The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wine with Chocolate

ew pairings feel as indulgent as wine and chocolate. Both are rich, complex and celebratory — but getting them right takes more than guesswork. Done well, the combination can elevate both flavours. Done poorly, it can leave a bitter aftertaste. Here’s how to master the art of wine and chocolate pairing at home.

Why Wine and Chocolate Pairing Works

At their core, wine and chocolate share flavour-building blocks. Tannins in red wine echo the bitterness of cacao, while natural fruit notes in wine bring out chocolate’s sweetness. Acidity and sugar levels also play key roles. When balanced, the pairing highlights depth and creates a luxurious tasting experience.

General Rules for Pairing Wine with Chocolate

• Match intensity: Dark chocolate suits bold reds, while milk and white chocolate shine with lighter, sweeter wines.
• Balance sweetness: The wine should be as sweet, or slightly sweeter, than the chocolate.
• Complement or contrast: You can mirror flavours (nutty sherry with hazelnut chocolate) or create contrast (sparkling wine with rich truffle).

Best Wines for Different Types of Chocolate

Dark Chocolate (70% and above)

Dark chocolate’s bitterness works beautifully with full-bodied reds. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel all match the chocolate’s intensity. A Shiraz with bold black fruit or a rich Californian Zin is a winning choice.
Affiliate pick: Penfolds Max’s Shiraz – peppery, fruit-driven, perfect with 70%+ dark chocolate.

Milk Chocolate

Creamy, sweeter milk chocolate pairs best with medium-bodied wines. Pinot Noir and Merlot add bright fruit notes without overpowering. Fortified wines like Port are classic pairings, offering both sweetness and complexity.
Affiliate pick: Fonseca Bin 27 Port – smooth, balanced, and a natural match with milk chocolate.

White Chocolate

Despite its name, white chocolate contains no cacao solids, making it creamy and sweet. Light, aromatic wines like Moscato or Riesling work best, along with sparkling wines such as Champagne.
Affiliate pick: Brown Brothers Moscato – fresh, floral, and a perfect counterpoint to white chocolate’s richness.

Flavoured & Filled Chocolates

• Caramel: Tawny Port or Madeira for nutty depth
• Nutty: Amontillado sherry with hazelnut pralines
• Chilli: Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cool spice
• Fruit-filled: Sparkling Rosé brings freshness

Hosting a Wine and Chocolate Tasting at Home

A structured tasting makes the experience even more enjoyable.

1. Order: Start with white, then milk, dark, and finally flavoured chocolates.
2. Serving: Chill sparkling wines, serve reds just below room temperature. Keep chocolate at room temperature for best texture.
3. Presentation: Arrange chocolates by type on a wooden board, add palate cleansers (plain crackers, water, strawberries).
4. Atmosphere: Dim lighting, soft background music, and printed tasting notes for guests.

Mistakes to Avoid When Pairing

• Don’t use very tannic wines with delicate milk or white chocolate — it will taste harsh.
• Avoid overly sweet wine with bitter dark chocolate — imbalance creates clashing flavours.
• Remember, price isn’t everything. A well-chosen $20 bottle can outshine a prestige label if it matches the chocolate properly.

Beyond Pairing: Wine & Chocolate Gift Ideas

• Curated gift boxes featuring regional wines and artisanal chocolates
• DIY baskets with your favourite pairings, wrapped elegantly
• Romantic Valentine’s or anniversary pairing sets (think sparkling Rosé with strawberry-filled chocolate)

Final Sip

Wine and chocolate pairing is about balance and play. Start with the rules, then experiment with your own favourites. Save this guide for your next gathering and create pairings worth remembering.