The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Candy & Wine Pairings: Treats for Grown-Ups!

Halloween isn’t just for kids. While they’re out gathering candy, we adults can indulge in something even more exciting—pairing wine with our favorite Halloween treats. Whether you’re throwing a spooky party, relaxing after trick-or-treating, or simply looking to enjoy some candy with a glass of wine, the right pairing can elevate the experience. In this guide, we’ll explore fun and delicious Halloween candy and wine pairings that are sure to please your palate and add a little extra magic to the spooky season.

Why Pair Wine with Halloween Candy?

Wine and candy might sound like an unlikely duo, but the right combinations can enhance both flavors. Just like pairing wine with savory foods, matching wine with candy involves finding a balance between sweetness, acidity, and texture. The sugar in candy can be balanced by the acidity or tannins in wine, and certain flavor profiles—whether fruity, chocolatey, or nutty—can be brought out by the wine. Plus, it’s a fun and unexpected way to enjoy your Halloween favorites!

 

1. Snickers + Cabernet Sauvignon

A Rich, Decadent Combination

Snickers, with its layers of caramel, nougat, and peanuts, is a rich candy that calls for an equally bold wine. Enter Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its full-bodied structure and dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect match for the nutty, chocolatey richness of a Snickers bar. The wine’s tannins help cut through the sweetness of the caramel and nougat, while its fruity notes complement the chocolate. This pairing is indulgent and satisfying—perfect for a Halloween treat!

Wine Suggestion: 2017 Caran Marquee Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

 

2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups + Zinfandel

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a fan-favorite for their perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet milk chocolate. To complement this iconic candy, reach for a glass of Zinfandel. Zinfandel’s bold, jammy fruit flavors—think blackberry and raspberry—add a fruity contrast to the savory peanut butter, while the wine’s slight spice brings out the sweetness of the chocolate. The richness of the candy and the vibrancy of the wine make for an exciting, flavor-packed combination.

Wine Suggestion: 2022 Wildeye Winery Zinfandel, Lodi, CA 

 

3. KitKat + Pinot Noir

Light, Crispy, and Elegant

KitKat’s light, crispy wafers and milk chocolate coating call for a wine that won’t overpower its delicate flavors. Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruit flavors and smooth texture, is the ideal match. The wine’s notes of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry bring out the sweetness of the chocolate without overwhelming the wafer’s crispness. A silky, fruit-forward Pinot Noir, particularly from California’s cool climate regions, pairs beautifully with KitKat’s light, crunchy bite.

Wine Suggestion: 2018 Olivia Edmund Pinot Noir Sonoma County

 

4. Twix + Merlot

Smooth and Caramelized

Twix, with its layers of caramel, chocolate, and biscuit, needs a wine that can complement both its smooth texture and sweet flavors. Merlot, with its soft tannins and notes of plum, cherry, and cocoa, is a fantastic match. The wine’s velvety texture mirrors the caramel in the Twix, while its rich fruit flavors bring out the sweetness of the chocolate. This pairing is smooth, luxurious, and perfectly balanced, making it a Halloween favorite for chocolate lovers.

Wine Suggestion: 2019 Giusti Massimo Cabernet-Merlot Veneto

 

5. Sour Patch Kids + Riesling

A Playful, Tangy Pairing

For those who love sour candy, Sour Patch Kids are a go-to Halloween treat. The candy’s tangy, sour coating and fruity interior need a wine that can balance its tartness while complementing its sweetness. Enter Riesling. A slightly sweet Riesling, with its notes of peach, citrus, and green apple, is the perfect match for the sour-sweet flavors of Sour Patch Kids. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the candy’s tartness, while its subtle sweetness enhances the fruitiness of the candy.

Wine Suggestion: 2016 Red Tail Riesling Farmers Muse Finger Lakes

 

Halloween Wine Tips and Tricks

• Serve Your Wine at the Right Temperature: Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel should be served slightly cooler than room temperature (around 60–65°F), while white wines like Riesling should be served chilled (45–50°F). This ensures the wines show their best flavors and complement the candy perfectly.
• Balance the Sweetness: When pairing wine with candy, it’s important to balance the sweetness of the wine and the candy. Sweeter wines like Riesling pair well with tart or fruity candies, while full-bodied reds with tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon, work best with richer, chocolatey treats.
• Create a Halloween Candy and Wine Flight: Hosting a Halloween party? Set up a fun candy and wine pairing station where guests can mix and match different wines with candies. It’s a great way to introduce people to new wine pairings and add some extra fun to the festivities.

The Story Behind Wine of the Month Club’s Selections

At Wine of the Month Club, we pride ourselves on offering hand-selected, high-quality wines from some of the best regions around the world. Our team of experts carefully curates each selection, ensuring that every bottle offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or something in between, we have a wine for every palate and occasion. And what better time to explore our offerings than Halloween, when you can treat yourself to a candy and wine pairing that’s as fun as it is delicious?

This Halloween, why not make your candy even sweeter by pairing it with one of our expertly selected wines?

At Wine of the Month Club, we offer a variety of wines to suit every palate—from bold and rich reds to refreshing whites. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or surprise your friends with a new pairing idea, our selections are sure to impress. Join Wine of the Month Club today! And start discovering new wines that pair perfectly with all of life’s little treats—Halloween candy included!