A Toast to Love: A Historical Look at Valentine's Day Through the Wine Glass
Long before Valentine's Day became synonymous with red roses and heart-shaped boxes, wine had already been at the heart of romantic celebration for millennia. Pour a glass, and step back through the centuries.
When most people think of Valentine's Day, they think of candlelit dinners, handwritten cards, and a well-chosen bottle of wine. But the story behind the 14th of February is far older and more surprising than chocolate hearts and red roses — and wine has been present at every chapter of it.
From Ancient Rome to Courtly Love
The origins of Valentine's Day stretch back to the ancient Romans. One of the earliest influences was Lupercalia, a mid-February festival celebrating fertility, renewal, and the coming of spring. Wine played a central role in these celebrations, flowing freely as Romans honoured love, passion, and abundance. It was bound up with the season, with ceremony, and with the rituals of community that mark every human culture.
As Christianity spread across Europe, the old pagan festival was gradually transformed into the feast day of St. Valentine — a somewhat mysterious figure, associated in legend with secret marriages and acts of romantic devotion performed in defiance of imperial decree. By the Middle Ages, the connection between mid-February and romantic love had deepened considerably. Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer helped cement the idea of February 14th as a day when hearts declared themselves — and the banquet table, with its wine and company, remained at the centre of the celebration.
Throughout all these transformations, wine remained present at every table, every ceremony, and every moment of human connection. It has always been more than a drink; it is a ritual, a symbol, a shared experience that slows time and deepens conversation.
Wine and Romance: A Natural Partnership
There is something about the act of choosing and sharing a bottle that is, at its heart, an act of care. You consider the other person: what they enjoy, what the evening calls for, what a particular wine might say. Wine encourages people to slow down and pay attention — to the glass, to the food, and to each other.
The vocabulary of wine and the vocabulary of romance have always overlapped. Depth, complexity, warmth, finish, body — these words describe both a well-made Burgundy and a long relationship. Wine is one of the few pleasures that rewards patience, that reveals more of itself over time, and that is almost always better shared.
Choosing Your Valentine's Wine
The most romantic wine is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one chosen thoughtfully, with the person across the table in mind. Here are three styles worth considering — one for each course of the evening.
Something sparkling
There is no better way to begin a Valentine's evening than with bubbles. The lightness of sparkling wine lifts the atmosphere and sets the tone — celebratory without being heavy. Whether you choose Champagne, a bottle of Prosecco, or an English sparkling wine, the effect is the same: a signal that this evening is an occasion.
To open with — £9.99
Tiepolo Sparkling Pinot Grigio Rosé
Pretty pink bubbles with strawberry, peach, and a crisp, refreshing finish. Elegant without being fussy — the ideal aperitif, and perfect alongside a light starter. For a step up, the Oatley Brut Nature (£32.99) from Somerset is an exceptional choice.
A red for the table
When it comes to red wine on Valentine's Day, Pinot Noir is often considered the most romantic choice — silky, aromatic, and versatile enough to carry a long dinner. Its bright red fruit, gentle tannins, and earthy depth make it a wine that invites lingering. Merlot is another wonderful option for those who prefer something softer and more immediately generous. Bolder palates might reach for a Grenache or Sangiovese, both warm and expressive with excellent food-friendly acidity.
For the main course — £14.49
From Chile's cool-climate Colchagua Valley, this is bright and graceful — red cherry, raspberry, and a silky texture that makes it effortlessly food-friendly. Lovely alongside duck, salmon, or a mushroom risotto.
A sweet ending
For couples who linger over dessert, a sweet wine is one of the most memorable ways to finish an evening. The options range from gently sparkling and delicate to rich and fortified — each one making the moment feel a little more ceremonial. A Late Bottled Vintage Port alongside dark chocolate is one of the great classical pairings; a lightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti is softer and more whimsical.
To finish with — £10.99
Gently sparkling, low in alcohol, and beautifully aromatic — peach blossom, apricot, and a honeyed sweetness that is never cloying. Perfect with fruit desserts, panna cotta, or a plate of biscuits. Also try the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise for something richer and more opulent.
This Valentine's Day, the most enduring romantic gesture is shared time and attention. Whatever you choose to pour, the ritual of choosing a bottle together, opening it, and lingering over a meal is itself a celebration of connection — a tradition as old as wine itself.