This season, explore candy wine pairings that prove elegance can be deliciously fun. From Reese’s to Skittles, every match tells a new flavor story.

Originally published October 2021. Updated October 2025 with refreshed pairings and editorial enhancements.

Halloween has its own rhythm—the soft flicker of candlelight, the rustle of costumes outside, and the quiet comfort of a night in. I have lit my favorite pumpkin spice candle, settled into the sofa, and queued up a feel-good film with a glass of red wine and a white chocolate Kit Kat within reach. It is the kind of simple pleasure that turns an ordinary October evening into something quietly indulgent.

How to Master Candy Wine Pairings

This year, rather than leaving the candy to the kids, why not take a more grown-up approach? And pair your favorite sweets with wines that make each bite feel intentional. Whether you are hosting a low-lit Halloween gathering or savoring a solo night with good company [yours], consider this your guide to candy and wine pairings—an unexpectedly elegant duo made for autumn nights.

Pairing wine with candy is not about following strict rules—it is about balance and play. The best pairings echo one another in sweetness or contrast in texture, letting both the candy and the wine shine. Think of it as a little experiment for grown-up palates: match fruit with fruit, caramel with warmth, or chocolate with depth, and you will discover combinations that feel both surprising and effortlessly indulgent.

A Sweet Affair: 13 Candy + Wine Pairings for Grown-Up Halloween Nights

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Few candies hit the nostalgia nerve quite like a Reese’s. That unmistakable mix of chocolate and peanut butter—sweet, salty, and just a little indulgent—deserves a wine that meets it with equal depth. A Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and richness, its dark berry notes echoing the chocolate’s intensity. Prefer something softer?

A Merlot, with its round, cherry-forward finish, melts effortlessly into the peanut butter’s creamy texture—proof that comfort can, indeed, be sophisticated.

For something unexpected, a Malbec also pairs beautifully, its dark spice and earthy depth bringing a new dimension to the peanut butter’s creamy sweetness.

Kit Kat

No Halloween feels complete without a Kit Kat. Those crisp layers snapping beneath smooth chocolate are pure nostalgia, the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you of childhood trades and late-night candy stashes. But even the most familiar treats can be elevated with the right pour.

A Pinot Noir brings quiet sophistication, its bright red-fruit notes cutting through the sweetness while echoing the candy’s lightness. For something deeper, a Merlot lends a silkier, more decadent finish—think velvet rather than satin. And if you find yourself unwrapping a white chocolate Kit Kat, reach for a Cabernet Sauvignon instead. Its bold, jammy character transforms the creamy sweetness into a flavor moment that feels unexpectedly grown-up.

Starburst

There is something undeniably joyful about unwrapping a Starburst. The burst of color, the tang of fruit, the playful sweetness that never quite grows up. Each piece feels like a flash of childhood wrapped in glossy paper, bright enough to cut through even the darkest October night.

To give that joy a little polish, reach for a lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti. Its delicate fizz mirrors the candy’s lively character, while notes of peach, pear, and citrus melt into the strawberry and lemon chew. Together, they create a pairing that is as whimsical as it is refined—proof that sophistication does not always have to take itself too seriously.

Gummy Worms

There is something unapologetically nostalgic about a bag of gummy worms—bright, chewy, and a little mischievous. They might not have the complexity of chocolate or caramel, but that is precisely their charm: simple, carefree sweetness that reminds you of childhood afternoons and candy-store windows.

To give these playful strands a grown-up twist, pour yourself a glass of Rosé. The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle berry notes lift the candy’s fruit flavors, turning something once one-note into a surprisingly balanced bite. Together, they create a pairing that feels effortless and refreshing—proof that elegance does not always have to be serious.

Candy Corn

Few Halloween treats spark more debate than candy corn, yet for those who love it, the devotion runs deep. Those glossy little kernels—layered in gold, orange, and white—taste like childhood memories wrapped in sugar: buttery, creamy, unapologetically sweet. It is a candy that does not pretend to be anything else.

To bring out its soft richness, reach for a Chardonnay—preferably one with a touch of oak or a buttery finish. The wine’s smooth texture mirrors the candy’s creaminess, while its subtle vanilla and caramel notes wrap around each bite like a cozy sweater. Together, they create a pairing that feels both whimsical and refined. A gentle reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are worth defending.

Sour Patch

Sour Patch candies are little bursts of rebellion—sharp, tangy, and unapologetically bold. That first jolt of sourness gives way to sweetness, creating a rollercoaster of flavor that demands a wine with just as much personality. Enter the Riesling.

Its natural balance of sweetness and acidity mirrors the candy’s dual nature, softening the bite while amplifying the fruit. Notes of green apple, apricot, and citrus wrap around the candy’s tang, transforming chaos into chemistry. The result is unexpectedly elegant—a pairing that proves even the most playful sweets can have a refined side.

Snickers Bar

There is something deeply satisfying about a Snickers bar—the crunch of peanuts, the pull of caramel, the rich melt of chocolate. It is comfort and decadence wrapped in one familiar bite. To meet that layered richness, reach for a Tawny Port. Its warm, nutty sweetness mirrors the candy’s caramel depth and adds a touch of sophistication to its playful spirit.

