Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing Guide for a Spooky Good Time
When I was teaching wine classes and owned my wine shop, every year I was asked which wine to pair with Halloween candy. And I loved it because one of my passions is introducing people to unexpected but delightful wine pairings. Especially when it’s easy and fun, not stuffy and unapproachable. And Halloween is such an occasion!
These pairings should be taken as fun, not necessarily on-point pairings. In my opinion, candy isn’t really what you should be eating while drinking wine. But regardless, let’s dive into some festive wine-and-candy combinations that are bound to elevate your spooky celebrations!
Why Wine & Halloween Candy?
Pairing wine with Halloween candy adds a playful twist to traditional tastings. The right match can enhance each component's best qualities, allowing you to discover new flavor contrasts and complements. Here’s my Halloween pairing lineup, featuring some of the best candies of the season and the wines that complement them best.
Cabernet Sauvignon with Snickers
I’m starting with Cabernet and Snickers because, well, let’s just face it, Snickers is by far the best Halloween candy. While trick or treating, I usually had a glass of Cabernet in my tumbler and my kids were well aware to hand over the Snickers when I asked:)
Cabernet's bold tannins and dark fruit notes—think blackberry and plum—balance out the caramel and nougat sweetness in Snickers. The chocolate in Snickers brings out Cab’s more complex berry flavors, while the nuts add a subtle texture contrast. This combination creates a harmony of richness and sweetness that makes it ideal for enjoying on a chilly October night. You CAN NOT go wrong with this Mathews Cab- it’s one of the few wine clubs I belong to. So good!
Merlot with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
If you love smooth reds, Merlot and milk chocolate are a match made in heaven. Merlot's velvety tannins and plum flavors are just the right balance for creamy Hershey’s milk chocolate. Merlot’s softer structure and easy-drinking profile allow the chocolate’s sweetness to shine without overpowering it. This pairing is cozy and luscious, perfect for Halloween fans with a sweet tooth. And if your kids are anything like mine, the Hersheys is always the candy left in the bowl. So take advantage of it, open a bottle of this Otis Kenyon Merlot- one of my favorite Merlot’s from Washington State.
Tempranillo with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
One of my favorite pairings is a nutty Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with Tempranillo. Known for its earthy and slightly spicy character, Tempranillo complements Reese’s salty-sweet peanut butter perfectly. The red fruit flavors of Tempranillo, like cherry and raspberry, are highlighted by the peanut butter’s savory saltiness, making for a dynamic, crowd-pleasing combination. And Tempranillo like this one, pairs so nicely with food that it’s the perfect wine to have for dinner before you head out to trick or treat.
Chardonnay with Candy Corn
Haters gonna hate on Chardonnay and Candy Corn, but for those of us who love both, these two are a surprisingly good match. The oaky, sometimes tropical notes of Chardonnay (think pineapple or mango) enhance the creamy, sugary texture of candy corn. The wine’s balanced acidity keeps the pairing from becoming overly sweet, while the buttery notes of Chardonnay match candy corn’s rich, mellow flavor. Try to find an oaked Chardonnay like Rombauer from Napa Valley for the best pairing- look to Napa Valley for a great oaky Chard!
Sauvignon Blanc with Skittles
For fans of bright, citrusy whites, a Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with Skittles. The zesty acidity of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through Skittles’ intense fruitiness, creating a refreshingly crisp contrast. The wine’s green apple and lemon notes are an ideal counterpart to the candy’s burst of fruit flavors, letting each sip and bite bring out the best of both. I would choose a Sauv Blanc like this one from the U.S.A. where you’ll find more fruity flavors in the wine rather than grassy notes like you might find from New Zealand.
Pinot Noir with Twix
Pinot Noir, with its light body and fruity aromas, goes remarkably well with Twix. The wine’s cherry and raspberry flavors pair nicely with the caramel and chocolate layers in Twix, while Pinot’s gentle tannins complement the cookie’s crunchy texture. I always choose an Oregon pinot, of course! And this Coelho is a terrific option- we sold many of their wines in our shop. Coelho dessert wine is super tasty too!
Pinot Gris with Starburst
For something light and refreshing, a crisp Pinot Gris pairs nicely with Starburst. The wine’s notes of pear and green apple keep the palate refreshed between bites, balancing out the chewy, fruity sweetness of Starburst. Together, they create a bright and fun pairing that’s easy to enjoy. Oregon’s A to Z winery makes a delicious Pinto Gris at a very decent price point and it’s available most everywhere!
Tips for a Spooky Tasting Experience
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, or simply want to try these pairings at home, here are a few tips to make your tasting experience extra festive:
Serve Smaller Portions: A small pour is all you need for these pairings—just enough to savor the flavors.
Taste Light to Heavy: Try lighter wines first (like Pinot Gris), and save bolder ones (like Cabernet) for last. This tasting order helps you experience the full effect of each pairing.
Use Water for Palate Cleansing: Candy is sugary, and wine has acidity, so water will keep your palate fresh between pairings.
Enjoy Your Spooky, Flavor-Filled Holiday!
Halloween is a wonderful time to experiment with wine and candy pairings in a lighthearted way. Over the years in the wine industry, I’ve found that some of the best pairings are those we least expect—just like these Halloween treats!
I hope this guide inspires you to try something new this season, discovering unique flavors that make your Halloween night a little more magical.
Want More Perfect Pairings?
If you enjoyed these Halloween candy and wine pairings, there’s so much more to discover! Sign up for my Wild and Rooted newsletter, where each month I share a new wine and food pairing matched perfectly with the season. Plus, as a welcome gift, you’ll receive my free Italian Wine & Food Pairing Guide—the perfect resource to bring Italian flavors into your home.
And if you are trying to figure out what to make on Halloween night for dinner, don’t miss my Harvest Mushroom Pasta- pair with a Pinot Noir or Tempranillo!
Until next time, stay wild and rooted!
Courtney