Halloween is the perfect time to gather around with friends, cozy up on the couch, and indulge in some classic thrills and chills. But why not elevate (without overusing the word!) your spooky season movie marathon with an extra touch of sophistication?
This year, we're diving into the iconic horror movies of the '70s and pairing them with wines from our Witches' Brew Box that are as unforgettable as the films themselves. From the lingering suspense of The Exorcist to the edge-of-your-seat thrill of Jaws, each wine pairing brings out the best flavors to match the mood, intensity, and ambiance of these Halloween classics. Grab a glass, press play, and let’s explore the ultimate retro wine and horror experience!
1. "Halloween" (1978) x 2018 Comstock Wines Estate Zinfandel
Pairing Notes: Bold, Dark Fruit, and Perfectly Haunting
Let’s start with a classic! John Carpenter’s Halloween set the gold standard for horror movies, with the chilling presence of Michael Myers haunting every scene. What better way to enjoy this suspenseful experience than with a wine that embodies intensity and character?
The first wine in our Witches' Brew Box, 2018 Comstock Wines Estate Zinfandel, is a rich, dark wine with bold fruit notes of black cherry and plum, paired with undertones of vanilla and spice that mirror the tension and complexity of the film.
The spice and warmth of the Zinfandel will keep you grounded as the tension escalates on screen, creating a cozy but thrilling experience. With a lingering finish that matches the movie’s suspenseful ending, this wine is the perfect companion for a haunting Halloween night.
2. "The Exorcist" (1973) x 2021 Testarossa Winery Cuvee Pinot Noir
Pairing Notes: Elegant, Earthy, and Surprising
Few horror films are as haunting as The Exorcist, with its eerie atmosphere and psychological tension. To complement this masterpiece, we’ve paired it with the next wine in our box, 2021 Testarossa Winery Cuvee Pinot Noir. This Pinot Noir is layered with earthy tones of mushroom and forest floor, combined with elegant red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry. Much like the film itself, this wine is deceptively complex, with a delicate balance of intensity and elegance.
The Cuvee Pinot Noir’s subtle spice and silky tannins make each sip as captivating as the scenes on screen. It’s the ideal pairing for a night of spine-tingling thrills while remaining refined, adding a sophisticated touch to the chilling horror that defines The Exorcist.
3. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974) x Line 39 2019 Red Blend
Pairing Notes: Bold, Structured, and Rugged
If you’re looking for a wine to match the raw, rugged terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Line 39 2019 Red Blend is a perfect choice. This Red Blend has an intense and full-bodied profile, with a medley of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, and hints of mocha that provide a sense of grounded strength. Its bold tannins and structured finish complement the gritty, relentless tone of the movie.
As the characters on screen grapple with the unthinkable, the Line 39 Red Blend will be your partner through every twist and turn. Strong yet approachable, this wine pairs perfectly with the movie’s unfiltered horror, making it a great addition to your Halloween horror night lineup.
4. "Jaws" (1975) x 2021 J.Wilkes Lagrein Red
Pairing Notes: Deep, Complex, and Unexpected
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws changed the landscape of thriller-horror films, and it deserves a wine that matches its powerful undercurrents. Enter the 2021 J. Wilkes Lagrein Red—a unique varietal that’s not often found but is rich, full-bodied, and layered. With flavors of dark fruit, leather, and earthy tones, this wine echoes the depths of the ocean and the suspense lurking beneath the surface.
Lagrein’s velvety mouthfeel and balanced acidity provide an adventurous pairing for Jaws, giving viewers a taste of the unknown with every sip. So, as you brace yourself for the shark's next appearance, let this wine be your calming anchor. Just like the film, it’s captivating, bold, and unforgettable.
5. "Young Frankenstein" (1974) x 2021 Le Vigne Winery Cuvee Estate Red
Pairing Notes: Playful, Smooth, and Well-Rounded
On the lighter side of horror, Young Frankenstein is a classic comedy that spoofs the horror genre while celebrating it. For this whimsical experience, open up the 2021 Le Vigne Winery Cuvee Estate Red, a wine with an easy-going, well-rounded character that’s as charming as the film itself. This blend offers flavors of ripe red berries, gentle spice, and a smooth finish, making it an ideal partner for a lighthearted Halloween viewing.
The Cuvee’s balanced flavors complement the film's quirky charm, adding a sense of playfulness to your Halloween celebration. A glass of this with Gene Wilder’s comedic brilliance is sure to keep spirits high.
6. "Dawn of the Dead" (1978) x 2022 Marques de Aldea Tempranillo
Pairing Notes: Rich, Smoky, and Bold
Finally, we end the night with Dawn of the Dead—a horror film that defined the zombie genre. This intense and gritty movie deserves a wine with a similarly robust character, and the last wine to complete our box, 2022 Marques de Aldea Tempranillo, fits the bill perfectly. With its smoky notes, rich red fruit, and earthy flavors, this Tempranillo embodies the film’s apocalyptic atmosphere.
As the characters fight for survival in a mall overrun with zombies, each sip of Tempranillo brings depth and warmth to your experience. Its bold profile will keep you grounded, making it a satisfying conclusion to a night of horror, suspense, and exceptional wine.
Make It a Halloween to Remember with Witches' Brew Box!
Experience the thrill of Halloween with a curated selection of unforgettable reds in our Witches' Brew Box. Inside, you'll find all the wines above, each bottle is ready to take you on a journey through classic 70s horror.
No need to choose—get them all in one box! Grab your Witches' Brew Box and elevate your Halloween night with this spine-tingling collection.