These Pennsylvania Wines Pair Perfectly With Chocolates

by Michele Gargiulo, wine and spirits editor

Sweet and blushing? Bold and silky? Whatever kind of wine you love, Pennsylvania has it. What brings romance to life better than locally and sustainably sourced wines? And there is nothing sexier than wine and chocolate. For the best experience, purchase handmade chocolates from one of the great chocolatiers in our area. Need suggestions? Feast your hearts on these pairings.

Penns Woods Winery’s Moscato Rose with White Chocolate

This subtle blushing wine’s sweetness pairs perfectly with luscious, white chocolate. Flavors of wild berries, juicy white peaches, freshly squeezed tangerine juice, and elderflower notes burst out of the glass. The label itself is filled with flowers that hint at the floral backbone that make up the aromatics. Honey notes linger on the crisp finish and complement the more subtle notes of cocoa found in white chocolates. This pairing is sure to elevate the wine, and if you can get your hands on some white chocolate with berries or peaches inside, you won’t be disappointed. Penns Woods Winery, Chadds Ford, PA

Grace Winery’s 1734 Red Blend with Milk Chocolate and Nuts

Talk about a silky-smooth mouth feel! Grace’s 1734 is begging to be paired with a nutty, milk chocolate. The wine itself boasts roasted almonds, crushed macadamia nuts, and dried figs. There is a chocolate liqueur undertone and more hearty flowers like hibiscus and lilacs on the long finish. A healthy amount of cherries and raspberries make themselves known on the palate. While a drier red, this wine does work to balance out the sweetness of your confection. This historically relevant winery located in Glen Mills boasts some stunning wines. You’ll be sure to fall in love with this wine – and some milk chocolate with hazelnuts. Grace Winery, Glen Mills, PA

Karamoor Estate’s Petit Verdot with Dark Chocolate

Big, bold, and powerful, this stunning red wine oozes dark cherries, molasses, and plum skins. The inky wine is filled with blueberries, blackberries, and lavender. This grape varietal is not yet as popular in our  area as it should be, but more local wineries seem to be interested in it. Rich and luscious, this wine is the perfect complement to the bitterness in dark chocolate. If you can find dark chocolate with caramel, I’d highly recommend spending some serious alone time with this wine and a  bonbon. Karamoor Estate Wines, Blue Bell, PA

Stony Run’s Vidal Blanc Dry with Milk Chocolate and Roses

Structured beautifully for a white wine, this hybrid grape thrives in our area. The wine itself has gorgeous texture and a more meaty mouthfeel than anticipated from the delicate nose. Aromatics of honeysuckle, Madagascar vanilla beans, lightly crushed rose petals and grapefruit zest are delightful. This wine finishes with soft peaches, Honeycrisp apples, and lemon zest. With this creamier mouthfeel, milk chocolate is the way to go. This complex wine begs for elevation with a floral, soft chocolate. Stony Run Winery, Breinigsville, PA

Chaddsford Winery’s Merlot and Chocolate Fondue

Lush blackberry jam, freshly cut plum flesh, tarragon, and cocoa notes grace this wine’s palate. Firmly dry yet dabbling in the fruity profile, these aromatics are shockingly seductive, with vanilla and mocha enticing you in. This winery’s labels are creative and fun, while the juice inside remains inspired by the old world. Plushy tannin, a creamy texture, and a kiss of oak beg for the warmth of gooey, melted chocolate. Dip plenty of strawberries and Gouda cheese into this fountain to complement the texture and flavor profile of this exciting wine. Chaddsford Winery, Chadds Ford, PA

Galen Glen’s Erin Elizabeth Sparkling Gruner Veltliner with White Chocolate

Bubbles with the creamiest texture infuse this wine, which is delicate, with freshly blooming jasmine, ripe apricots, and a whisper of freshly cracked white pepper. A lingering note of green is reminiscent of recently cut grass in the summertime. This wine is begging to be paired with silky, extra sweet white chocolate. From the Lehigh Valley, this wine is sure to surprise any Gruner Veltliner lover who is used to seeing this grape from Austria. Be sure to get these bubbles extra cold before settling down in front of a fire with your white chocolate. You will have no regrets! Galen Glen Winery, Andreas, PA

Setter Ridge Vineyard’s “Three Sisters” and Dark Chocolate

Named for Setter Ridge’s three Blair sisters, this wine is made up of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet. While the Pinot Noir adds a gorgeous, red, fruited aromatic, the Merlot creates a plushy texture as the Cabernet adds body and a firm backbone. Aromatics of pomegranate, dried cranberries, and a hint of cassis jump out of the glass. Black cherry cobbler and a kiss of sautéed mushrooms linger on the lengthy finish. The flavor profile is balanced enough to complement the sweetness and bitterness of the dark chocolate. Together, this dynamic duo is sure to elevate your evening. Setter Ridge Vineyards, Kutztown, PA

Want more about local food and wine? Read about the Main Line Restaurant Facebook Wars, the new Rosalie opening in Glen Mills, and JT Wilder’s BBQ in Devon.

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