Halloween Pairings for “Grown-Ups”

Halloween isn’t just for the kids! Between the costumes, spooky decorations, and bowls of candy waiting by the front door, there’s plenty for adults to enjoy, too.

Traditionalists will stick to the dark chocolate and dessert wines or heavy body reds, but for those who are adventurous and like a little treat, try something outside the (candy) box!

While wine and candy might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, some combinations can be surprisingly delicious. The trick is finding the right balance between sweetness, acidity, and flavour.

We’ve put together a few fun pairings featuring wines from our Chaberton portfolio and some familiar Halloween treats. Consider it a little inspiration for that leftover candy bowl!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups & Chaberton Merlot

A little chocolate, a little peanut butter, and a smooth red wine.

There’s something irresistible about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The creamy, nutty richness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups makes them an interesting match for our Merlot.

The wine’s structure provides a contrast to the richness of the peanut butter, while the chocolate brings out a different side of the red wine.

The pairing: Try a small bite of peanut butter cup followed by a sip of Merlot. This is one for adventurous red wine lovers, as the sweetness of the candy can make a dry red taste more tannic.

Skittles & 2025 Chaberton Pink

A colourful combination that’s as playful as Halloween itself.

Bright, fruity, and full of personality, Skittles are practically made for a little Halloween fun.

Our 2025 Chaberton Pink is a refreshing choice to try alongside these colourful candies. The wine’s lively character provides a contrast to the sweet, fruity flavours of the candy.

The pairing: Try the strawberry and orange candies first, and see how the flavours change with each sip. For the best balance, enjoy the candy and wine in small, alternating tastes.

Candy Corn & Late Harvest Ortega

For those who believe Halloween should be extra sweet.

Love it or hate it, candy corn is a Halloween classic. Its sugary, vanilla-like flavour makes it a natural candidate for a dessert wine.

Our Late Harvest Ortega is a lovely choice for this pairing. Unlike a dry wine, a sweeter dessert wine is better equipped to stand up to the candy’s intense sweetness.

The pairing: The sweetness of the wine complements the sugary candy rather than competing with it. Serve the Late Harvest Ortega lightly chilled for a delicious little after-dinner treat.

Cookies and Cream & 2024 Barrel Aged Chardonnay

A creamy, crunchy treat with a touch of indulgence.

Who says Halloween candy pairings have to be all about red wine? Cookies & Cream chocolate makes a fun companion for our 2024 Barrel Aged Chardonnay.

With aromas of vanilla, pineapple, honey, and butterscotch, followed by notes of toast, lemon zest, and minerality on the palate, this Chardonnay brings an interesting balance to the rich white chocolate and crunchy chocolate cookie pieces.

The wine’s vanilla and toasted characteristics complement the creamy sweetness and cookie crunch, while its citrus notes offer a refreshing contrast.

The pairing: Take a small bite of Cookies & Cream chocolate, let it melt slightly, then follow with a sip of lightly chilled Chardonnay. It’s a playful combination that brings together creamy, buttery, and toasted flavours for a grown-up Halloween treat!

Sour Patch Kids & 2025 Gewürztraminer

Sweet, sour, and a little unexpected.

First they’re sour, then they’re sweet! Sour Patch Kids deliver a punch of flavour, so they need a wine that can bring its own personality to the pairing.

Our 2025 Gewürztraminer is a fun option to experiment with. Gewürztraminer is known for its expressive aromatic character, which can create an interesting contrast with fruity candies.

The pairing: Try the less sour candies first. The acidity and sugar coating can overwhelm a wine, so this combination is more of a playful tasting experiment than a traditional food and wine pairing.

Dark Chocolate & Tribute Fortified Wine

A Halloween treat worth saving until the end of the evening.

For those who prefer their Halloween treats a little less sugary, dark chocolate is an excellent place to start.

Our Tribute fortified wine makes a fitting companion for an after-dinner chocolate tasting. Fortified wines can offer the richness and intensity needed to stand alongside chocolate, making this a pairing worth exploring.

The pairing: Choose a smooth dark chocolate rather than an extremely bitter variety. Let a small piece melt on your tongue before enjoying a sip of Tribute.

Swedish Berries & 2023 Gamay Noir

A fruity favourite with a red wine twist.

Soft, chewy, and packed with berry flavour, Swedish Berries are a Canadian candy favourite.

Our 2023 Gamay Noir is a fun red wine to explore alongside them. Gamay Noir’s typically fruit-forward style makes it an interesting candidate for a berry-themed pairing, although the sweetness of the candy can overpower a dry wine.

The pairing: Enjoy the wine first, then try a berry candy and taste the wine again. It’s a simple way to discover how sweetness changes your perception of a red wine.

A Few Tricks for Pairing Wine with Halloween Treats

Not every candy will be a perfect match for wine, but experimenting is half the fun!

• Match sweetness with sweetness. Very sweet candies generally work best with wines that are at least as sweet as the treat itself.
• Think about texture. Creamy chocolate, crunchy wafers, and chewy candies all create different tasting experiences.
• Watch the sour candies. Intense acidity and sugar can make even a delicious wine taste unexpectedly sharp.
• Start with the wine. Taste it on its own before introducing the candy. You might be surprised by how much the flavours change.
• Keep it playful! Some combinations will be delightful, while others might be a little frightening. That’s part of the Halloween fun!

What’s Your Favourite Halloween Pairing?

Whether you’re sneaking a peanut butter cup from the candy bowl, enjoying a little dark chocolate, or simply unwinding after a busy evening of trick-or-treaters, Halloween is a wonderful excuse to try something different.

Stop by the Chaberton Estate Winery Wine Shop to explore our selection of wines and find something to enjoy with your favourite treats.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Chaberton Estate Winery!

Please enjoy responsibly. Wine pairings are for adults of legal drinking age!