Curated by New Zealand’s specialists in French wine and produce Maison Vauron has spent decades sourcing exceptional wines directly from French producers, working closely with family-owned domaines, historic estates, and appellation leaders across France. Every wine featured in this guide is selected through hands-on tasting by the Maison Vauron team, with a focus on balance, food compatibility, and authentic regional expression.Our approach reflects how wine is enjoyed in France: at the table, with food, conversation, and time to savour the moment. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, cook something special, and open a beautiful bottle of wine. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night at home, a Galentine’s celebration with friends, or a quiet treat-yourself evening, choosing the right wine can transform an ordinary meal into something memorable.The good news? Picking a romantic wine doesn’t need to be complicated. French wines are renowned for their balance, elegance, and food-friendly style, qualities that make them ideal for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Rather than overpowering dishes, French wines are designed to complement food, enhance flavours, and encourage long conversations around the table. In this guide, we explore Valentine’s Day wine, focusing on French rosé, sparkling wine, and classic reds and whites that pair effortlessly with romantic dishes. Whether you’re cooking a multi-course dinner or ordering your favourite takeaway, these wines will help set the mood. How Maison Vauron Chooses Valentine’s Day WinesBefore exploring specific styles and pairings, it helps to understand how these wines are selected. Maison Vauron prioritises wines that reflect traditional French winemaking values: balance over power, freshness over heaviness, and harmony with food above all else. For Valentine’s Day, we focus on wines that: Pair naturally with shared meals and multiple courses Suit New Zealand’s summer climate Encourage relaxed, lingering dining rather than quick sipping Reflect their region and grape variety with clarity and finesse This philosophy underpins every recommendation that follows. Start with Sparkling Wine: Romance in Its Purest FormSparkling wine is one of the best choices for Valentine’s Day because it is festive, versatile, and instantly celebratory. Sparkling wine works beautifully as an aperitif to kick off the evening, but it also shines alongside food, making it a perfect all-rounder for Valentine’s Day. Sparkling Wine with Seafood Light seafood dishes such as fish, scallops, or oysters pair beautifully with dry French sparkling wines. This pairing feels luxurious yet simple, ideal for a Valentine’s dinner that’s elegant but not overly formal. It’s just as suited to the aperitif as it is to a relaxed seafood platter shared over candles. Why it works: Bright acidity enhances fresh, light dishes Fine bubbles create a celebratory mood It works as both an aperitif and a food pairing Our pick: Sainchargny Crémant 56 Brut Blanc de Blancs NV A “Blanc de Blancs” exclusively from white Chardonnay grapes, its maturity and balance stamp it very much as a “northern” Chardonnay with a mineral edge. Everything about it is elegant finesse, nothing boisterous. Along with its rich, well-rounded flesh and fruitiness, it has incisively defined flavours and a truly winey taste.French Rosé: The Ultimate Valentine’s WineIf there is one style that truly captures the spirit of Valentine’s Day, it’s French rosé. With its delicate blush colour, fresh acidity, and subtle fruit flavours, rosé embodies romance, elegance, and ease. It’s also one of the most food-friendly wines you can choose, making it perfect for relaxed Valentine’s meals. Why French Rosé Is So Versatile French rosé typically leans dry, crisp, and refreshing. This makes it ideal both as an aperitif and alongside food. It pairs beautifully with: Tomato-based dishes like pizza Our pick: Peyrassol Lou Côtes de Provence Rosé Lou Rosé embodies the region’s effortless sophistication and sun-drenched charm. Crafted from Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grown on limestone-rich soils, this cuvée captures Peyrassol’s signature finesse — elegant, refreshing, and irresistibly drinkable. Grilled salmon or tuna Our pick: Montezargues Tavel Perfectly representative of this stunning terroir, this Tavel is an iron hand in a velvet glove! Indeed, the palate is characterized by the intensity of the fruit, with nice citrus notes and very fine tannins. The finish is long and creamy. Salads and light