Table food and rose

Best Wines For A dinner Date 

Ready to elevate date night with some romance that is sure to impress your other half? Whether it’s a candlelit dinner in a restaurant, a night in front of the fire at a quaint B&B, or curled up on the lounge at home watching a classic rom-com — you need wine as your wingman!

Wine and romance go hand-in-hand. Why? Because it gives couples an excuse to set time aside to bask in each other’s company.

So if you’re planning a hot date night, we’ve got some cool wine recommendations to help you set a warm and sexy mood.

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How to choose the perfect wine for a perfect date

A great date night wine enhances the flavours of the meal you’re having, but more importantly, it’s a wine that you’ll both enjoy.

The general rule of thumb, however, is that Red goes best with red meat, pork, and rich and heavy, slow-cooked dishes. White matches dishes with lighter, more delicate flavours, such as seafood, chicken, pasta with white sauces, and soft cheeses.

Your date night setting is also important for determining the best wine.

For example, make the most of a more affordable (but incredibly intimate) night at home by cooking a romantic dinner using fancy ingredients suitably matched with a premium bottle of wine. Or better still, take the opportunity to rummage through the wine cellar for a special bottle of wine that’s been ageing gracefully over the past few years.

If you decide to eat out, study both the food and wine menu in advance to get a handle on what you may want to order on the night. It also helps to avoid any surprises with the bill at the end of the evening. If the restaurant allows BYO, go to a store and take the time to select and splurge on a bottle that you know you’ll both enjoy and that matches the cuisine.

Best sparkling wines for date night

  • White sparkling wine: Refreshing, classy, and festive…. the sound of popping a delicious bottle of Champagne, Prosecco, or other delicious expressions of sparkling wine is probably the most theatrical way to declare and celebrate your love. Sparkling wine is fantastic with an antipasto platter, prawns and oysters, caviar, and other seafood dishes.

Our pick: Tempus Two Copper Prestige Cuvée

 

Best red wines for date night

  • Pinot Noir: The versatility of this light-bodied red wine can make your date flawless as it pairs with almost anything from earthy mushroom dishes to glazed pork or grilled salmon. It has an elegant and luxurious flavour palate with a smooth body.

Our pick: 2021 Tempus Two Copper Pinot Noir

 

  • Gamay: Another versatile red, Gamay has high natural acidity and velvety tannins with notes of cherry, plum, floral nuances and oak. Excellent with roast chicken, duck, steak, sushi, mushroom risotto or burgers.

Our pick: 2021 Tempus Two Copper Gamay

 

  • Tempranillo: This sexy Spanish red wine is known for its opulent fruit flavours and spicy finish. Powerful, complex and rich, it’s a great choice for red wine lovers, especially if there is steak, lamb, pasta with a rich tomato sauce, or pizza on the menu.

Our pick: 2020 Tempus Two Copper Graciano Tempranillo

Outside table wine and food

Best white wines for date night

  • Semillon: A delicious alternative to your classic Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, Semillon is a delicate white wine with fruity undertones blended with rich honey and nutty flavours. It’s light when young and develops a heavier body as it ages. It pairs well with seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, steamed clams, and salt and pepper squid.

Our pick: 2017 Tempus Two Uno Semillon

 

  • Pinot Grigio: Crisp and vibrant, Pinot Grigio is an elegant white wine option for date night and is a delicious match with fresh seafood, grilled chicken, or tangy and herby salads.

Our pick: 2022 Tempus Two Copper Pinot Grigio

 

Best sweet wines for date night

  • Moscato: Light, sweet and fruity, and often accentuated with a gentle festive fizz, Moscato is a wonderful date night partner. It can be served on its own as an aperitif or alongside a grazing platter; it’s also excellent with fragrant Asian or spicy Indian food. And, of course, its sweet flavours pair wonderfully with dessert.

Our pick: 2021 Tempus Two Copper Moscato

 

Looking for more wine recommendations to make your next date night truly memorable?