Autumn in California brings cooler nights, vibrant landscapes, and some of the most iconic wines of the season. Fall is prime time for the wine-loving crowd to explore cozy reds and even a few rich whites that embody the warm and earthy vibes of this season. As an extra treat, we'll dive into the playful side of pairing these wines with Halloween candy—an unexpected but totally fun pairing experience.
Best Fall Wines in California
1. Zinfandel
Perfect for: Savoring by a cozy fireplace or pairing with hearty fall meals.
Profile: Zinfandel, particularly from California regions like Lodi or Sonoma, brings bold flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and a hint of spice. With medium tannins and a slightly peppery finish, Zinfandel is a quintessential fall wine.
Food Pairing: Pair Zinfandel with classic autumn dishes like braised short ribs, roasted vegetables, and grilled portobello mushrooms.
Candy Pairing: Try it with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! The rich, nutty flavors of peanut butter balance the wine’s fruity sweetness and spice.
2. Pinot Noir
Perfect for: A versatile wine for pairing with lighter fall dishes and gatherings.
Profile: Pinot Noir from California’s Central Coast or Sonoma County is light to medium-bodied with flavors of cranberry, cherry, and earthy undertones. The wine's subtle complexity pairs perfectly with autumnal flavors.
Food Pairing: Enjoy it with roasted turkey, mushroom risotto, or creamy butternut squash soup.
Candy Pairing: Match with Milk Duds for a surprisingly harmonious combo. The caramel flavors soften the wine’s earthy notes, making this pairing both decadent and balanced.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
Perfect for: Cozying up with a bold red wine on a chilly evening.
Profile: Napa Valley and Paso Robles produce some of the most sought-after Cabernets. With full-bodied notes of black currant, cassis, and hints of vanilla, this wine is as bold as it is balanced.
Food Pairing: Perfect with a grilled steak, portobello burgers, or roasted lamb. It’s also fantastic with sharp cheeses.
Candy Pairing: Break out the Snickers! The chocolate, peanuts, and caramel in Snickers play well with Cabernet’s strong tannins, creating a decadent pairing.
4. Syrah
Perfect for: Those looking for a smoky, bold wine with a touch of fall warmth.
Profile: California Syrah, particularly from regions like the Santa Ynez Valley, is spicy, smoky, and dark-fruited. It’s a wine made for autumn evenings.
Food Pairing: Syrah pairs beautifully with roasted meats, spiced pumpkin dishes, or eggplant Parmesan.
Candy Pairing: Try it with a dark chocolate bar or Twix. The smokiness in Syrah blends with the chocolate, while the caramel in Twix adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the wine’s intensity.
5. Chardonnay
Perfect for: Those who love a rich, creamy white to savor on a mild fall day.
Profile: Fall isn’t just for reds! A California Chardonnay from Napa or Sonoma can be as cozy as any red. These wines offer creamy flavors of baked apple, pear, and vanilla, sometimes with a buttery texture.
Food Pairing: Ideal with roasted chicken, creamy pasta, or butternut squash ravioli.
Candy Pairing: Pair with candy corn! The sweet, buttery notes in candy corn actually enhance the vanilla and apple flavors in Chardonnay.
Bonus Wine & Candy Pairing Tips
Halloween might be for kids, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy a bit of trick-or-treating too! When pairing wine with candy, keep these tips in mind:
Balance Sweetness: Look for wine and candy with similar sweetness levels so one doesn’t overpower the other.
Contrast Flavors: Try mixing bold, tannic wines with sweeter candies to create a surprising contrast.
Experiment! Wine and candy pairing is all about having fun, so don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations.
From trick-or-treat delights to Thanksgiving dinners, California wines have you covered this fall. Grab your favorite bottle, a handful of candy, and enjoy the fun of these seasonal pairings. Cheers to a cozy, flavorful autumn!
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