poultry dishes Our pick: Château de Font Vive Bandol Rosé Rosé is also a fantastic choice for Galentine’s celebrations. Its light body and refreshing profile make it easy to sip while chatting, laughing, and sharing plates. Whether you’re celebrating friendship or romance, rosé brings a sense of joy and spontaneity to the table. Unveil a touch of Provençal elegance with Château de Font Vive’s Bandol Rosé. Crafted from a regal trio of Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, this pale salmon-hued beauty seduces with ripe red berries, floral whispers, and a whisper of spice. In the glass, it’s graceful yet assured — round and velvety at first sip, then feather-light and fresh on the finish.Sparkling Rosé: The Best of Both Worlds For those who can’t decide between bubbles and rosé, sparkling rosé offers the perfect Valentine’s Day compromise. Combining the freshness and celebration of sparkling wine with the delicate fruit and romantic hue of rosé, it feels tailor-made for the occasion. Sparkling rosé delivers bright acidity, fine bubbles, and notes of red berries, citrus, and florals. It works beautifully as an aperitif, setting a festive tone from the very first sip, but it is also remarkably food-friendly. Pair it with seafood, cheese boards, smoked salmon, or light starters to create a seamless and elegant beginning to your Valentine’s meal. Its soft pink colour instantly signals romance, making it an ideal choice for both date nights and Galentine’s celebrations. Whether you’re toasting with friends or sharing a quiet moment with someone special, sparkling rosé captures the joy, elegance, and spontaneity of Valentine’s Day in a single glass. Our pick: Monmousseau Crémant Ciselée Rosé Monmousseau Ciselee Rose is a refined and elegant rosé sparkling wine that perfectly balances fruitiness and freshness.Red Wines for Depth, Warmth, and Passion Red wine remains a classic Valentine’s choice, symbolising passion, intimacy, and indulgence. The key to a successful pairing is choosing a red that enhances your meal rather than overpowering it. Pinot Noir: Silky and Romantic Pinot Noir is one of the most romantic red wines thanks to its soft tannins, red berry flavours, and elegant structure. It is refined rather than heavy, making it ideal for Valentine’s dinners where balance and finesse matter. It pairs beautifully with: Roast chicken Mushroom risotto Herb-crusted lamb Grilled salmon Its light-to-medium body makes it perfect for candlelit dinners that stretch late into the evening, allowing both food and conversation to shine. Our picks: Val Lamartinien Bourgogne Pinot Noir "Cool red fruit with a touch of underbrush and spice on the nose, and cherries on the palate. A simple, but yet very pleasant and affordable Burgundy."Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Pinot Noir "Crafted from vines located in carefully selected plots across the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, this wine showcases the vibrant fruit, structure, and finesse typical of the domaine. The 2022 vintage was marked by warm conditions, producing a wine with concentrated fruit, silky tannins, and excellent balance."Cabernet Sauvignon for Indulgent Moments For those planning a more indulgent meal, Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural match for grilled steak, slow-cooked beef, or roasted mushrooms. Its dark fruit flavours, firm structure, and depth complement rich, savoury dishes, making it ideal for a Valentine’s dinner that feels bold and luxurious. Our picks: Moulin de La Lagune Haut Medoc "Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the 2019 vintage reflects the estate’s focus on ripe, structured, and balanced Bordeaux wines. With excellent ripeness and refined tannins, this Haut-Médoc captures both the power and elegance of the Médoc terroir, offering a refined entry point into Bordeaux luxury."Petit Vauthier St Emilion Grand Cru 2015 "The 2015 vintage was particularly favorable in Saint-Emilion, producing wines with balance, depth, and aging potential. It offers a wine that speaks to the heart of Saint-Emilion's terroir. This wine blends Merlot and Cabernet Franc, resulting in a fruit-forward yet complex wine, with soft tannins and a smooth, round mouthfeel."Elegant White Wines for Light and Intimate MealsWhite wines are often overlooked for romantic dinners, but they can be just as sensual and expressive as reds, particularly when paired with the right dishes. Chardonnay for Creamy Dishes Chablis is a pure expression of Chardonnay, fresh, mineral, and refined. With notes of