Valentine’s Day often calls for romance, but sometimes, the best way to celebrate is skipping a crowded restaurant and opting for a cozy night in with gourmet takeout. 

While ordering in simplifies the meal, selecting the wine can feel like a daunting task. Fear not! I’ve got your guide to pairing great takeout food with wines that elevate the experience and make it a special, celebratory feast. I was on WGN-TV’s “Daytime Chicago” sharing these tips and you can watch that here.

Chapel Down Brut Rosé English Sparkling Wine

Go big and go home with this rosy-hued sparkler from – yep – England! The Brits are turning out some beautiful wines, and in fact, there are now 240 wineries in the U.K.

Chapel Down hails from Kent, about two hours southeast of London. This dry sparkling wine is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier – the three classic grapes of Champagne – and also Pinot Blanc and Early Pinot Noir. It is crisp and bursting with red currants and strawberries.

TAKE OUT IDEAS

Dry sparkling wine is a dream paired with savory, salty, fried foods, because the crisp acidity of the wine cuts through the fat and salt and the two make magic on the palate!

• Fried Chicken
• Mac n’ cheese (maybe even truffled mac ‘n cheese – ooh la la!)
• Caviar on top of those potato chips for a luxury touch

Royal Connection

Prince William and Princess Kate drank this at their wedding in 2011. If it’s good enough for the future King and Queen of England, well – it’s good enough for you, too!  Find it at Potash Market in Chicago’s Old Town and Gold Coast neighborhoods or wine.com for about $49.  For more info, click here.

Bodegas Garzon Albariño Reserva

Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there are some fantastic white wines coming from Uruguay – a land that made its name on the bold red wine made from Tannat grapes.

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you will like this wine. Albariño typically comes from Spain and Portugal (where it’s called Alvarinho). Bodegas Garzon, Uruguay’s leading wine producer, has figured out how to grow it to perfect ripeness and vinify it into an elegant, crisp dry white wine.

TAKE OUT IDEAS

The juicy orchard fruit and crisp acidity pairs well with savory Asian flavors.

• Tuna or Salmon Poke Bowls
• Sushi
• Shrimp Cocktail

Find this wine at Binny’s for about $15 or on wine.com. For more info, click here.

Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone

Red is the color of romance and also of one of my favorite red wines: Syrah! Saint Cosme (pronounced saint comb) Cote du Rhone is 100% Syrah from the place that made it famous: the Rhone Valley of France. This winery has been family owned since 1490 (!) It’s an elegant, luscious red wine that tastes way more than it actually costs, with black and red fruits balanced with hints of dried herbs and a subtle peppery note.

TAKE OUT IDEAS

This bold red works wonderfully with meat and mushroom dishes.

• Meatloaf – the wine is sexy, even if this dish is not – it will be delicious!
• Barbecue – pulled brisket or ribs with a rich barbecue sauce
• Sausage or mushroom pizza

Find this wine for about $17 at Binny’s or on wine.com. For more info, click here.

N.O. Rosé by Catena

This is a new non-alcoholic sparkling rosé from Spain created by the Catena family – who are famous for their Argentina winery in Mendoza. On the label, you’ll see “Domaine E-de-M,” which stands for Winemaker Laura Catena’s mother, Elena Maza. Laura’s mother actually asked her to make an NA wine so could raise a glass with her family!

Laura Catena is famous in the wine world for her advocacy work, and you know what else is cool? She’s a doctor – like a real, practicing medical doctor “on the side” and she volunteers her time and talents to caring for people who need it most. She’s a real star!

The wine is made from the Airén grape and it is infused with rose petals! Airen is a low-acid grape known for flavors of green apple, pineapple and citrus fruit. The wine was gently de-alcoholized and force-carbonated for a fun, fizzy wine that everyone can enjoy.

TAKE OUT IDEAS

Keep the Mediterranean vibe going with Middle Eastern flavors. The wine is dry, and the fruity, floral flavors will complement savory flavors like:

• Falafel
• Hummous and pita chips
• Chicken or Vegetable Empanadas

Find this wine at Binny’s for about $25, or wine.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!