September 13th is International Chocolate Day — a celebration of all things rich, sweet, and decadently delicious. But why stop at just chocolate when you can elevate the experience with the perfect glass of wine? Whether you’re a milk chocolate lover or dark chocolate devotee, pairing your favorite treats with the right wine creates a symphony of flavor that’s hard to beat. Here are our favorite wine and chocolate pairings to celebrate the day in style:

🍷 Dark Chocolate + Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold meets bold.
Dark chocolate (70% and up) is rich, intense, and slightly bitter — which pairs beautifully with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s deep tannins and dark fruit notes (think black cherry and plum) complement the earthy bitterness of the chocolate, creating a luxurious, velvety finish.

Try it with: Lion & Dove Cabernet Sauvignon — its ripe berry flavor and firm structure stand up to high-cacao chocolate.

🍷 Milk Chocolate + Pinot Noir

Soft, sweet, and silky.
Milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter than dark, which means it pairs well with a wine that’s smooth and fruit-forward, like Pinot Noir. The wine’s light tannins and notes of cherry and raspberry enhance the sweetness without overwhelming it.

Try it with: Lion & Dove Pinot Noir — a light-bodied red that’s juicy and elegant, perfect with truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries.

🍷 White Chocolate + Moscato Rosé

A sweet surprise.
Though technically not a “true” chocolate, white chocolate’s buttery, sweet flavor finds a perfect partner in a Moscato Rosé. This wine’s bright, fruity character — with hints of peach, berry, and citrus — cuts through the richness of the chocolate and adds a refreshing sparkle.

Try it with: Lion & Dove Moscato Rosé — certified vegan and gluten-free, and a dreamy match for white chocolate dipped fruits or creamy fudge.

🍷 Chocolate with Sea Salt + Malbec

Sweet, savory, and silky-smooth.
Chocolate enhanced with a sprinkle of sea salt delivers a rich, complex bite — and it shines when paired with a bold, fruit-forward Malbec. The Lion & Dove Malbec brings deep plum and blackberry flavors with just a touch of spice, perfectly complementing the sweet and salty profile of the chocolate.

The smooth tannins and dark fruit notes enhance the cocoa richness, while the wine’s depth balances out the salt for a luxurious, layered tasting experience.

Try it with: Lion & Dove Malbec — bold but balanced, it’s the ideal match for sea salt chocolate bars or salted dark chocolate truffles.

🍷 Chocolate with Nuts + Port or Sweet Red Blend

Crunch and comfort.
Chocolate mixed with almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans pairs wonderfully with a sweet red blend or a classic Port. These wines’ round, rich textures and sweet finish complement the nutty flavors and provide a warm, indulgent experience.

Try it with: Pigtown Sweet Red — a luscious wine with just the right amount of sweetness to make nut-studded chocolate bars shine.

Tips for Tasting

• Balance is key: Match the intensity of the chocolate with the wine. Darker chocolates pair better with bolder reds, while milk and white chocolates do well with lighter or sweeter wines.
  
• Serve smart: Break the chocolate into small pieces and sip the wine in between bites to let the flavors blend.
  
• Have fun with it: Try a flight of chocolates and a flight of wines — turn it into a tasting experience with friends!
  

🍷🍫 Celebrate in Sweet Style

This International Chocolate Day, treat yourself to more than just a bite — pair your chocolate with a glass of wine and turn your snack into a celebration. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with someone special, these pairings are the perfect excuse to indulge in life’s sweetest pleasures.

Cheers to wine, chocolate, and everything in between!