Valentine with Wine

Not sure what to do this Valentine's Day? Well, I've come up with the perfect V-Day for the wine lover in your life. All you need is some Missouri wines, a little prep time, and someone to share it with.

Step One: The Gift

Sure, you can't go wrong with flowers, but how about kicking it up a notch this year. Corks are all the rave. People are using them in furniture, decor, and much more. This V-Day give your special someone something unique from Etsy. I suggest some cork jewelry. You can purchase this Wine Cork Necklace (Bluebirds-up-cycled silver by Uncorked) and customize the charm with a bee, butterfly, or flower. This gift is precious, personalized, and helping to support small business owners. What's not to love? Or go with the Cork Cufflinks which are my favorite! They are truly unique and super  trendy!

 

Step 2: Cocktails

I know what you're thinking? Aren't we drinking wine? Of course, silly, but we are spicing things up this Valentine's Day. Style Me Pretty's Leah Bergman has come up with the perfect drink to show you love someone...Cherubs Cup Cocktail. And don't worry, it has wine in it!

Ingredients

• 1 part St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 2 parts vodka or Gin
• 3/4 part fresh lemon juice
• 1 part muddled strawberry
• Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

For your Brut Sparkling Wine, I suggest using Les Bourgeois's Brut. It's not a rosé, but it's my favorite. You could also considering using one of Crown Valley's sparkling wines. If you're looking to make the cocktail even sweeter, I would use their Pink Sparkling Muscato, or change up the flavor all together with the Chardonel Brut. Find the instructions here and ENJOY!

 

Step 3: Dinner

It's time to really impress your date! Challenge your cooking skills and step out of the comfort zone. I have two options, both include wine. 

Tune au Poivre with Red Wine Sauce. 

This recipe calls for red wine. I would suggest Robller Vineyard & Winery's oak-aged, dry 2009 Chambourcin or Ladoga Ridge Winery's Galen's Red (Chambourcin). Don't forget to garnish your plates and break out the fancy China. 

Mustard and White Wine Braised Chicken.

You'll need a dry white wine for this recipe. My suggestions are Stone Hill's 2012 Vidal Blanc or Bushwhacker Bend Winery's Chardonel. This French dish will surly impress your date!

Step 4: Dessert

As the evening winds down, you have one more chance to pull out all the stops. I really like this dessert because it's fun and kind of sexy (if you want it to be). You'll need to prepare these Wine Gummies at least 2-3 hours before you plan on eating them, and you can use any kind of wine you want. Of course, if you want them red like hearts, you'll need a red wine. I can't think of a more perfect wine for this treat than St. James Winery's Red Velvet!

Happy Valentine's Day!