2023 Valentine’s Day Food, Gift, and Wine Recommendations
When Bacchus Meets Venus
On Valentine’s Day each year it has been traditional for me to write about which foods and wines deliver benefits for the libido. Instead of offering a dinner menu this year, as I wrote in 2022 with “A Romantic Libido-Enhancing Valentine’s Day Menu,” I am going to suggest some food, wine, and gifts to please your sweetheart. Singles take note: 25 Things to Do When You’re Single on Valentine’s Day. Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
Foods to Elevate Your Hormones and Cardiovascular System
1. Wine
According to researchers reporting in The Telegraph, July 2009, levels of sexual desire are higher in women who are moderate drinkers of red wine than in their counterparts who prefer other alcoholic drinks. Find a wine that is full of antioxidants and resveratrol from grapes like Sagrantino, Pinot Noir, or Tannat. See Wine Recommendations below.
The American educator and author Edith Hamilton, who wrote Mythology, tells us “the influence” of Dionysus (in Roman religion, Bacchus) could make his worshippers—those Greeks who drank his wine—do what they didn’t think they could do. The story says wine has the power to change our hearts. It says wine has the power to seduce us.
2. Watermelon
Bhimu Patil, researcher and director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, stated eating watermelon delivers Viagra-like effects on blood vessels throughout the body and may increase libido! This cool refreshing fruit contains citrulline amino acid. Citrulline is good for the cardiovascular system and helps relax the blood vessels that increase sex drive. Try Michael Symon, Food Network, Watermelon and Feta Salad.
3. Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to cacao as nourishment of the Gods. Modern day foodies know raw cacao in its pure unadulterated form is a superfood. It has more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. It also contains a stimulating chemical known as phenylethlamine (PEA) that stimulates the sense of excitement and well-being. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found that women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t. PEA is also known as the “love at first sight” chemical according to neurobiologists. Dr. Hector Sabelli, a scientist at the Center for Creative Development in Chicago, believes that even with indirect proof, “PEA may be the hormone of libido.”
4. Cardamom
Regarded as a potent spice for treating impotence, cardamom has long been deemed a powerful aphrodisiac. Cardamom contains high concentrations of the compound 1,8-cineole, which increases blood flow and releases muscular tension. Its aroma is equally as stimulating and piques the senses. Try baking Chocolate and Cardamom Muffins to combine the effects.
5. Avocados
Organic Sicilian avocados are taking Europe by storm, and evidently no one can get enough of them. Why not? The ancient Aztecs’ nickname for avocado was “ahuacatl,” or “testicle,” because of the fruit’s shapely form. The Catholic Spanish priests found avocados so sexy, they forbade their parishioners to eat them. According to healthline, avocados are rich in vitamin E and zinc, essentials for fertility and testosterone production.
Valentine Gifts for Your Sweetheart
Godiva Dark Chocolate Gift Box, $20-$215
Decadent dark chocolate choices with expedited shipping offered.
Personalized Wine Barrel Head Wall Sign, $105
An authentic wine barrel head wall sign, Personalized for your bar or wine cellar.
Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs by Harry Wedeck, Hardcover, $21.95
A mischievous collection of potions, herbs, prescriptions. and recipes, this dictionary reveals many intriguing ways for lovers to enrich a relationship.'
Wine Wanderings Premium Subscription for Valentines Day, Offer $47.50/ Year
Wine Recommendations – High Antioxidant Recommendations
2018 Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano, $53
James Suckling, 92 Points
2020 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir, $49
Wine & Spirits, 93 Points
Also see, “Russian River ‘Neighbors’ Revealed through…Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery”
2019 Bending Branch Tannat, Lost Pirogue Vineyard, $65
Double Gold, 2022 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Also see: “Have a Healthy Wine: Bending Branch Winery, An Interview with Dr. Bob Young, MD”
Also see: “Uruguay: Wine and Travel – Declaring a National Grape: Tannat”
Wine Wanderings Editorial Calendar
Live From Slow Wine: US Tour 2023
Pronouncing Grape Varieties
Gruet: One of America’s Sparkling Wine Gems
An Update with the Winemaker: Cyril Tanazacq
Valentine’s Day Wines
Touring Texas Distilleries – Newly Launched
New Zealand: 1% of World’s Wine but Packs a Punch
Famous NZ Wine Regions and Recommendations
An Italian Blind Wine Tasting in Your Home
A White House State Dinner- Contrasting Administrations
Uruguay Wines – The Tannat National Grape and Trending New Wines
What is Eau de Vie? Cocktails and Aperitifs
Napa Valley Grape Varieties: Napa Rocks – the Road to Individualism
1881 Museum Napa Valley: A Transformation of the Oakville Grocery
Unexpected Blends – Explaining this Phenomenon