pear, citrus, and a saline finish, it pairs beautifully with creamy pasta, buttery mussels, or seafood in rich sauces. It’s an elegant choice that feels thoughtful without being showy. Our pick: Dampt Chablis 2023 "A whiff of exotic fruits can be found on the fresh white fruit aromas that are laced by hints of iodine with a racy, mineral finish."Baked Goat’s Cheese and Aromatic Whites Tangy goat’s cheese, especially when baked, loves aromatic whites. Pinot Gris from Alsace brings honeyed pear, citrus, and floral notes that balance the cheese’s richness. If the dish leans sweet (fig preserves or caramelised onions), this pairing becomes even more irresistible. Our pick: Albert Mann Pinot Gris 2023 "This has a delightful pale straw colour and a nose full of honey-drenched tropical fruit and spice. The palate is off-dry, soft and gracefully textured."Aromatic alternatives such as Muscat, Gewürztraminer, or Riesling also shine here. These wines are perfect for Valentine’s dinners that feel thoughtful, refined, and slightly different from the usual choices. Our pick: Maison Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2020 "An explosion of exotic aromas in every sip, this Gewurztraminer is pure Alsace elegance – lush, aromatic, and irresistibly charming."Wine and Chocolate: A Sweet EndingNo Valentine’s Day celebration is complete without something sweet. Chocolate can be tricky to pair with wine, but the key is harmony. Banyuls pairs beautifully with chocolate because its rich, fruity (red berries, orange), spicy (licorice, cocoa) notes and balancing sweetness complement chocolate's bitterness and fat, creating a harmonious taste. Our pick: Gaillard Banyuls Rouge Cirera 2017 "Banyuls Rouge Cirera from Gaillard is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the lush character of Grenache. Its balance of sweetness and acidity —don’t miss this luscious treat!"Choosing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Wine in NZFor those celebrating Valentine’s Day, French wines are particularly well suited. Their balance, freshness, and food-friendly nature align perfectly with summer dining and relaxed celebrations. From sparkling wine and French rosé to elegant whites and passionate reds, the best romantic wine is the one that fits your moment. Whether shared, gifted, or enjoyed solo, let your Valentine’s Day be filled with flavours that feel joyful, indulgent, and effortlessly romantic. Picked by the Experts at Maison VauronThis guide has been curated by the Maison Vauron wine team, drawing on decades of experience sourcing and tasting French wines for New Zealand tables. FAQ: French Wines for Valentine’s DayWhat is the best romantic wine for Valentine’s Day?The best romantic wine is one that feels special yet effortless. Sparkling wine is a classic choice thanks to its celebratory nature, while French rosé offers elegance, freshness, and versatility. For intimate dinners, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also excellent options, pairing beautifully with a wide range of romantic dishes. Is sparkling wine a good choice for Valentine’s Day?Absolutely. Sparkling wine is one of the most popular Valentine’s Day wine choices because it instantly creates a celebratory atmosphere. Its bright acidity and fine bubbles make it ideal as an aperitif and equally suitable with seafood, cheese boards, or light starters. What makes French rosé ideal for Valentine’s Day?French rosé is typically dry, crisp, and highly food-friendly. Its delicate pink colour evokes romance, while its fresh acidity and subtle fruit flavours pair well with many Valentine’s Day dishes—from salads and seafood to pizza and light poultry. It’s also perfect for Galentine’s celebrations and relaxed summer evenings in New Zealand. Is sparkling rosé better than still rosé for Valentine’s Day?Sparkling rosé combines the best of both worlds: the festive bubbles of sparkling wine and the elegance of rosé. It’s an excellent Valentine’s Day choice if you want something celebratory yet romantic, and it works beautifully as an aperitif or alongside light dishes and seafood. What white wine should I choose for a romantic meal?Chardonnay, particularly in a refined, mineral style, pairs beautifully with creamy dishes and seafood. Aromatic whites like Pinot Gris, Riesling, or Gewürztraminer are also excellent for Valentine’s Day, especially with goat’s cheese, vegetarian dishes, or lightly spiced food. Explore More from Maison Vauron French Wines to Explore in 2026 French Wine for Spring Discovering French Wine Munster Cheese - A French Icon