Lasting longer than 24 hours and spilling beyond the confines of any Hallmark holiday, the desire to celebrate hearts, flowers, fun, and affection runs deep. For social types and good friends, as well as lovers and newlyweds, the urge to sip wine or share a singular meal can strike at any time.
How about dinner out? Sure! Should we crack that $60 bottle of wine? You bet! The happy splurge may be triggered by anything from a promotion to new shoes to the arrival of a day ending in “y.”
Everyday revelers savor triple scoops of ice cream on a whim, random desserts of chocolate and wine, and bottles of bubbly for no particular reason. They also smile readily and laugh broadly, buoyed by the sensation of a life path well traveled.
Every year, Feb. 14 provides those of us who need a reminder to live it up a little with a red-letter occasion for sampling all things pleasantly sensory and wildly romantic. On Valentine’s Day—24 hours of murmured sweet nothings and concentrated indulgence—fresh strawberries meet molten chocolate, loving hands exchange fragrant flowers, and declarations of affection fill the air.
Rooted in an ancient Roman agricultural festival, Valentine’s Day began as a community-wide celebration of spring that involved the scattering of salt and spelt grains, and the imbibing of lots of wine. Its name commemorates three martyred saints, all named Valentinus, and it was first officially declared in the 5th century A.D.
In keeping with the joy, renewal, and pair-bond mania of spring (the early French even maintained that birds choose their mates on Feb. 14), the activities of Valentine’s Day emphasize treats for all the senses. Not least among these goodies is wine, a Central Coast specialty sure to enhance daters’ desires and amorous proceedings.
Lovebirds planning a romantic dinner for two might want to prepare a sumptuous meal at home, where creamy chicken and mushrooms often taste better than a fancy dish in a crowded restaurant. Add a bottle or two of sparkling wine, such as Flying Goat Cellars’ delightful 2008 Goat Bubbles, a brut rosé made from Pinot Noir, and a humble dining room shines like a three-star eatery.
Other local sparklers worth bringing to the table (or seaside picnic or moonlight romp) include Lucas and Lewellen 2006 Brut Sparkling Wine, a crisp, yet fruity 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Mandolina 2005 Bianco di Bianco, a spicy charmer made from Muscat and Chenin Blanc grapes. From Cottonwood Canyon Winery comes the Pinot Noir-based 2001 Estate Blanc de Noir, while Riverbench Vineyard recently released their first-ever sparkling wine, the 2008 Cork Jumper.
If a fine cut of beef heads up the menu, consider pairing it with a smooth Merlot from Foxen 7200 or perhaps the Beckmen Vineyard 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic Bordeaux loaded with lush texture and ruby red highlights to mirror the sentiments of the day.
For spicier fare, say a shrimp vindaloo or pad Thai that makes the heart race, open a bottle of Lafond Winery 2008 Syrah, complete with rich berry and white pepper components that will match the food nicely.
We all know that chocolate rules at this time of year, so don’t forget to provide bittersweet chunks of the stuff to nibble while sipping Riverbench Vineyard 2007 Reserve Pinot. To encourage this particular pairing, staffers at the winery’s tasting room will dish out samples of both wine and chocolate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day (937-8340).
To sound a sweeter note, match chocolate kisses with nips of Kalyra Winery’s 2005 Vintage Port or Daniel Ghers Wines 2006 Tinta Roriz, a classic port-style wine made from Tempranillo, an heirloom grape varietal from Spain.
Fruit tarts and gooey cheeses make fine desserts, too, especially when accompanied by the honeyed flavors of a late harvest wine, such as Santa Barbara Winery’s 2008 LH Riesling, boasting 17.8 percent residual sugar, or Cambria’s marvelous 2008 LH Viognier.
Even those who observe International Quirkyalone Day (which also falls on Feb. 14) will want to celebrate with some wine-fueled fun. To get a head start, check out Friday Night Wine Downs, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Costa de Oro tasting room, where Feb. 12 finds musician Michael Shelton playing both classic and obscure tunes as revelers sip and visit (922-1468).
In the interest of savoring life and celebrating everyday moments, friends, lovers, and anyone at all can break out the chocolate and decant a vintage wine at the drop of a hat. Sure, Feb. 14 has been designated the official day for hearts, flowers, and pitching woo, but those with an ever-present urge to share fun and affection practice their pleasures all year long.
You love K. Reka Badger. E-mail comments or ideas to rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Feb 11-18, 2010.
