Halloween isn’t just for kids—it’s a holiday that invites everyone to embrace whimsy, playfulness, and a little indulgence. For adults, one of the most delightful ways to join in the fun is by pairing wines with the candy and treats that fill the season. Whether you’re sneaking sweets from your kids’ trick-or-treat bags or hosting a spooky soirée, choosing the right wine can turn Halloween into a wickedly good celebration.
Here’s your guide to pairing wine with classic Halloween favorites.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups + Merlot or Syrah
Few candies are as iconic as chocolate peanut butter cups. Their rich, nutty center wrapped in creamy chocolate makes them irresistible.
- Wine Pairing: Merlot is a natural companion with its smooth tannins and notes of plum and cocoa that enhance the chocolate while softening the peanut butter’s richness. Syrah also works beautifully, bringing bold, spicy undertones that play well with the candy’s decadent flavors.
Candy Corn + Moscato or Riesling
Love it or hate it, candy corn is a Halloween staple. Its sugary sweetness can overwhelm many wines, so it needs a pairing that balances rather than competes.
- Wine Pairing: A slightly sweet Moscato echoes candy corn’s honeyed notes without feeling cloying. Alternatively, an off-dry Riesling offers crisp acidity that cuts through the sugar while complementing its buttery flavor.
Caramel Apples + Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc
Sticky, gooey, and perfectly nostalgic, caramel apples bring together the tartness of fruit and the indulgence of caramel.
- Wine Pairing: A lightly oaked Chardonnay adds layers of baked apple and vanilla that enhance the caramel’s richness. Chenin Blanc, with its balance of crisp acidity and subtle honeyed notes, provides a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite lively.
Gummy Bears + Rosé or Sparkling Wine
Bright, fruity, and fun, gummy bears are a playful treat that calls for an equally playful wine.
- Wine Pairing: A dry rosé amplifies the berry flavors in gummy bears while offering a refreshing finish. Sparkling wine, with its bubbles and vibrant acidity, is another perfect match, bringing elegance and effervescence to this cheerful candy.
Chocolate Bars (Milk or Dark) + Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
Sometimes simple is best, and classic chocolate bars never go out of style. The key is choosing a wine that complements either the sweetness of milk chocolate or the intensity of dark chocolate.
- Wine Pairing: For milk chocolate, reach for Zinfandel, whose jammy fruit and peppery spice balance the sweetness. For dark chocolate, Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold match, with its firm tannins and dark berry flavors enhancing the chocolate’s richness.
Popcorn Balls + Sparkling Wine
Crunchy, sweet, and a little salty, popcorn balls are a nostalgic Halloween treat that pair well with wines that emphasize contrast.
- Wine Pairing: Sparkling wine is ideal here. Its crisp acidity and effervescence cut through the sweetness and salt, creating a light, palate-cleansing effect. The pairing is festive, fun, and perfect for a Halloween party.
A Spook-tacular Way to Celebrate
Halloween may be a holiday of costumes and candy, but it’s also an opportunity to gather, laugh, and indulge in something delicious. Pairing wines with classic Halloween treats turns a night of sweets into a playful yet sophisticated celebration. From the richness of chocolate and peanut butter cups with Merlot to the sparkle of bubbly alongside gummy bears, there’s a wine pairing for every sweet tooth and spooky mood.
At Latah Creek Winery, we believe wine should be fun, approachable, and shared with those you love. This Halloween, let your wine glass and candy bowl work together to create a wickedly good night. Cheers to sweet sips, spooky fun, and hauntingly good pairings!
Cheers,
Natalie