. This Chenin-dominant blend is made by a woman called Juliette Monmousseau from the Loire Valley. It is excellent with the flavours of spiced apple. Quite affordable, it sets a playful mood for a romantic evening ahead.

Mirabeau La Folie Sparkling Rosé | (£11.99, waitrose.com)

A sparkling rosé should be something fun, sophisticated and celebratory – everything you need for a great Valentine’s Day. This one is understated yet chic – perfect for popping a cork without breaking the bank. It’s my favourite in the Mirabeau range: fun, delicious and elegant with red fruit aromas typical of the pink wines from the south of France.

Elizabeth x

Written for Platinum Magazine, February 2025