Picture this: a soirée infused with the decadence of chocolate and the sophistication of fine wines. While the traditional dinner party setting may come to mind, the possibilities stretch far beyond. Think girls' nights, bridal showers, milestone birthdays, retirement bashes, or even corporate events. A chocolate and wine pairing event transcends the ordinary, fostering connection and knowledge sharing among your guests.

Embark on a tantalizing journey with the artful symphony of chocolate and wine pairing. In this guide, we will delve into the world of chocolate and wine, as well as provide tips to fine-tune your pairings and elevate your tasting experience to new heights.

Decoding the Art of Chocolate and Wine Pairings

The alchemy of pairing lies in harmonizing the intensity of flavors. Light chocolates dance gracefully with delicate wines, while robust, tannic reds like cabernet sauvignon pair beautifully with rich dark chocolate. When in doubt, lean towards a wine sweeter than your chocolate selection for an exquisite symphony of tastes.

Wine Selection

Choosing complimentary wines is a pivotal step, so consider the following notes for your pairing:

• Smoother red wines with soft tannins, and higher-tannin reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting notes of these wines highlight the flavors of rich ripe fruit, which is perfect for chocolate pairing.
• White wines characterized by oak and richness.
• Lighter-bodied wines, such as fruitier Rosé wines.

Not recommended for wine and chocolate pairings: 

• Dry, high-acid, unoaked whites such as Sauvignon Blanc.
• “Bone dry” red wines with the highest tannins or herbal/pyrazine flavors.
• Highly acidic and significantly tannic Pinot Noirs.

Chocolate Selection

As you delve into the world of chocolate varieties, Vine to Bar Dark Chocolate emerges as the epitome of sophistication and taste. Crafted as the Winemaker’s Chocolate, our chocolates boast the velvety, fruit-forward notes of WellVine™ Chardonnay Marc. The complex flavors of Vine to Bar chocolate effortlessly complement a variety of wines, creating an exquisite fusion that lingers on the palate and enhances the aromatic flavors with each sip.

Crafting Your Chocolate and Wine Pairing

With Vine to Bar as your culinary accomplice, the pairing adventure becomes a delightful escapade into the realms of taste and refinement. Elevate your pairing experience with these flights:

Flight #1: Vine to Bar Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares

• New World Chardonnay with Oak, La Crema, Cambria Estate, Kendall-Jackson or Stonestreet, Legacy
• Rosé of Pinot Noir: Cambria Estate, La Crema, WillaKenzie, Hartford Court

Flight #2: Chardonnay Smoked Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares

• Zinfandel: Murphy-Goode, Hartford Family, Kendall-Jackson
• Syrah: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve, Cambria Estate
• Merlot: Freemark Abbey, Matanzas Creek Winery

Flight #3: Cherry and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares

• Pinot Noir: La Crema, Cambria Estate, Hartford Court
• Zinfandel: Murphy-Goode, Hartford Family, Kendall-Jackson
• Merlot: Freemark Abbey, Matanzas Creek Winery
• Rosé of Pinot Noir: Cambria Estate, La Crema, WillaKenzie

Flight #4: Almonds With Pink Himalayan Salt Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares

• Pinot Noir: La Crema, Cambria Estate, Hartford Court
• Zinfandel: Murphy-Goode, Hartford Family, Kendall-Jackson
• Merlot: Freemark Abbey, Matanzas Creek Winery
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Arrowood, Kendall-Jackson, Vintner’s Reserve, Carmel Road

Vine to Bar Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares are offered in convenient 8-count, 15-count, and 50-count options. This allows you the flexibility to tailor your order precisely to the requirements of your wine and chocolate pairing event, no matter its size. Alternatively, savor the rich flavors in Vine to Bar Dark Chocolate bars, mirroring the exquisite options mentioned earlier.

Enhancements for Your Pairing

• Complete your pairing with a palette-cleansing array of fresh fruits, nuts, and water crackers. 
• Don't forget a pitcher of fresh, room-temperature water to keep the taste buds refreshed between each delectable bite.
• For an authentic tasting experience, your choice of wine glasses is paramount. Kendall Jackson's guide is your beacon to the perfect glass for every wine.

The Secret Ingredient: WellVine™ Chardonnay Marc

Unlock the secrets to an unforgettable union of flavors with Vine to Bar, the world's first premium dark chocolate infused with WellVine™ Chardonnay Marc. This unique ingredient, crafted from spent grape remnants, tempers the bitterness in dark chocolate and brings forth nutrients that contribute to a better-for-you indulgence. A win for both our palates and the planet, turning winemaking by-products into a delectable superfood.

Savor the Experience

The art of chocolate and wine pairings transcends mere culinary exploration; it’s a sensory journey that transforms any gathering into a symphony of flavors. Whether hosting an intimate soirée or a grand celebration, the harmonious pairing of Vine to Bar Dark Chocolate with a carefully curated selection of wines will elevate the experience to an unparalleled level. View our Chocolate and Wine Pairing Guide for the ultimate pairing experience.