The best wine pairings don't always come from the most expected places. Beringer Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has a sweet tooth and the expertise to do something useful with it — matching Halloween candy to wines that bring out the best in both.
Three pairings. Three very different flavor directions. All worth trying.
At a Glance
- Expert: Margo Van Staaveren, Beringer Winemaker
- Pairing 1: Dark chocolate truffles + Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pairing 2: Soft caramel candy + Private Reserve Chardonnay
- Pairing 3: Strawberry champagne gummy + Knights Valley Mountain Rosé
1. Dark Chocolate Truffle + Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
"The rich, velvety texture of dark chocolate truffles enhances the bold structure and dark fruit notes of these Cabernets. A luxurious match of intensity and elegance." — Margo Van Staaveren
Dark chocolate's bitterness and cocoa depth pull the wine's blackberry and warm spice notes forward. The fat in the truffle softens the Cabernet's tannins without erasing them — the result is layered and indulgent, the way the best pairings are. Knights Valley Reserve Cab, grown on volcanic mountain terrain in Sonoma County, has the structure to hold its own against the intensity of dark chocolate while its fruit character remains vivid.
Why it works: Bitter chocolate amplifies dark fruit. Fat softens tannins. Shared intensity between wine and candy creates balance rather than competition.
2. Soft Caramel Candy + Private Reserve Chardonnay
2023 Private Reserve Chardonnay
"Buttery caramel meets its match in this opulent Chardonnay. The wine's creamy texture and hints of vanilla echo the candy's sweetness while its acidity keeps the finish clean." — Margo Van Staaveren
Private Reserve Chardonnay is barrel-fermented with careful oak integration — it carries notes of vanilla, brioche, stone fruit, and a creamy, rich texture that mirrors soft caramel without tipping into heaviness. The wine's acidity does the crucial work here, cutting through the candy's sweetness and keeping the palate fresh between bites. It's an unexpectedly sophisticated pairing that makes the most of both.
Why it works: Shared vanilla and caramel notes between the candy and the oak in the wine. Acidity refreshes the palate and prevents sweetness fatigue.
3. Strawberry Champagne Gummy + Knights Valley Mountain Rosé
"A joyful pairing! The bright, fruity sparkle of Mountain Rosé lifts the juicy strawberry notes of the gummy, creating a fun and fizzy flavor burst." — Margo Van Staaveren
Rosé and strawberry are natural companions — they share the same fruit register. The Mountain Rosé's brightness and acidity lift the candy's sweetness and add a freshness that makes the combination feel lighter than either on its own. It's the most playful of the three pairings and the one most likely to surprise people who don't expect wine and candy to work this well together.
Why it works: Shared fruit character between the candy and the wine. Acidity provides contrast and freshness against the gummy's sweetness.
Quick Reference
| Candy | Wine | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate truffle | Knights Valley Reserve Cab | Bitter chocolate amplifies dark fruit; fat softens tannins |
| Soft caramel | Private Reserve Chardonnay | Shared vanilla and caramel notes; acidity refreshes palate |
| Strawberry gummy | Mountain Rosé | Shared fruit character; brightness lifts sweetness |
About Margo Van Staaveren
Margo Van Staaveren is a winemaker at Beringer Vineyards, known for her approach to wine and food pairing and her enthusiasm for finding pleasure in unexpected combinations. Her work spans Beringer's full portfolio — from the Knights Valley collection to the Private Reserve program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chocolate pair well with red wine?
Dark chocolate and full-bodied red wine are a classic pairing. The key is matching intensity — a chocolate with 60% cocoa or higher works best with a structured Cabernet Sauvignon or similar red. Dark chocolate's bitterness amplifies the wine's dark fruit, while the fat in the chocolate softens the tannins. Milk chocolate tends to be too sweet for most reds but can work with lighter, fruit-forward wines.
What wine pairs with caramel candy?
Full-bodied white wines with barrel aging and notes of vanilla and butter pair well with caramel candy. Private Reserve Chardonnay is a strong match — its creamy texture and vanilla character mirror the candy, while its acidity keeps the finish from becoming too sweet.
What wine pairs with fruit-flavored candy?
Dry rosé and light, fruit-forward wines tend to pair well with fruit-flavored candy. Knights Valley Mountain Rosé works particularly well with strawberry-flavored candies because the wine shares the same fruit register while its acidity provides contrast and freshness.
Who is Margo Van Staaveren?
Margo Van Staaveren is a winemaker at Beringer Vineyards whose work spans the winery's portfolio. She is known for her thoughtful approach to food and wine pairing and brings a sense of curiosity and playfulness to the craft — as evidenced by her candy-and-wine pairings.
SHOP KNIGHTS VALLEY RESERVE CABERNET
SHOP PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY
Want more unexpected pairings? Try our Mango Avocado Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette paired with Private Reserve Chardonnay.
