KEY POINTS:
Think pink this Valentine's Day, with the Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Rose 2008 ($21). It's a fresh and ripe strawberry packed number, made from the trio of cabernet franc, merlot and malbec, with a bit of weight and a subtle sweetness.
(From Brown Paper Bag Napier, New World Havelock North. For Auckland stockists contact Dhall and Nash - 0800 369 463.)
Serenade your partner with something completely new - Villa Maria Methode Traditionelle Cuvee NV ($34.95) is the first ever sparkling wine from Villa Maria. This creamy textured pinot noir and chardonnay blend has attractive bready flavours and subtle seasoning of spice underpinned by a line of fresh citrus. Modern lovers may also like to note that it's topped with a crown cap, so there'll be no musty corked surprises to ruin the romance.
(From Villa Maria Cellar Door and at selected restaurants and bars throughout Auckland.)
There's nothing like pink Champagne to impress your date, a style that's the one to be seen sipping in all the right places across the world. Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Champagne Rose 2000 ($129) is a deliciously dry vintage version of pure summer pudding with a profusion of bright berry fruit over a rich yeasty core with hints of mushroom and finishing on a wonderfully fresh citrussy mineral note. (Glengarry, First Glass Wines, Wine Vault, Hamilton's Primo Vino, New Plymouth's Montrose and Amphora Wines, New World Keri Keri.)
A night of seduction
Our city's best hotels have plenty to offer valentines. The Hilton is offering a special Provocateur Package which includes a candlelit room decorated with rose petals, aromatic essences, music and a chilled bottle of Deutz Blanc de blanc. Couples can then take part in a scavenger hunt around the room uncovering sensual 'tips' from seduction expert, Madame Lash, and an aphrodisiac tasting platter. Oh la la! Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, City. Ph (09) 978 2000.
You're soaking in in!
For a decadent idea for the big day, book dinner at Dine by Peter Gordon at the SkyCity Grand, and then, while you're dining, sneakily have the staff from the hotel's East Spa draw you one of their special baths. You could go for the chocolate bath, but our favourite is the Cleopatra - a milky mix of sandalwood and oils... Dreamy! 90 Federal St, City. Ph (09) 363 7000.
Sisters are doing it
Okay girls, if you're on your own this Valentine's Day don't despair. Grab a few friends and head to The Langham for their special The Lady Langham Afternoon Tea where you'll be served a complimentary Empress cocktail by a Mr Darcy lookalike, and can indulge in a delicious afternoon tea ($36 per person) or the must-have Laurent-Perrier Champagne option ($56). The Langham also provides a luxurious place to meet friends for a drink after work and we can't wait for their new Chuan Spa to open in March which will offer a whole host of fabulous treatments. The Langham, 83 Symonds St, City, Ph: 0800 616 261.
Win with Viva!
This Valentine's Day show your love with Kohu Road's incredible Dark Chocolate ice cream. We have six tubs of its sensational Dark Chocolate variety for ice-cream loving Viva readers. Kohu Road's Dark Chocolate Ice Cream has been variously described as "A litre of love" "Oh-my-god", and "Better than sex". Send a one line description of Kohu Road's ice cream on the back of an envelope, along with your name, address and phone number to Kohu Road Competion, Viva, NZ Herald, PO Box 3290, Auckland and the best six can collect their 1L tub of Kohu Road's finest from their kitchen in St Benedicts St, Newton, where they will be rewarded with a tasting of the full range, including some new secret flavours! Now that's love.
