If you’re new to the world of wine — or, heck, even if you’ve done a number of tastings — those tasting notes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Do you like wines with red fruit flavors, like pomegranate, raspberries, or sour cherries? Or do you gravitate toward bottles that are earthy, floral, or show notes of aging like leather or baking spices?
At St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma County, winemakers Katie Madigan and Chris Louton use a clever and accessible approach to help break things down for wine drinkers. They often turn to popular candy to describe the flavors in their wines — a surprisingly accurate trick, since people are already familiar with the names and tastes.
Love butterscotch candies? Try chardonnay!
(St. Francis Winery & Vineyards)
“For those who aren’t avid wine drinkers, experimenting with wine can be tricky or even daunting,” Madigan said in an interview. “So, we’ve found that using flavors that people already know and love to describe the various tasting notes in wines is a great way to remove the stuffiness of traditional wine tasting vocabulary and make trying new varietals more approachable.”
The winemaking team discovered that candy happens to be one of the most fun — and unexpectedly spot-on — ways to describe wine flavors.
“For example, our Sonoma County Merlot might remind us of Gummy Bears, while the Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc gives off this bright, zippy lemon drop vibe,” she says.
So, if you’re new to wine or simply looking to step outside your comfort zone, these candy comparisons can make exploring new styles a lot more fun, Madigan says.
Ahead of Halloween, when candy is on everyone’s mind, here’s a quick guide to help you find your next favorite bottle based on your go-to sweets:
Grapes growing at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma County.
(St. Francis Winery & Vineyards)🍋 If you like Tropical Fruits Lifesavers or Lemon Drops, try Sauvignon Blanc.
The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc — like St. Francis’ Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc — mirrors the mouth-watering tang of these fruity candies. Generally speaking, fans of Skittles or Starbursts will appreciate the citrusy, zesty notes that define this varietal.
🍏 If you reach for Green Apple Jolly Ranchers or Butterscotch, try Chardonnay.
The Sonoma County Chardonnay is classic California style: bright green apple notes balanced by a soft texture from brief oak aging. Caramel and butterscotch lovers (think Milk Duds or Werther’s) will enjoy Chardonnay’s smooth, balanced, and just-indulgent-enough character.
🍷 If you love Red Licorice or Raspberry Pastilles, try Pinot Noir.
Juicy red fruit and subtle spice in these nostalgic sweets echo the jammy, lively profile of Sonoma County Pinot Noir.
“Our Sonoma County Pinot Noir has this juicy, spicy, red fruit profile that just screams red licorice and raspberry pastilles,” Madigan says. “That’s what came to mind when we were blending it, and once you make that connection, it’s hard to miss it! For me, this one’s especially close to my heart.”
🍫If you’re into Berry Gummy Bears or Milk Chocolate Bars, try Merlot.
Merlot is quietly making a comeback, and the Sonoma County Merlot delivers deep berry and bittersweet chocolate flavors with a silky texture — a perfect match for gummy and chocolate lovers alike.
🍒 If Chocolate-Covered Cherries are your thing, try Cabernet Sauvignon.
For those who crave the ultimate indulgence, you need a full-bodied wine. St. Francis’ St. Francis’ Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is layered with flavors of blackberries, chocolate, sage, and a hint of allspice. Cabernet Sauvignon’s richness and dark fruit character also make it an excellent match for chocolate lovers in general — whether you reach for Reese’s, Kit Kats, or Snickers.
What to Know About Candy and Wine Pairings
Winery views at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma County, California.
(St. Francis Winery & Vineyards)
If you’re thinking about enjoying a glass of vino while passing out candy on Halloween, keep in mind: just because candy reflects your wine preferences doesn’t mean the two will pair perfectly.
“As a rule of thumb, you try to avoid the food in your pairing being sweeter than your wine, but if it sounds good to you, give it a try,” explains Madigan.
Which candy comparison surprises people most? Chardonnay and butterscotch. People never expect that one, but it totally works, Madigan says.
“Our Sonoma County Chardonnay features a crisp green apple character, complemented by a soft, creamy texture from a touch of oak aging,” she explains. “That creamy character is like many California Chardonnays and is where the butterscotch note comes through. It’s not sugary, but it gives off that same cozy richness.”
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