Valentine's Day Tips - Wine

Ideas and tips for Valentine's flowers, treats, wine, dinner and dessert. Part 3 of 5.

A bold Syrah, or refreshing white, sparkling or dessert wine, might be just the right touch to compliment a romantic Valentine's dinner.

Local wine blogger Catie McIntyre Walker says many state wineries have built themes around "sexy Syrahs," often with a smoky aroma and spicy finish, in dark and inky purple hues. A Syrah can complement hearty stews, or grilled and braised meats, and is delicious paired with chocolate, she said.

McIntyre Walker says many local wineries offer satisfying Syrahs, with Dama Wines especially coming to mind as a "seductive" wine, as clearly shown on their wine label. Syrahs can range from about $20 to $50 and higher, with Gramercy, Forgeron and Dunham cellars just some of the several places to offer selections.

White wines are also a romantic addition that goes well with French cheeses, light seafoods or even sushi, McIntyre Walker noted. She recommended Viognier, a white wine that is available at Whitman Cellars, Cougar Crest, Skylite Cellars, aMaurice and Seven Hills wineries.

A sparkling wine is one that goes with anything from "popcorn to caviar," McIntyre Walker notes. Tru Cellars (trucellars.com) in downtown Walla Walla offers a good choice in sparkling wine that goes for about $30, she said.

For a truly decadent finish, try a dessert wine, like L'Ecole No. 41's Late Harvest Semillon, or Canoe Ridge's Port Cabernet Sauvignon. And don't forget the chocolate.

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