Join us for a hauntingly fun evening (Thursday Oct. 29th 6:30pm, Shaw) with our beloved friend and somm, Gabriela Batista, as we demystify four delicious wines that carry unnecessarily "scary" reputations and pair them with your favorite Halloween treats!

The "Scary" Wine Lineup & Candy Pairings

1. Chardonnay: The Oak Monster

   • Why it's scary: People fear it’s a heavy, buttery vanilla bomb that overpowers everything.

   • The Reality: Crisp, high-acid, or elegantly oaked Chardonnays bring vibrant orchard fruit and mineral freshness.

   • Candy Pairing: Candy Corn or White Chocolate KitKats — the wine's acidity cuts straight through the rich, sugary creaminess.

2. Riesling: The Sweetness Specter

   • Why it's scary: The common myth that all Riesling is cloyingly sweet and sticky.

   • The Reality: Bone-dry to off-dry Rieslings feature laser-sharp acidity, citrus, and electric minerality that pair brilliantly with food.

   • Candy Pairing: Sour Patch Kids or Starburst — a high-acid match made in heaven that brightens both the fruit and the candy tang.

3. Merlot: The Sideways Curse

   • Why it's scary: Decades of pop-culture shade left Merlot with an unfairly boring reputation.

   • The Reality: Plush, velvety, and packed with luscious dark plum and cocoa notes—it's one of the most crowd-pleasing reds in the world.

   • Candy Pairing: Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Reese's) — dark fruit and subtle oak nuances blend effortlessly with smooth chocolate and salty peanut butter.

4. Sagrantino: The Tannin Phantom

   • Why it's scary: Famous for having some of the highest tannin levels on Earth, making poorly made versions feel like a desert in your mouth.

   • The Reality: When crafted well and aged properly, Sagrantino delivers incredible structure, deep blackberry, espresso, and spicy complexity.

   • Candy Pairing: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bars or Twix — bold cocoa solids and rich caramel soften the massive tannic structure for a bold, luxurious finish.

Event Details & Checklist

• Host: Sommelier Gabriela Batista

• Atmosphere: Fun, educational, and delightfully eerie

• Dress Code: Costumes are highly encouraged! 🎃

• Availability: Limited seating — reserve your spot early before tickets vanish into thin air!