by Kristen Wile

Whether you’re popping bottles with single friends, preparing a romantic dinner at home, or looking for a perfect night cap following a night out, Valentine’s Day calls for a special bottle of wine. Here are options for a red, white, and sparkling wine from wine professionals around the city, available for purchase at their shops.

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Assorted Table Wine & Shop, Uptown
Selected by Brion Cephus

RED: En Route Pinot Noir, $45.99
“The “heartbreak” grape should kind of always be on standby during the season of love. This interpretation from En Route is definitely a more refined, elegant take from the Russian River Valley that doesn’t skimp on aromatics of raspberry compote & lip smacking acidity to keep you, and your special somebody, coming back for more.”

WHITE: Gessami White Blend, $25.99
“Skip buying a bouquet of roses, and snag a bottle of this Spanish white blend on the way home instead! An aromatic combo of Gewurztraminer, Muscat & Sauvignon Blanc confidently weaves a symphony of floral notes that translate over to a dangerously delicious palate of orange blossoms & citrus pith.”

PINK: Sterparo Rose of Aglianico, $17.99
“Fresh, lively & a little spicy on the palate, this juice screams “I love you” straight from the boot of Italy. The native grape of Puglia that creates this rose, Aglianico, is incredibly food friendly. Consider pairing with a bone-in pork chop, wilted greens on a bed of creamy polenta finished with a balsamic reduction.”

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Bar a Vins, NoDa
Selected by Harry Hoover

RED: 2023 Lionel Faury ‘Les Hautes Ribaudes’ Syrah, Rhone Valley, France, $27 
“Classic, elegant, powerful French syrah.”

WHITE: 2023 Pax Mahle Lyman Ranch Chenin Blanc, Amador County, California, $42
“Whole-cluster Chenin Blanc grown at 1400′ elevation and aged in 500L puncheons.”

SPARKLING: NV Laherte-Freres Ultradition Extra Brut Champagne, $55 
“Beautiful grower’s champagne that won’t break the bank.”

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The Bohemian, Plaza Midwood
Selected by Patrick Villafane

RED: Château de la Font du Loup Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $115
“All grenache. All good. The best of the Rhône Valley.”

WHITE: Stamnaki Assyrtiko, $24
“Santorini goodness.”

SPARKLING: Breaking Bread, $35
“Natural sparkling wine from Sonoma County. 100 percent Zin.”

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Foxcroft Wine Co., SouthPark
Selected by Shawn Paul

RED: Pasanau Priorat “Ceps Nous,” $36.99
“Garnacha from Priorat is rarely this concentrated AND elegant. Think all the sun-kissed aromas and flavors of Pinot Noir, but with a deeply alluring intensity that recalls a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The finish is mouth-filling and very generous.”

WHITE: Mary Taylor Wines Sicilia Bianco by Clara Sala, $18.99
“While Sicily has a justly-deserved reputation for exciting volcanic reds, there’s a wealth of delicious white wine that represents tremendous value and rewarding flavors. This 100% Grillo (rhymes with pillow) is like a squeeze of ripe Mediterranean citrus, and a classic partner for any fresh seafood, especially grilled.”

SPARKLING: Jo Landron “Atmosphères Rosé” Traditional Method, $29.99
“Jo Landron is the very quintessence of a French farmer-winemaker, down to the exuberant and legendary moustaches. A passionate advocate of biodynamics in the vineyard, this wine is nuanced and refreshing, with a gorgeous coral-pink hue and ample just-ripe strawberry fruit. Dry and very easy to make disappear.”

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Prime Fish Cellar, Cotswold
Selected by Terrell Johnson

RED: Papapietro Perry 2021 Pinot Noir, $72
“This wine is a true expression of a “cab drinker’s pinot”. Full bodied, luscious and rich, yet still pinot.”

WHITE: Steinschaden Grüner Veltliner 2022, $25
“The white wine your refrigerator and palate has been missing. Zippy acid, beautiful floral components, and citrus.”

SPARKLING: Legras & Haas Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, $60
“A true Champagne with elegance and prestige. Champagne is for enjoyment, not just celebration.”