Have you ever wondered which drinks 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?
Saintly The Good Sparkling
VQA Ontario
Feel free to smell or taste this Saintly The Good Sparkling, the perfect icebreaker for those butterfly moments. It flirts with wild strawberry and rose petal aromas – the ideal balance of fresh and fruity!
And if that first date goes really well? This wine also tastes like saying “yes!” Getting engaged calls for a joyous wine and rosé-coloured glasses. Optimism pairs beautifully with bubbles. How else would you get married these days given the statistics. But not so glum chum when you taste this delightful Sparkling Rosé. 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.
Or try 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 that, too.
Dockside Premium Red Blend
VQA Ontario
Feel free to smell or taste the Dockside Premium Red Blend, a terrific VQA wine from Ontario.
When you’ve been ghosted, swipe right on this Ontario red that’s full-bodied, offering consistently great pleasure. It shows up, it’s emotionally available, and it finishes strong unlike that idiot who never texted back. It’s a wine that can help you slow down, as it underwent a slow fermentation resulting in a better wine. Can you taste the ripe dark berries and mocha? It also has a long finish leaving you longing for more.
I’d pair this with herb-crusted rack of lamb with a red wine demi-glace, roasted root vegetables and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Rich and satisfying, just like you deserve.
Or try this with grilled ribeye steak topped with caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese, alongside truffle parmesan fries. Because comfort food pairs perfectly with moving on.
It also pairs beautifully with burning his love letters and smashing those stupid heart-shaped sugar cookies all to bits.
Moving on to happier times. What about celebrating special moments together?
Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur
Ireland
Next up, I have the Carolans Irish Cream. This is perfect for a quiet night in, or just because it’s Tuesday and you’re in love.
What makes Carolans special is that it’s made with real Irish farm-fresh cream, the finest Irish whiskey and spirits, and it’s sweetened with naturally harvested honey, not artificial sweeteners. You can taste the difference.
It’s smooth, rich, and has this beautiful balance of sweetness and whiskey warmth. Basically, it’s a hug from Ireland in liquid form.
It’s amazing in coffee, but it also shines in an Espressotini. This is the cocktail that says “I’m classy and caffeinated,” which is honestly the best version of anyone.
Combine 1½ oz of Carolans, 1½ oz of vodka, and 1 oz of espresso in a shaker with ice, shake until it’s chilled and frothy, then serve in a coupe glass garnished with coffee beans.
I’m also showing it here as a Marshmallow Toasted Coconut Cocktail with 2 oz. Carolans Irish Cream and 2 oz. of toasted coconut rum. Shake well. Garnish with a marshmallow and coconut. Both are perfect Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day cocktails.
Carolans was awarded Platinum at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which means it’s won Double Gold three years in a row. That’s like winning the deliciousness Olympics.
And yes, it pairs beautifully with chocolate. Here’s the golden rule: make sure your drink is sweeter than the chocolate, otherwise it’ll taste bitter by comparison. Dark chocolate is easiest to pair because it has the least sugar and dairy but the most cocoa.
For anniversaries, which wine would you recommend?
Rossi Limoncello
Veneto, Italy
Speaking of the Olympics, feel free to try the Rossi Limoncello from Italy. For anniversaries, limoncello is like a perfect marriage, complex, well-structured, and built to last.
Rossi Limoncello opens with a rush of sunlit lemon peel, a touch of pithy bitterness and a cool, silky sweetness that glides across the palate with finesse. Its texture is plush yet refreshing, finishing with a clean snap of citrus that keeps it lively rather than cloying.
Serve it chilled on its own and let the lovely citrus aromas unfold as it warms slightly. I’d score it 92 points out of 100 for its balance, vivid flavour and pure charm.
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.
Thank you, Natalie! Where can we find you and these drinks online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of CTV. Please drink responsibly.
