Valentine’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of love, connection, and unforgettable moments. And what better way to share those moments than over a perfectly paired dinner and wine? Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or sharing the evening with friends, a home-cooked meal with the right wine pairing sets the mood for an unforgettable night.
Let’s craft the ultimate Valentine’s Day dinner—from a romantic entrée to a sweet dessert—all paired with wines that enhance every bite.
💌 The Perfect Valentine’s Day Menu
💖 Starter: Strawberry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad + Sparkling Wine
💖 Main Course: Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction + Cabernet Sauvignon
💖 Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake + Ruby Port
This menu offers a balance of elegance and simplicity, designed to impress without stress.
🥂 Starter: Strawberry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad
This light, refreshing salad combines the sweetness of strawberries, the peppery bite of arugula, and the creamy tang of goat cheese, creating a perfect start to your romantic meal.
🥗 Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 2 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup candied walnuts
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥗 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange arugula on a plate or salad bowl.
2️⃣ Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and candied walnuts.
3️⃣ Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
4️⃣ Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
🍾 Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine or Champagne
✨ The bright acidity and bubbles of a Brut Champagne or Prosecco balance the sweetness of strawberries and creamy goat cheese, making this a perfect first course.
🥩 Main Course: Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction
Nothing says romantic dinner like a perfectly seared filet mignon, tender and juicy with a rich red wine reduction sauce.
🥩 Ingredients:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup dry red wine (use the same wine you’ll drink)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
🥩 Instructions:
1️⃣ Season both sides of the filet mignon with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove and let them rest.
4️⃣ In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5️⃣ Pour in the red wine, add rosemary, and simmer for 5 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
6️⃣ Return the steaks to the pan, coating them with the reduction for 1 minute.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon
A bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect match for filet mignon. Its dark fruit flavors and firm tannins complement the richness of the beef and the depth of the red wine reduction.
✨ Recommended Wines:
- Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (California) – Smooth with dark cherry and cocoa notes.
- Château Pape Clément (Bordeaux, France) – A classic, elegant Bordeaux with layers of flavor.
🍫 Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake with Ruby Port
End the evening on a sweet note with molten chocolate lava cake, a decadent dessert with a warm, gooey center.
🍫 Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
- 4 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
🍫 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter two ramekins and dust with flour.
2️⃣ Melt the butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs, stirring until combined.
5️⃣ Gently fold in the flour.
6️⃣ Pour the batter into the ramekins and bake for 10-12 minutes—the edges should be firm, but the center soft.
7️⃣ Let rest for 1 minute, then invert onto plates.
8️⃣ Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with raspberries.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Ruby Port
The rich, sweet notes of a Ruby Port pair perfectly with the dark, molten chocolate, enhancing the deep cocoa flavors without overpowering them.
✨ Recommended Ports:
- Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port – Velvety with notes of blackberry and chocolate.
- Taylor Fladgate Ruby Port – Smooth, fruity, and perfect with desserts.
💕 The Experience: Setting the Mood for a Perfect Valentine’s Dinner
A romantic Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t just about the food and wine—it’s about the experience. Here are some simple tips to create the perfect atmosphere:
✨ Table Setting: Use candles, fresh flowers, and soft lighting to create an intimate mood.
🎶 Music: Play a romantic playlist—jazz, bossa nova, or soft acoustic music.
💌 Personal Touch: Add a handwritten note or a toast to your loved one.
🍷 Slow Down: Sip your wine slowly, savoring every bite and every moment together.
💡 A Valentine’s Day to Remember
This Valentine’s Day menu offers everything you need for a perfect romantic evening—from a refreshing starter to a succulent main course and a decadent dessert, all paired with exquisite wines.
The best part? It’s crafted from the heart—and that’s what makes it truly special. ❤️
How do you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Share your favorite romantic dishes and wine pairings in the comments! 🍷✨
