Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means restaurants across Toronto will be booked solid, prix-fixe menus will be pricier than usual, and getting a table at a decent hour will take some luck. More and more couples are skipping the scramble and planning a night in instead: a home-cooked meal, good music, and a bottle (or two) of something that feels special.
The drinks are what turn a regular dinner at home into an occasion. Here is how to choose the right sparkling and red wines for two, what to pair them with, and a simple cocktail if you want to make the evening feel like a night out.
Start with bubbles
Nothing sets the tone like the sound of a cork. Sparkling wine is also one of the most food-friendly drinks there is: its acidity and bubbles refresh your palate between bites, so it works from appetisers right through to dessert.
Sparkling rosé: the Valentine’s classic
Pink, festive and a little indulgent, sparkling rosé is the obvious choice for the night, and for good reason. Luc Belaire Rare Sparkling Rosé is a French sparkling with notes of red berries and a clean, dry finish. It looks beautiful in the glass and works with everything from oysters to strawberries.
Prosecco: lighter and fruitier
If you prefer something softer and fruit-forward, Italian prosecco is a great choice. Bottega Vino dei Poeti Prosecco and Blu Giovello Prosecco both bring crisp apple and pear notes with gentle bubbles, perfect for toasting or for mixing into a cocktail.
Something sweeter for dessert
A demi-sec (lightly sweet) sparkling like Luc Belaire Rare Luxe is lovely with chocolate or fruit desserts. The general rule is that the wine should be at least as sweet as the dessert; otherwise it tastes sour next to it.
Red wines for a Valentine’s dinner
If the main course is steak, pasta or anything rich, a red wine is the natural partner. A few easy choices:
- Merlot is soft, plummy and smooth, with gentle tannins that won’t overpower a meal. Jackson-Triggs Merlot is an easy, crowd-pleasing pick for pasta, roast chicken or a burger night.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is bolder and more structured, with blackcurrant flavours and firmer tannins. Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon is a reliable choice for steak or lamb.
Not sure which suits your meal? Our guide to Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot explains the difference, and if you or your partner like a sweeter red, see how to pick a good sweet red wine.
Easy pairings for a night in
| What you’re cooking | What to pour |
|---|---|
| Oysters, shrimp or sushi | Dry sparkling rosé or prosecco |
| Creamy pasta or risotto | Pinot Grigio or a dry sparkling |
| Steak frites | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Roast chicken or salmon | Merlot or sparkling rosé |
| Cheese board | Merlot with soft cheeses, Cabernet with aged cheddar |
| Chocolate dessert | Demi-sec sparkling or a sweet red |
For more on matching food and wine, see what to consider when pairing a wine with a dish.
A simple Valentine’s cocktail: the Rosé Royale
If you want one signature drink for the night, this takes about 30 seconds:
- Add 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur (or a teaspoon of raspberry syrup) to a chilled flute.
- Top slowly with cold sparkling rosé.
- Garnish with a fresh raspberry or a strawberry on the rim.
For an alcohol-free version, use sparkling water with a splash of cranberry and raspberry syrup.
Serving tips that make a difference
- Chill sparkling wine properly. It should be cold, around 6–8°C. Put it in the fridge for at least three hours, or in an ice bucket with ice and water for 20–30 minutes.
- Don’t over-chill red wine. Reds taste best slightly below room temperature, around 15–18°C. Twenty minutes in the fridge before dinner is about right.
- Open bubbles quietly. Hold the cork and turn the bottle, not the cork. You want a soft sigh, not a pop that sprays half the bottle.
- Use the right glass. A flute or tulip glass keeps bubbles lively; a larger bowl helps red wine open up. Our guide to types of wine glasses has more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine for Valentine’s Day?
Sparkling rosé is the most popular choice because it is festive and pairs with almost any food. If you are serving red meat, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is a great second bottle.
How much wine do I need for two people?
One 750 ml bottle holds about five glasses. For a long dinner for two, one bottle of sparkling plus one bottle of red is usually more than enough, and the leftovers keep for a day or two with a stopper.
Can I get wine delivered on Valentine’s Day in Toronto?
Yes. Instabooze delivers wine and sparkling across Toronto and the GTA, including in the evening, so you can order while dinner is in the oven. Have your ID ready, as you must be 19 or older.
Whether it is a fancy three-course dinner or takeout on the couch, the right bottle makes the night. Browse our sparkling wines and red and white wines, or see why so many Torontonians choose Instabooze for wine delivery.
