We all agree, Halloween is the one time of the year when perfectly sane people can dress up as zombies, vampires or the latest celebrity disaster. But along with scary, silly, and outrageous costumes is an array of candy that can last up to next year’s Halloween – seriously. So, why not indulge yourself to a sophisticated trick or treat by pairing your favorite Halloween sweet with a glass of wickedly good wine? Check out these fab ideas that HobNob wines has come up with just for KDH readers!

According to the NPD Group, which researches eating trends, about 5 percent of all candy consumed for the year is eaten between Halloween and the week following, with the most popular types being chocolate, chewy candies and hard candy. But these treats are not for kids alone, as NPD reports that parents eat one candy bar of every two the child brings home [busted!]. And, adults are most likely to take the chocolate. “When it comes to pairings, two flavors together are better than one,” says Jorge Hernandez, Director of Corporate Education and Training at W.J. Deutsch & Sons which sells HobNob Wines. “Whether you crave sweet, salty or sour treats for a party with adult friends, or are just raiding your kids’ bag after they’ve gone to bed, there is a HobNob Wine to match.” says Hernandez, adding, “The trend of pairing wines with favorite foods can put a fun and unique twist on Halloween for adults.”

* Because Halloween is just around the corner, KDH asked HobNob how the 21+ crowd can join in on the fun by pairing a favorite candy with a glass of wine, and what is the sweetest match!

HobNob Chardonnay & the Classics
Chardonnay is the perfect pairing for classic candies that scream Halloween, such as candy corn, gumdrops and everyone’s favorite, gummy fish. Try a handful, savor the taste, and see for yourself how the flavors of the Chardonnay mesh deliciously with the distinct taste of candy corn. A glass of the Chardonnay and a handful of gummy fish are just sweet enough, without overpowering any of the flavors. Think sweet, you’ll want to avoid sharp, citrus, and sour candies as those flavors clash with the fruitiness of the Chardonnay.

HobNob Shiraz No Tricks… Just Treats
Wherever your broom takes you on Halloween, the night’s most popular candy – chocolate – will be hitting the scene. Check out the sweet combination of HobNob Shiraz with chocolate and caramel — the last sip is as good as the first. With hints of blackberry, the Shiraz brings out the intense, smooth flavors of the milk chocolate and caramel. For those looking for something with a little fruit, chocolate-covered raisins are sure to make the Shiraz POP.

PeaNUTTY with HobNob Pinot Noir
There’s no better way to “hobnob” with the ghouls next door this Halloween than by bringing a bottle of HobNob Pinot Noir and your favorite peanut candy. Channel your inner Willy Wonka and pair the HobNob Pinot Noir with chocolate-covered peanuts and enjoy the lush taste of the wine against the saltiness of the nuts. Better yet, any peanut butter candy plus Pinot Noir equals taste filled with flavor.

MMMMMM HobNob Merlot
Make this a memorable night with the HobNob Merlot, which Hernandez calls “the great equalizer.” Merlot goes well with every candy in the treat bag, from dark chocolate to milk chocolate and fruits to nuts. The Merlot has hints of licorice and a dark finish perfectly fitting for the one night of devilish “Hobnobbing” fun — that’s only for the big kids. Yum, yum, yum.

 

**HobNob wines are served at local hotspots including: 75 Main, Bobby Vans, New Paradise Café or pick up a bottle at Zabis Wine & Liquor, Sag Harbor Liquor Store, Depetris Liquors, McNamara Liquors and many more. For more info and additional locations:www.hobnobwines.com