A chocolate and wine pairing is the perfect way to indulge on Valentine’s Day and add a special twist to the traditional box of chocolates! We went to our local Chocolatier, Chocolate Maya in Santa Barbara, for advice about this pairing. Their chocolate truffles are delicious and unique but their suggestions provided us with some general rules to follow:

• Riesling and white wines pair best with white and milk chocolates
• Rosé is a good match for sweet and citrus flavors
• Cabernet Sauvignon and lighter reds pair well with dark chocolate and fruity flavors
• Merlot and darker reds go well with the darkest chocolates and spices

Be sure to ask your local Chocolatier about their favorite wine and chocolate pairings for Valentine’s Day!