Uncover the Sweet, Hidden History of Valentine’s Day and Wine

Did you know? In 1868, Maximilian Richard, a local dignitary, brought St. Valentine after purchasing him in Rome. It was hoped that the relics would protect the vines from the phylloxera infestation that ravaged the vineyards in 1866.

Valentine’s Day has long been celebrated as the day of love, but many don’t know that wine also plays a significant role in commemorating this special occasion. In fact, Valentine’s Day and wine have a history stretching back centuries to when love was celebrated in unique and unexpected ways. From feasts held with delicately-crafted varieties of reds and whites to thoughtful tokens exchanged between sweethearts—learn about how Valentine’s Day traditions evolved thanks to the magical world of viniculture. Through this fascinating exploration into history, we can uncover the truly sweet story behind one of the most iconic holidays for expressing affection.

Valentine’s Day and wine have been intertwined for centuries.

Though there are many different types of alcohol available, wine is often considered the drink of choice for Valentine’s Day. This may be due to the fact that wine has been intertwined with the holiday for centuries. One of the earliest references to wine and Valentine’s Day comes from a 14th-century poem in which the author complains about his love getting drunk on red wine on the holiday.

Since then, wine has continued to be associated with love and romance. In fact, many people believe that drinking red wine can improve your love life. This may be because red wine is high in antioxidants, which are believed to improve circulation and help you look and feel younger. Additionally, red wine is said to contain compounds that can help increase libido.

So if you’re looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a glass of wine, go ahead! Not only will you follow centuries of tradition, but you may also be doing something good for your love life.

Wine was used as part of special feasts and celebrations in honor of love

Wine has been used in celebrations and feasts honoring love for centuries. In ancient Greece, a wedding feast would not be complete without wine being served. The Greeks believed that wine was the drink of the gods and that it could bring happiness and fertility to those who drank it. Wine was also used in Roman celebrations of love. A popular drink at these parties was a mixture of wine and honey called mead. Mead was considered an aphrodisiac and was often served at weddings and other celebrations of love.

Today, wine is still frequently served at weddings and other celebrations of love. The aroma and flavor of wine can add a special touch to any romantic occasion. Wine is also often used as part of a toast to the bride and groom or to the happy couple. Some couples even choose to have their wedding reception at a winery, where they can enjoy wine tastings and beautiful views of the vineyards.

Whether you celebrate a wedding, an anniversary, or simply spend time with your loved one, wine can add a touch of romance and magic to the occasion. So raise a glass of wine to love and let the celebration begin!

For years, wine has been used as a symbol of love and affection

From Romeo and Juliet to Sideways, wine has been a symbol of love and affection for centuries. In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo declares his love for Juliet by comparing her to a glass of fine wine, saying, “She’s the sweetest grape I’ve ever tasted.” And in the movie Sideways, Miles declares his love for Maya by comparing her to a glass of Pinot Noir, saying, “You’re like a bottle of wine that gets better with age.”

These examples illustrate how wine can be used as a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of love. Wine is often seen as a sign of appreciation and respect and can be used to express admiration for someone’s personality or appearance. It can also be used as a gesture of affection to show someone that you care about them.

For example, when you take someone out for a romantic dinner and buy them a bottle of their favorite wine, you tell them that you appreciate them and want to make them feel special. Or when you gift someone a bottle of wine on Valentine’s Day, you send them a message saying, “I love you.”

Wine is also often associated with passion and romance. The sensual act of drinking wine can be seen as an intimate experience and can be used to create an intimate atmosphere between two people. And because wine is considered to be a luxurious item, it can be seen as a symbol of wealth and status. So when someone offers you a glass of wine, they’re not just giving you something to drink – they’re offering you a token of their affection.

Wine is a perfect accompaniment for Valentine’s Day celebrations

There are many reasons why wine is the perfect drink to accompany Valentine’s Day celebrations. For one, it is a very romantic beverage that can add an extra touch of romance to any special occasion. Wine is also known for its ability to pair well with a variety of foods, making it the perfect drink to enjoy with a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. Additionally, wine is thought to have aphrodisiac properties, which makes it the perfect drink to help get the party started on Valentine’s Day!

Tips for pairing the right wine with Valentine’s Day dishes and activities

Valentine’s Day is a special day for couples to celebrate their love. It can be a fun day filled with romantic activities and delicious food. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner at home or going out to eat, it’s important to choose the right wine to pair with your meal. Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect wine for Valentine’s Day:

If you are cooking a romantic dinner at home, try pairing a light, fruity white wine with your meal. A Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier would be a great choice. If you are serving a heartier dish, such as beef or pork, try a heavier red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Gourmet food in restaurant. Alaskan crab legs with sauces and glass of wine on wooden table, top view, copy space

If you are going out to eat on Valentine’s Day, choose a wine that will complement the cuisine of the restaurant. For example, if you are going to an Italian restaurant, order a bottle of Chianti. If you are going to a steakhouse, order a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

No matter what type of food you are eating on Valentine’s Day, always remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Have a happy and safe Valentine’s Day!

Wine has been intertwined with Valentine’s Day celebrations for centuries. Wine was used as part of special feasts and celebrations in honor of love and has been used as a symbol of love and affection over the years. Wine is such a perfect accompaniment for Valentine’s Day celebrations because it can be enjoyed alone or with food, and it can be paired with many different dishes and activities. If you’re looking for ideas on how to pair the right wine with your Valentine’s Day planned activities, read more here.

St. Valentine

Valentine was a Roman priest and physician who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus around 270 CE. He was buried on the Via Flaminia, and according to legend, Pope Julius I had a basilica built over his burial.

People have long called on him not only to watch over lovers’ lives but also to intercede on their behalf concerning beekeeping, epilepsy, the plague, fainting, and traveling. As you might expect, Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages.

Geoffrey Chaucer may have invented our St. Valentine’s Day. There are no historical records of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to Chaucer’s 1375 poem, “Parliament of Foules,” in which he links the tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s feast day.

More read: CLARET WINE: A British and French Story

The poem explicitly refers to 14 February as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate: “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh there to choose his mate.”

So there you have it, the patron saint of those afflicted by both love and the plague, whose bones were sought to help ward off pestilence in the southern Rhone region, whose legend may have been invented by an English poet more than a millennium later. Make sure you eat honey on this sweet day to honor his patronage of beekeepers as well.