When you imagine a romantic date night, a great glass of wine is almost always a part of the picture. From whites to reds to sparkling varieties, wine and romance are a timeless pair, and there’s something inherently intimate about sharing a bottle of wine over great food and conversation. Whether you are planning a date night in or are hitting the town for an upscale dinner, the right wine can set the tone and maintain the mood, and we have your guide to the best Napa Valley wines for every occasion.

Whether it’s a first date and you’re nervous or you’re just looking for a crisp aperitif to kick off the evening, sparkling wine is the ideal choice for the night’s first cheers. Indisputably glamorous, sparkling wine is a nearly universal crowd-pleaser that cleanses the palate and keeps you stimulated, thanks to the carbonation. For a sparkling rosé, try Schramsberg Vineyards’ Mirabelle Brut Rosé, a specially crafted blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a historically recognized landmark winery in Napa. If you prefer a glass of classic champagne, Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige has a refreshing acidity and fruit character that makes it an excellent wine to keep sipping on with food.

Matching your meal to your wine selection can make or break a meal, and the right pairing can be the cherry on top of the perfect date night. If you have your heart set on a red, Zinfandel combines zingy flavors with softer tannins that make it easy to enjoy with a variety of different foods. Pairing well with meats like pork and beef, poultry like duck, turkey, and chicken, pasta like lasagna, and even pizza, Zinfandels from Napa Valley wineries like Robert Biale Vineyards and Titus Vineyards have the potential to illuminate nearly every meal.

Viognier is a white wine with similar characteristics, working well across food groups and cuisines including a variety of seafood dishes, roasted or grilled chicken, veal, pork, spicy, and Asian foods. It also pairs well with salad and the cheese course. For a full-bodied white with a soft character, a Viognier from Napa Valley winery Darioush is among the best available.

Like its sparkling counterpart, rosé wine offers something almost everyone can enjoy. While many think of it as a summer wine, rosé is a universal choice with light delicate qualities that can be paired with a wide range of date night foods and can be enjoyed year-round. Some even believe the pink color activates feelings of arousal in the brain. There are many top options for rosé from Napa, but a great choice that can become your house wine is Alpha Omega Rosé Reserve 2018.

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