Valentine’s Day Recipes & Wine Pairings

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a Galentine’s gathering, or a cozy night in, these recipes pair perfectly with Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon to make your celebration unforgettable.

For a First Date or New Romance:

Sushi Night In

Wine Pick: Pinot Noir

Smooth and charming, just like a promising new romance. The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit notes complement the tuna’s richness while balancing the spice.

Easy Spicy Tuna Rolls Recipe
This fresh and flavorful roll is easy to make at home and pairs beautifully with a light-bodied Pinot Noir.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ lb sushi-grade tuna, finely diced
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
• ½ avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix the warm sushi rice with rice vinegar and let it cool.
2. In a small bowl, mix tuna, mayo, and Sriracha.
3. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of rice on top, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Arrange tuna mixture and avocado slices along the center.
5. Roll tightly, slice into pieces, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

For a Galentine’s Day Get-Together:

Charcuterie Board & Sparkling Wine

Wine Pick: Sparkling Wine

Sparkly, fun, and always a good time—just like your favorite people. The wine’s crisp bubbles cut through the richness of cheese and charcuterie while enhancing the fruit and honey’s sweetness.

The Ultimate Galentine’s Charcuterie Board
Perfect for sharing (or indulging solo!), this spread is effortless but always hits the spot.

What to Include:

• Cheese: Brie (creamy), Manchego (nutty), Aged Cheddar (sharp)
• Meats: Prosciutto, salami, chorizo
• Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, figs, grapes
• Carbs: Crostini, crackers, breadsticks
• Extras: Dark chocolate, honey, spiced nuts, olives

How to Assemble:

1. Start with a large board or platter.
2. Arrange cheeses first, then meats, followed by fruits, nuts, and extras.
3. Drizzle honey over Brie for a sweet touch.
4. Serve with a chilled glass of Sparkling Wine for a bright, celebratory pairing.

For A Cozy Night In:

Home-Cooked Dinner

Wine Pick: Red Blend

A red blend is better than the sum of its parts, just like a love that stands the test of time. The rich fruit and complexity of the wine enhances the dish’s deep, slow-cooked flavors.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe
A warm, comforting dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection—just like a relationship that grows richer over time.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups Red Blend wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze the pot with Red Blend wine, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add beef broth and thyme, then return short ribs to the pot.
6. Cover and braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
7. Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

For Celebrating Milestones:

Steakhouse Experience at Home

Wine Pick: Cabernet Sauvignon

Better with age, just like the best relationships. With bold tannins and dark fruit flavors, a Cab perfectly plays up the steak’s rich, savory depth.

Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction Recipe
Worthy of a special occasion and best enjoyed with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup Cabernet Sauvignon
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp shallots, minced

Instructions:

1. Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare).
3. Remove steaks and let them rest.
4. In the same pan, add shallots and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in Cabernet Sauvignon, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer until reduced by half.
6. Swirl in butter for a velvety sauce, then drizzle over steaks.

Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social @baldacciwinery for a chance to be featured on our feed!