By Katy Anderson | Contributing Author | Reddy Vineyards
If you are too old to go trick-or-treating this year, there’s still ways to enjoy Halloween candy! One of my personal favorites is pairing my Halloween treats with a big glass of vino. Read on to discover the best Halloween candy and wine pairings for popular sugary treats that will surely end up in your children’s hauls or discounted at your local supermarket.
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate and red wine is tried and true pairing but take it to the next level by combining the dark fruit flavors of a Cab with the nuttiness of peanut butter. Reddy Vineyards award-winning 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon* goes perfect with those pumpkin shaped Reece’s.
*Awarded 93 Points by The Tasting Panel and Texas Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 28th Annual Lone Star International Wine Competition
2. Syrah and Snickers
Impress your friends by pouring a glass of 2019 Grand Vitis French Red Blend before handing out some fun-size Snickers. The smooth, juicy red fruits complement the Snickers and provides a soft finish.
- Pinot Noir and Kit Kats
The 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir’s intense red fruit characteristics enhance the wafer candy while the earthiness elevates the chocolate flavors. A Double Gold Medal winner, the velvety finish may make you rethink sharing your Kit Kats or wine.
- Roussanne and Candy Corn
Love them or hate them, Halloween is not complete without Candy Corn. Pair this Halloween staple with the 2019 VMR White Blend to cut through the sweetness.
- Sauvignon Blanc and Skittles
While some add Skittles to their vodka, I suggest trying this fruity candy with a dry Sauvignon Blanc. The 2021 Petals and Clay Dry White tones down the sweetness of Skittles while complementing the fruitiness.
- Rosé and Gummy Bears and Worms
Fresher, fruit forward wines pair great with fruity candies like gummy bears. The refreshing and light body of 2019 Signature Dry Rosé perfectly pairs with everyone’s favorite chewy candy.
- Malbec and M&Ms
The rich blend of red and black fruit notes of the Gold Medal winner, 2018 M3 Red Blend, pairs amazingly with the melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate of M&M’s. The bold blend of Merlot, Mourvedre, and Malbec should be your new go-to for a full-bodied wine with a long finish.
- Riesling and Sour Patch Kids
Pair these sweet, yet sour, candies with complex Riesling such as Reddy Vineyards’ 2020 Dry Riesling to help mellow out the sourness. This Chablis-like wine offers fruit flavors of yellow apple and nectarine.
- Merlot and York Peppermint Patty
If you’re a fan of peppermint, go with a bold Merlot, bold and plum with notes of red and black fruits. Try a glass of 2019 TX-BDX Right Bank Red Blend* with this cool mint candy.
*Scored at 91 points and a three-time Gold Medal Winner at the 2022 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition, and the 2022 TEXSOM Awards.
- Viognier and Nerds
While most may reach for a sparkling wine to offset the sweetness, try the award-winning 2019 Reserve Viognier. Scored at 94 Points by the Tasting Panel, the acidity and layered flavors will have you throwing back Nerds by the handful.
- Tempranillo and Butterfingers
Texas Tempranillos have been gaining a steady fanbase, but just wait until you try this Gold Medal winner with a Butterfinger. The 2019 TNT Tempranillo Red Blend provides silky tannins and dark flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and spice this Halloween. Red wines and chocolate always pair well together but this pairing take it up a notch.
- Gewürztraminer and Starburst
Reach for a sweet white such as Gewürztraminer or Riesling to pair with your Starbursts. The chewy fruit candies can be somewhat tart so enjoy a glass of 2020 TX-LUSH Semi-Sweet White wine to balance out the sweetness of the wine and enhance the citrus notes in the candy.