Chocolate and wine are already two of life’s greatest treats. But when you pair them the right way? That’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or just want to treat yourself, learning how to pair wine with chocolate can seriously elevate your snacking game.

At Bloomington Chocolate Company, we believe great chocolate deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest — and that includes knowing what to sip alongside it.

Here’s your go-to guide for pairing chocolate and wine, no sommelier certification required.

Why Chocolate and Wine Work Together

Chocolate and wine both have complex flavor profiles, which means they can either complement or clash depending on how you pair them. The key is balance — you want the richness of the chocolate and the notes of the wine to enhance each other, not compete.

Pro tip: Always match sweetness with sweetness. Your wine should be just as sweet, if not a little sweeter, than your chocolate. Otherwise, it might taste bitter or sour in comparison.

Classic Chocolate and Wine Pairings to Try

1. Dark Chocolate + Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet’s bold structure and tannins match the intensity of a rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate. Look for bars with 70% cacao or higher. Together, they create a deep, smooth experience with notes of cherry, plum, and spice.

2. Milk Chocolate + Pinot Noir

Milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter, so it pairs better with a softer red like Pinot Noir. The wine’s fruit-forward character blends nicely with the cocoa butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth moment.

3. White Chocolate + Moscato or Riesling

Technically not a true chocolate, white chocolate is sweet, buttery, and full of vanilla notes. A light, fruity white wine like Moscato or Riesling keeps things fresh and avoids overpowering the delicate flavors.

4. Chocolate with Sea Salt + Zinfandel

The salt brings out the intensity of the cocoa, while a jammy Zinfandel adds bold fruitiness to balance things out. This pairing is both surprising and incredibly satisfying.

5. Chocolate with Caramel or Toffee + Port

Port wine’s richness and sweetness make it perfect for chocolates that feature caramel or toffee. The combination is warm, smooth, and completely indulgent.

How to Host a Chocolate and Wine Tasting at Home

You don’t need a fancy setup to enjoy these pairings — just a few good-quality chocolates, a couple bottles of wine, and maybe a few friends. Here’s how to do it:

• Choose 3–5 types of chocolate with different cacao percentages or added flavors.
• Match each chocolate with a complementary wine.
• Taste the chocolate first, then take a sip of wine to experience the pairing.
• Cleanse your palate between each combo with crackers or plain water.

This is a fun way to discover new favorites and learn what works for your taste.

Don’t Forget to Experiment

Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to break the “rules.” Try a dark chocolate truffle with a bold Syrah, or a white chocolate raspberry bar with sparkling rosé. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to flavor — the best pairing is the one you love most.

Shop Artisan Chocolate at Bloomington Chocolate Company

Looking for high-quality chocolate to pair with your favorite wine? We’ve got you covered. From rich dark bars to handmade truffles and seasonal flavors, our chocolate is crafted in small batches using premium ingredients.

Whether you’re creating the perfect date night or curating a wine and chocolate gift set, Bloomington Chocolate Company makes it easy to savor every bite.