Are you ready to host an unforgettable chocolate and wine pairing party? Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a delightful evening with friends, pairing Hershey’s chocolates with a selection of wines can elevate your event to a whole new level. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create an elegant and enjoyable tasting experience.
The Perfect Pairings
HERSHEY’S Cookies ‘N’ Creme & Moscato
The creamy sweetness of Cookies ‘N’ Creme pairs beautifully with Moscato's fruity and floral notes. Moscato often has hints of peach, orange, and tropical fruits, which blend nicely with the vanilla and chocolate in Cookies ‘N’ Creme.
HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate & Riesling
The smooth, rich flavor of milk chocolate complements the crisp, slightly sweet taste of Riesling. A riesling's natural acidity helps to cut through the richness of the chocolate, creating a refreshing contrast. This balance prevents the pairing from becoming overly sweet.
REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups & Red Blend
The savory peanut butter and chocolate combination in REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups makes a great pair for a robust red blend. These wines often have aromatic notes of vanilla, chocolate, and sometimes even coffee, which can mirror and enhance the flavors in REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups.
ROLO® Candy & Pinot Noir
The classic caramel and chocolate combo is enhanced by the earthy and fruity flavors of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir often has aromatic notes of red fruits, flowers, and a hint of spice. These notes bring out the flavors of the caramel and chocolate, adding an extra layer of complexity and enjoyment to the pairing.
CADBURY ROYAL DARK Chocolate & Cabernet Sauvignon
The intense, semisweet taste of dark chocolate is a perfect match for the bold, tannic notes of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's rich notes of dark fruits like blackberry and blackcurrant complement the deep, complex flavors of the chocolate.
BONUS: TWIZZLERS Twists & Sauvignon Blanc
For a fun twist, pair fruity, chewy TWIZZLERS Twists with the zesty and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc often has aromatic notes of lime, green apple, and sometimes even a hint of tropical fruits, enhancing the fruity flavors of TWIZZLERS Twists. This pairing would go well after enjoying HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate and Riesling.
Tasting Tips
Start light!
Begin with lighter wines and chocolates, then progress to darker chocolates and fuller-bodied wines. This will keep your palate from being too overwhelmed as you slowly move to heavier wines. Our pairings are already outlined above in the recommended tasting order!
Use all the senses.
Start with touching the chocolate and feeling the smooth, or not-so-smoothness! Then you’re going to listen. Break off a piece and listen to any sounds it makes. Finally, breathe in those yummy chocolatey scents. When it comes to the wine, start by swirling your drink in the glass for about 5 seconds to release the natural aromas. Inhale deeply and try to identify any flavor notes. Take a sip, but don’t swallow the wine right away! Take a second to gather your initial thoughts and then finish the drink.
Don’t forget the palate cleansers.
Offer a snack like crackers or SKINNYPOP Original Popped Popcorn and iced water to cleanse the palate between tastings. This acts as a “reset” button for your taste buds, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors of each wine without the lingering taste of the last one.
Add in some yummy refreshments!
Enhance the experience with a variety of snacks such as Spicy Cocoa Glazed Pecans, BROOKSIDE Signature Trail Mix, DOT’S Cheesecake Bars, or a cheese or charcuterie board. Anything with nuts is a great snack to help balance out the acidity and tannins in wine, and cheesecake is just delicious!
The Party
Preparing the Pairing Station
Keep things organized by lining up the wine bottles with their paired chocolates. Using craft paper as a tablecloth or table runner is a cute and easy way to label all the pairings – write them directly on the paper!
Provide each guest with their own wine glass and let them pour at their own pace, allowing for experimentation with different combinations. Want to add some special touches? Get personalized glasses if celebrating a special occasion like a bachelorette, birthday or retirement party!
Set the Scene
Ambiance is everything with a chocolate and wine pairing party, but don’t worry, a little bit can go a long way! Get creative with table settings and decorations by adding simple touches like candlesticks, fairy lights, and small vases of flowers. Try thrifting some flower vases and let guests take one home as a memento.
And don’t forget the tunes! You know your guests better than anyone, so have fun putting together a playlist that fits your vibe. If you want to go for a more sophisticated route, also consider providing tasting notes and aroma wheels to make the event more engaging and educational!
Sip Back and Relax
By following these tips, you can host an enjoyable chocolate and wine pairing party that your guests will remember fondly. Let them keep the exploration going by providing party favors like mini bottles of wine and small bags to take home extra chocolate in. Cheers to a delightful evening of indulgence and discovery!
