Pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc—from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Chile, Portugal or California. For anyone standing in front of a wine shelf in search of a Valentine’s Day gift, the many labels and regions can feel confusing.
As wine experts often say, “Most new drinkers simply ask for white or red,” hoping that the simplest choice will spare them the embarrassment.
But wine, much like love, rewards curiosity. If you are buying a bottle for someone special, be adventurous—but also informed. Understanding which countries excel in particular styles can make your choice both thoughtful and impressive.
Perhaps more than any other country, Italy embodies romance in wine. The region’s vineyards produce wines that are tied to food and family. Italian reds, in particular, have been favourites for intimate dinners.
From Prosecco to Pinot Noir, discover how to pick the perfect Valentine’s wine gift by exploring the world’s finest bottles and regions.
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“If you are buying red wines from Italy, you will never go wrong with bottles from Chianti, Amarone or Barolo. The last two are the king grapes that you can get from Italy,” says Peter Chege, a sommelier.
Alessandra Baron of Serre di Pederiva says sparkling wines stand out as the most fitting choice for the occasion, especially for those who want something without complexity.
“I would suggest a Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry. It is a style that the majority of people appreciate,” she says.
Ms Baron adds that Prosecco’s strong sense of origin also gives it an emotional appeal. “Prosecco DOCG is Valdobbiadene, in the Veneto region, in the Treviso province,” she says.
She also notes that Italian wines are deeply tied to place. “All the Italian wines are localised because they are typical of one place.” That clarity of origin, she says, helps consumers feel more confident when choosing wine as a gift.
For Valentine’s gifting, Prosecco works better than heavier styles because of its versatility. “It’s easy, it’s light and it can be used as an aperitif or while having lunch or dinner. Or just relaxing and sipping a glass of Prosecco. In every occasion, Prosecco is good. A Rosé Prosecco is also very romantic,” Ms Baron says.
The gentle bubbles and soft flavours, she says, create an inviting mood without overwhelming the palate.
She also points to sweeter styles for those just starting out. “You should drink maybe a Moscato,” she says.
Asked whether sparkling wine is a better Valentine’s option than red wine, he responded with, “Yes! Sparkling wines are easier and more relaxing. Although Italian red wines are well known, they are important wines that require careful food pairing. Sparkling wines on the other hand can fit effortlessly into your Valentine’s plans,” Ms Baron says.
South Africa: Accessible and versatile
In a past interview, Diane Chimboza, a wine consultant, said South Africa has been known for making wine for almost 400 years, longer than Australia and New Zealand.
“Africa has cheap wine, but we have also very expensive ones that can compete with wines from Europe,” she says.
South African wines are still a popular choice for Kenyan consumers because of their accessibility, versatility, and familiar flavour profiles. Pinotage and Chenin Blanc have been most people’s reliable picks.
Pinotage has smoky, bramble undertones that pair beautifully with grilled meats and rich sauces, while Chenin Blanc has the crispness that complements seafood and creamy dishes.
“If you are looking to serve red wine, a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon will go well. If you are going to a place with cooler nights, buy a Pinotage or Merlot, and something for white, pick a Sauvignon Blanc. If you are going to the Coast, invest in a very good Rose and I would recommend a Kumusha Rose, Protea Rose and anything light,” Ms Chimboza says.
She adds that when serving beef or chicken for dinner or lunch and looking for a good wine to pair with the dish, it will depend on how you will serve it.
“For beef, a good bottle of Bordeaux blend or Grenache or a good Merlot will work well. For chicken, if you are having it with lemon butter sauce, pick a bottle of Chardonnay or Chenin. If its kienyeji chicken, Merlot will be your best friend,” Ms Chimboza says.
From Prosecco to Pinot Noir, discover how to pick the perfect Valentine’s wine gift by exploring the world’s finest bottles and regions.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
However, one of the easiest ways to understand wine is by looking at the country, climate and tradition.
Portugal: Rich and diverse
A Portuguese white such as Tons de Duorum can lift seafood dishes, while a Duorum Colheita red adds warmth and spice to heartier meals. Portugal is famed for its port wines and its diversity with over 250 grapes varietals across the country.
It is one of the notable ‘Old World’ wine producers with Douro standing out as a key region. An Alvarinho white wine is one you can sip without needing a meal to accompany it and can also pair with light seafood with salty, citrusy and sweet notes.
It is of a northern appellation and a single varietal wine. It is not aged in any oak as is usually the norm with richer wines, giving it that light, complex flavour allowing it to be enjoyed on its own or alongside light seafood.
On the red side, Marques de Borba red is best described as intense, pairing well with strongly flavoured dishes such as cod or carne alentejana dumplings. This then brings out its earthy and dark fruit notes of the wine.
In a Kenyan setting, it would probably pair comfortably with ugali and a spicy goat stew. Wine specialists point out that Portuguese wines stand out because of their blends.
Chile: Smooth and reliable
Chile produces wines that are fruity, smooth and versatile. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate, but Pinot Noir has found favour among drinkers seeking lighter reds. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in the world and it is usually rich, red and robust.
Most people who enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, which can be blended with Merlot know that it should not be enjoyed alone. Pair it with a good rib eye steak, philly steak or lamb chops.
Australia: Bold and peppery
From Australia comes Shiraz, also known as Syrah, producing boisterous, rich and peppery reds.
From Prosecco to Pinot Noir, discover how to pick the perfect Valentine’s wine gift by exploring the world’s finest bottles and regions.
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“Australia winemakers blend most of their wines with Shiraz. Get a good bottle from Barossa Valley. It has a kind of soil that suits the Shiraz. You can also get good Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, which is a wonderful choice with herb-rich foods like chicken or fish,” Mr Chege says.
You could also choose wine depending on your mood. It could be a Cava, champagne, Prosecco, or Lambrusco. If it is wine for a hot afternoon, open a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and serve it with salad.
For those still learning the art of ordering, buying, and drinking wine, start with light-bodied white then progressively turn to the red wine.
Mr Chege adds that you should not be restricted to famous wine producers. “You can even try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Marlborough is one of the best wine-producing regions. From Argentina, get a Malbec from Mendoza,” he says.
While guidelines matter, instinct should also be part of the plot. The bold reds can overwhelm delicate dishes, while smoked foods pair well with oaked wines. Grilled or roasted chicken works beautifully with oaked Chardonnay, which gains its complexity and buttery vanilla notes from time spent in barrels.
“You could get a Gewurztraminer which is very aromatic and it goes well with Asian or Japanese dishes. Riesling from South Africa is also a good aromatic wine,”he says.
Across the Atlantic, California wines command attention for their boldness and polish. These wines tend to be expressive and generous, that would easily appeal to drinkers who enjoy fuller flavours. A well-chosen California Cabernet can feel celebratory, while a balanced Chardonnay works beautifully with creamy dishes.
Joy Adero a wine expert, suggests starting with a bubbly drink from France, a Veuve Ambal Cremant De Bourgogne maybe.
“It is made in the traditional champagne method but since it is not from the region of Champagne in France, it cannot be called champagne. You can use it as a welcome drink, an aperitif or pour it all night. It is also great for starters such as canapes,” she says.