If you prefer something bolder, a Cabernet Sauvignon makes for a striking companion. With notes of blackberry, plum, and spice, it grounds the sweetness and reveals new dimensions in each bite. Together, they turn a gas-station staple into a quiet luxury moment. One that reminds you why indulgence is an art form.

Milky Way

The Milky Way has always been the softer, dreamier sibling of the Snickers bar—its caramel and nougat melt together in a smooth embrace that feels almost celestial. Each bite is pure comfort: silky, sweet, and impossibly light. To meet that softness with equal grace, pour a Tawny Port.

Its honeyed richness mirrors the candy’s caramel core, while notes of toasted almond and dried fruit bring a warmth that lingers. Together, they create a pairing that feels quietly decadent—a slow, golden moment meant to be savored. Because sometimes, indulgence does not shout; it glows.

Hershey

Few things feel as quintessentially American as unwrapping a Hershey’s bar. Its glossy surface gives way to creamy milk chocolate that melts almost instantly. A small, familiar comfort that never quite loses its charm. To give that sweetness depth, reach for a Pinot Noir or Merlot. Both wines offer soft red-fruit notes and just enough structure to balance Hershey’s smooth richness.

If you prefer something with a little more spice, pour a Zinfandel instead. Its subtle heat and dark berry undertones add a quiet complexity, turning an everyday chocolate into something worth lingering over. It is proof that simplicity, when done right, can feel every bit as luxurious as the grandest dessert.

Skittles

A handful of Skittles is like a flash of color on the tongue—bright, tangy, and unapologetically joyful. Their fruity sweetness can be intense, but that is part of their charm: a playful collision of sugar and citrus that refuses to be ignored. The key is balance.

An off-dry Rosé makes a beautiful companion, softening the candy’s sharp edges while amplifying its berry and melon notes. For something a touch crisper, a Sauvignon Blanc steps in gracefully, bringing a clean, citrusy finish that refreshes between bites. Either way, the pairing feels exuberant yet composed—a small reminder that even the most playful pleasures can be enjoyed with poise.

M & M

There is a simple joy in the way M&M’s melt—slowly, sweetly, with that crisp shell giving way to smooth chocolate. They are playful yet comforting, the kind of candy you reach for without thinking, then find yourself smiling halfway through the handful. To match their easy charm, pour a medium-bodied Pinot Noir.

Its soft tannins and ripe red-fruit notes complement the chocolate’s mellow sweetness, creating an unexpectedly elegant balance. Each bite and sip feel familiar yet refined. A small, quiet celebration of the simple things done beautifully.

Malted Milk Balls

There is something wonderfully retro about malted milk balls—the crunch of the shell, the airy sweetness inside. The way the malt lingers just long enough to feel familiar. They taste like a memory, a balance of playfulness and comfort. To bring out that golden, toasted flavor, pour a Petite Sirah.

Bold and full-bodied, its dark fruit and cocoa notes echo the candy’s depth while adding a touch of gravitas. Together, they create a pairing that feels timeless—rooted in the past yet beautifully suited to an indulgent evening in. A quiet nod to simpler pleasures, dressed in elegance.

Jolly Ranchers

Even as autumn settles in, some habits do not fade with the season—and reaching for a Jolly Rancher is one of them. Those jewel-toned candies, bursting with bold fruit flavor, feel like bottled sunshine: bright, crisp, and unapologetically fun. To match their energy, pour a chilled glass of Prosecco.

The wine’s gentle bubbles and orchard-fruit notes lift the candy’s sweetness, turning each piece into a moment of pure sparkle. It is a pairing that defies the calendar—joyful, effervescent, and endlessly refreshing, no matter the time of year.

The Art of Candy Wine Pairings: Where Sweet Meets Sophisticated

In the world of candy and wine pairings, the possibilities are as enchanting as they are delectable. We have wandered through the art of matching Halloween sweets with their ideal wine companions, discovering pairings that transform simple indulgence into something extraordinary.

From the bold romance of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Cabernet Sauvignon, to the lively contrast of Sour Patch candy and Riesling, to the nostalgic comfort of Malted Milk Balls and Petite Sirah, each combination reminds us that balance is the real luxury. It is not about rules—it is about curiosity, play, and savoring the unexpected.

And if you are feeling adventurous, look beyond the usual pairings. Try a silky Malbec with peanut butter cups or a chilled Lambrusco with fruity chews. Sometimes, the most delightful discoveries come from curiosity itself.

And for the ultimate indulgence, explore a Sauternes or another dessert wine with dark chocolate or toffee. The kind of pairing that turns sweetness into pure sophistication.

Now it is your turn. What are your favorite candy wine pairings for Halloween? Share your discoveries and let us raise a glass to creativity, celebration, and the sweet joy of pairing well.

If you are new to pairing, explore Wine Folly’s guide to wine and food pairing for a quick primer on flavor balance.