5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day -- During the Pandemic
Press play on these ideas and even COVID-19 won’t be able to stop Cupid’s arrow from reaching its target!
Planning a special date amidst a raging pandemic that requires face masks and social distancing might be challenging, but it isn’t impossible! There’s a myriad of ways to toast cuffing season’s most sacred day that can be both safe and memorable. From gourmet goodies for delivery, to getting your hands dirty and unique experiences, these wines, classes and epicurean delights are sure to brighten the day of your favorite Atlanta foodie and wine lover.
Here’s what you should drink and do on Valentine’s Day:
Roses & Rosé
A dozen roses may touch her heart, but a bottle of quality rosé wine will touch her soul. So go ahead and give her that bouquet of roses she’s come to expect, but surprise her with a bottle of La Fête du Rosé that will make her swoon.
The Black-owned wine brand is produced in St. Tropez, but has ties to the ATL. Owner and philanthropist Donae Burston is an alumni of Clark Atlanta University and Georgia Institute of Technology and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Don’t let the salmon-pink color fool you, this charming, dry rosé is complex and well-balanced with fresh berry aromas and flavors of strawberry, melon, grapefruit and hazelnut. Available at Whole Foods, local wine shops and online at www.lafetedurose.com.
Say Cheese… and Charcuterie & Chocolate!
Order a custom cheese box or charcuterie board from Cheese Me or Charcuterie Chick. Expect seasonal ingredients, unique combinations and quality accoutrements for delivery directly to your amore’s doorstep. If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, A to Z Events & Catering is offering a delicious fudge gift box with fun flavors like white chocolate caramel and chocolate peanut butter. Order today, they book up fast! Pro Tip: Grab a bottle of the aforementioned rosé for a perfect pairing!
Take a (Selfie) Tour
While we’ve all been in our quarantine bubble, two hot new businesses have appeared on the scene that will take your Galentine’s Day or hot date night to a whole new level of awesome. The Atlanta Selfie Museum is the ultimate fun house.
This immersive environment features infinity mirror boxes, unique installations, creative backdrops and local artwork. Black Girl Magic Tours is a guided, luxury mural crawl for brown girls. Why? Because black women deserve luxurious things and that’s that on that. Get your camera ready and unleash your inner super model! Reserve tickets in advance online as social distancing measures are in place.
Virtual Pasta Making Class
Knead out your frustrations with ‘Rona while making fresh pasta to enjoy solo (followed by bubbles and a bubble bath, perhaps?), or with a class for two.
The amazing team at Bellina Alimentari will supply everything you need for the class, no machine required. Complete your cooking session like a top Chef by adding Italian wine, a misto board, Caesar salad and tiramisu for an authentic night in Italy (errr… Atlanta!). Click here for upcoming classes.
Wine Tasting
Speaking of Black Girl Magic… The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic collection feature exceptional wines made by exceptional women- Robin and Andréa McBride. The long lost sisters were raised a world apart in iconic winegrowing regions, one in California and the other in New Zealand. When they united in 2005 and discovered their shared passion for all things wine and the rest is history. They now helm the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States.
Click here for the sisters’ upcoming virtual wine tastings and other gift ideas. For local Atlanta wine events (once we can safely gather), visit Cork Camp and join the mailing list for advance notice.
Many Atlanta-area restaurants are offering dine-in deals and carryout specials complete with wine and cocktails to-go. However you decide to spend Valentine’s Day this year, please be safe. If you’re going out, mask up!
Kyla Cox, founder of Cork Camp, is a certified wine professional based in Atlanta, GA. She’s on a mission to fill your glass and expand your palate with the very best -and affordable- wines on the market. Follow her on Instagram & Twitter @winewithkyla for education and inspiration. Cheers!