Cheers! Toast Your Valentine with Local Beer and Wine Picks

Valentine's Day is about sharing time with the one you love and displaying that love through gifts.

When it comes to tokens of appreciation, wine and beer have been long standing favorites. We asked Rick Lombardi, owner of the Vin Bin, to weigh in with his picks of wine and beer for you to get your sweetheart.

Wine:

Matilda Barbera
$12.99
Known affectionately as the "Cat" wine because of the painting on the label of a cat. The Barbera is lush and rich, with great gobs of juice, spice and berry flavors. It goes well with food or it can be served as a cocktail.   

Fidelity Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend
$16.99
The blend is ripe, aromatic and has a long finish, and the name on the label lends itself to Valentine's Day.  

Tullum Rosso from Italy
$29.99
This Montepulciano is dry, plumy and robust. A subdued label and opulent bouquet make this a great choice for a romantic dinner.

Beer:

Berkshire Brewing Co. Rasberry Barley Wine
This is the BBC's traditional Valentine's Day release, and for good reason, the slightly malty and fruity beer is perfect for the holiday.  

Haverhill Brewing Co.'s Joshua Norton Imperial Stout
With hints of mocha, this dark brooding beer fits nicely with a plate of sweets.  

The Lagunitas "Sucks" Brown Shugga Substitute
This is a double IPA, that is on fire right now and the perfect beer for our friend who are without partners on Valentine's Day.

All of these beers and wines are available at the Vin Bin locations in Marlborough and Hopkinton. The store also has a number of prepared gift baskets available as well as a full assortment of gourmet chocolates, cheeses, spirits for our non-wine or beer drinking friends as well, said Lombardi.

Many of these choices will also be available at other liquor stores, but we encourage you to support the Vin Bin and their helpful suggestions.