Gulp…here we go.  This year, February 14th looks a little different for me.  For the better part of a decade, I was one of those people in love, coupled off, splitting a slice of cake with my sweetie, one of the lucky ones struck by cupid’s arrow on Valentine’s Day.  I’ll spare you some of the juicy or heartbreaking details, but needless to say this year instead of staring across the table all googly-eyed at someone, I’m having a couple girlfriends over for dinner.  (Most anticlimactic break-up announcement ever? Sorry about it, but that’s all you’ll get.)

This is not a pity party type of Valentine’s day…so don’t you go feeling bad for me.  Thank god the term Galentine’s Day was born because it has removed the stigma of being alone on the Hallmark holiday, it has taken the single girls’ valentines day from something pitiful to something fabulous.  I feel so lucky to have so many bomb babes in my life, and I’m pleased as punch to be able to spend a holiday showing some love to my favorite gals.

There’s only one way to celebrate with friends…well, I’m sure there are plenty of ways to celebrate with friends…but there’s honestly only one way I’m interested in celebrating: by popping bottles of champagne and uncorking some delicious wines.

I’m laying out my two favorite wines for your special night, whether you’re getting dressed up and hitting the town with someone special, or having a girls’ night in with your Galentines!

Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Rosso 2016 –  Everyone knows the story of those silly, fickle star-crossed lovers who had a steamy 3-day affair which ended in lots of bloodshed and devastation…a little dramatic if you ask me.  Nevertheless, sharing this bottle on valentines is very fitting. It’s a blend of merlot, corvina, and coatina. The richness of the grapes shines through in this lush, rich, easy drinking wine.  It’s a little spicy and juicy like any good valentine’s day should be.

Cuvée Deor Gold NV –  I can’t think of a better bottle of bubbles to drink with some girlfriends than the Deor.  First of all, the bottle is fancy AF.  It’s painted in a Venetian style with matte gold and glitter.  The bottle represents wealth and brings good fortune to all who sip from it – and who doesn’t need a little bit of that luck?  The taste is expensive too, floral and fruity. The best part? This decadent sparkling costs less than $15, so you get all that opulence and none of the expense!  Pouring out some of this wine with my favorite gals is as good as gold to me.

I hope, like me, you’re lucky enough to spend Valentine’s Day with the one(s) you love if that’s your significant other or a few fabulous friends.  And if not, at least you’ll have a few nice wine options to drink the night away!