The Ultimate Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing Guide
Sip, Sip, Hooray!
Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore! Trick or Treat Yourself! Discover the perfect wines to pair with your favorite Halloween candy. Whether you’re sneaking a Reese’s from the candy bowl, enjoying a handful of Skittles, or wondering where all the Snickers disappeared to (we won’t tell!), there’s a wine that can make your sweet treat even sweeter.
Grab your candy stash, pour yourself a glass, and let’s get pairing!
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups + Ruby Port
A match made in peanut butter heaven! That irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate practically begs for a rich, fruity Ruby Port. The wine’s notes of berries and chocolate complement the sweet, salty peanut butter goodness.
Why it works: Rich chocolate, salty peanut butter, and luscious dark fruit flavors create a decadent dessert experience.
The verdict: Reese’s just got a fancy upgrade!
2. Peanut M&M’s + Merlot
A little nutty, a little fruity, and a whole lot of delicious! Peanut M&M’s combine crunchy peanuts, smooth milk chocolate, and that colorful candy shell. Pair them with a soft, fruit-forward Merlot for a delightful combination. Merlot’s plum and cherry notes play nicely with the chocolate, while its smooth finish balances the roasted peanuts.
Why it works: The chocolate softens the wine’s tannins, while the nutty crunch adds another layer of flavor.
The verdict: A colorful little handful of happiness!
3. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate + Pinot Noir
Sometimes the classics really are the best! Smooth, creamy Hershey’s Milk Chocolate deserves a wine that won’t overpower its delicate sweetness. Enter Pinot Noir. With its bright cherry and raspberry flavors and lighter body, this wine makes a lovely companion to classic milk chocolate.
Why it works: Pinot Noir’s delicate fruit flavors complement the creamy chocolate without overwhelming it. Choose a softer, fruitier style for the best match.
The verdict: Simple, sweet, and surprisingly sophisticated!
4. M&M’s + Lambrusco
Colorful candy meets bubbly fun! Plain M&M’s are practically a Halloween requirement, and a slightly sweet Lambrusco makes them even more enjoyable. This lightly sparkling red wine offers juicy berry flavors, refreshing bubbles, and just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate.
Why it works: The fruity sweetness and gentle fizz keep every handful tasting delicious.
The verdict: A party in your glass AND your candy bowl!
5. Snickers + Tawny Port
You’re not you when you’re hungry… for wine! Snickers brings chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat together in one glorious candy bar. Pair it with Tawny Port, known for its rich flavors of caramel, toasted nuts, dried fruit, and warm spice.
Why it works: The wine’s nutty, caramel-like characteristics echo the flavors inside every Snickers bar.
The verdict: So good, it’s almost scary!
6. Kit Kat + Brachetto d’Acqui
Give me a break… give me a wine break! Those crispy chocolate-covered wafers deserve something light, sweet, and a little playful. Brachetto d’Acqui, a sweet, lightly sparkling Italian red wine, delivers delicious strawberry and raspberry notes that pair beautifully with Kit Kat’s milk chocolate coating.
Why it works: The refreshing bubbles cut through the creamy chocolate, while the berry flavors add a delightful twist.
The verdict: Break off a piece and pour yourself a treat!
7. Sour Patch Kids + Moscato d’Asti
First they’re sour… then they’re SWEET! Sour Patch Kids pack a serious punch of tart, fruity flavor, so you’ll want a wine that can handle their bold personality. Moscato d’Asti is a fantastic choice! This sweet, lightly sparkling Italian wine features peach, apricot, and floral notes.
Why it works: Its sweetness balances the candy’s tartness, while the bubbles keep things refreshing.
The verdict: A sweet-and-sour adventure for your taste buds!
8. Haribo Goldbears + Riesling
These little bears know how to party! Haribo Goldbears are fruity, chewy, and full of nostalgic Halloween fun. Pair them with an off-dry Riesling, which offers juicy apple, peach, and citrus flavors with refreshing acidity.
Why it works: The wine’s touch of sweetness complements the gummy bears, while its acidity keeps the pairing lively.
The verdict: Gummy bears and Riesling? Bear-y delicious!
9. Skittles + Rosé
Taste the rainbow… sip the sunshine! Skittles deliver a rainbow of fruity flavors, making a fruit-forward, slightly sweet Rosé a fun pairing. Look for one with strawberry, watermelon, and citrus notes to complement the candy’s bright, playful personality.
Why it works: The wine’s fresh fruit flavors enhance the candy, while its crisp finish balances the sweetness.
The verdict: A rainbow of flavor in every sip!
10. Twix + Late Harvest Riesling
Left Twix? Right Twix? We say BOTH! With its crunchy cookie, gooey caramel, and smooth milk chocolate, Twix is practically a dessert masterpiece. Pair it with a luscious Late Harvest Riesling, featuring flavors of honey, ripe peach, and apricot.
Why it works: The wine’s honeyed sweetness complements the caramel, while its bright acidity balances the richness of the chocolate and cookie.
The verdict: Two Twix, one glass, zero regrets!
Your Halloween Candy & Wine Cheat Sheet
Halloween Candy Wine Pairing
- 🥜 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ruby Port
- 🍫 Peanut M&M’s Merlot
- 🍫 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Pinot Noir
- 🌈 M&M’s Lambrusco (slightly sweet)
- 🍫 Snickers Tawny Port
- 🍪 Kit Kat Brachetto d’Acqui
- 🍋 Sour Patch Kids Moscato d’Asti
- 🐻 Haribo Goldbears Off-Dry Riesling
- 🌈 Skittles Slightly Sweet Rosé
- 🍪 Twix Late Harvest Riesling
Pairing tip: Wine and candy combinations are all about having fun! Sweeter candies generally work best with wines that are at least as sweet as the candy. Experiment with different styles to discover your favorites. Stop by BWP Liquor in Wisconsin Dells for Some BOO-zy Halloween Fun!
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, planning a spooky movie marathon, or simply enjoying a little candy after the trick-or-treaters have gone home, the right wine can make the occasion extra special.
Need help finding the perfect bottle? Explore our selection, and let our team help you find something delicious for your Halloween festivities! Because let’s face it…The only thing scarier than running out of Halloween candy is running out of wine! 👻🍷😂
Please enjoy responsibly.
Wine pairings are intended for adults 21 and older.