Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While indoor dining will open at 25% right before the holiday, many New Yorkers will opt to have a romantic dinner with their loved ones or gather (safely) for a Galentine’s night.
Whether you’re coupled up or not, you can always spice up the evening with a nice bottle of wine or a spirit. Here are some affordable options that will impress whoever your date is this Valentine’s Day.
Snoop Cali Red – $12
Snoop Dogg collaborated with 19 Crimes Wine to create the Snoop Cali Red, a Red Blend of Lodi-sourced Petite Syrah 65%, Zinfandel 30%, Merlot 5%. The bottle is also an interactive activity that you, your date or your friends can enjoy — go to www.askthedoggfather.com on a mobile device and scan any bottle of Snoop Cali Red. From there, you can ask a question and Snoop will appear in miniature holographic form to offer his wisdom and signature swagger in front of his 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red bottle.
Banfi Rosa Regale – $19.99
The Banfi Rosa Regale is a sparkling option that will truly tantalize your tastebuds. Made from Brachetto d’Acqui, the wine offers an aromatic bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, and rose petals that pair well with any type of meal.
Ecco Domani – $11.99
For those who prefer a glass of white wine, Ecco Domani scours for the best grapes in Italy to bring you a one-of-a-kind blend. Their Pinot Grigio has notes of tropical fruit flavors and a crisp, refreshing finish that fits well on any occasion.
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $10.99
With a deep purple color and even deeper notes of flavor, the Casillero del Diablo Carmenere is a great bottle to have on hand this Valentine’s Day. The wine has fruit aromas and flavors of dark plums and black currant, dark chocolate with hints of spice, coffee, and toast from aging in French oak barrels, so you will surely impress anyone with this bottle.
Apothic Pinot Noir – $10.99
Who doesn’t love a glass of Apothic? Their Pinot Noir has a dark side that is a great addition to the table on Valentine’s Day. The Pinot Noir has layers of bright ripe cherry and crushed raspberries with a dash of red currant plus tannins that offer the feel of caramel and vanilla that will take your palate on a journey.
Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia Malbec – $35
Trapiche’s Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia Malbec is truly a force to be reckoned with. This single-vineyard Malbec has a deep red color with ruby hues and has intense aromas of dark fruit with notes of smoke, mint, spices, thyme, graphite, and licorice. It will feel like a splurge even at this affordable price.
Jagermeister Cold Brew Coffee – $24.99
How about a nightcap? For those who love to end the night with a coffee but want the vibes of making it Irish, if you catch our drift, the Jagermeister Cold Brew Coffee is a great option. A shot of this brew contains flavors from 56 herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits with the flavors of intense rich Arabica coffee and cacao.
PATRÓN XO Café – $20
In a similar style as the Jagermeister, PATRÓN XO Café gives you a taste of coffee with your alcohol to end the night on a perfect note. The low-proof coffee liqueur is a blend of Patrón Silver and the essence of fine coffee, making it an excellent choice for sipping and mixed in cocktails.
Editor’s note: The selections in this list were chosen at random by the author.
