Wine & Chocolate: 5 Unexpected Pairings That Actually Work

Here at Stockman’s Ridge Wines, we take our wine seriously—but not too seriously. Sure, we can talk terroir, tannin structure and barrel toast levels all day… but sometimes, the best wine moments come from a couch, a chocolate bar, and a spontaneous “what if I try this together?” moment.

So in the spirit of delicious experimentation (and a little winter indulgence), here are five unexpected wine and chocolate pairings that genuinely work—some of which you can try during our Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Cellar Door.

1. Sparkling Rosé + Turkish Delight

This was one of those “surely not… oh wow” moments. The floral notes of our Sparkling Rosé—with its subtle blush, crisp acidity and fine bubbles—match surprisingly well with the delicate rosewater and soft jelly of Turkish Delight. Think of it as your ultimate grown-up sweet treat.

2. Merlot | Cabernet Franc + Maltesers

Movie night, anyone? The rich fruit and velvety structure of our Merlot-Cab Franc blend plays off the malty centre and milk chocolate coating of Maltesers like they were made to go together. It’s smooth, satisfying, and dangerously snackable.

3. Pinot Noir + Cherry Ripe

There’s something about Pinot’s earthy cherry tones that just gets Cherry Ripe. The dark fruit, a touch of spice, and silky tannins bring out the richness of the chocolate while complementing the coconut and cherry centre.

4. Shiraz + Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt

You probably saw this one coming—but hear us out. The spice and depth of a cool-climate Shiraz (hello, Orange region!) shine when matched with high-cocoa dark chocolate and a dash of sea salt. It’s bold on bold, but somehow still elegant.

5. Grüner Veltliner + White Chocolate with Lime Zest

This one’s for the adventurous. Grüner’s green melon and citrusy bite cut beautifully through the creaminess of white chocolate. Add a touch of lime or lemon zest, and you’ve got a zippy, zesty pairing that feels like spring in a bite.

Want to Try Them Yourself?

Join us for our Wine & Chocolate Tasting at Stockman’s Ridge Wines—available year-round at our Cellar Door.

We'll guide you through these pairings (and a few surprise favourites), share a laugh or two, and make your wine tasting just a little bit sweeter.

Whether you're a die-hard Shiraz fan or a sparkling-with-sweets convert in the making, one thing’s for sure: chocolate makes everything better. Especially wine.