Discover the art of Halloween candy wine pairings: a playful, grown-up guide to transforming nostalgic sweets into something deliciously refined.

Halloween may be a night of costumes and candy for some, but for others—it is an invitation to open a bottle of wine and lean into a little grown-up indulgence. With just a touch of curiosity [and a glass in hand], you can transform the most nostalgic sweets into elegant after-dinner treats.

In this guide, we will show you how to master Halloween candy wine pairings, turning simple pleasures into something extraordinary. Whether you are staying in with a good book and your favorite pumpkin spice candle, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply raiding the leftover candy bowl, pairing wine with Halloween favorites is more about play than precision.

You do not need a sommelier—just an open mind, a few of your favorite sweets, and a willingness to discover that perfect balance between sugar and sophistication. This is the season of flickering candles, cozy nights in, and candy-fueled nostalgia—so why not make it deliciously grown-up?

Twizzlers

There is always been something divisive about Twizzlers—the glossy red twists, the subtle strawberry scent, the chewy pull between your teeth. I will admit, I have never been a fan. While I love true licorice, this playful imitation never quite wins me over. Still, for those who crave its familiar stretch and candy-shop charm, there is a wine that can elevate the experience: a Grenache.

Light-bodied yet expressive, Grenache brings bright berry notes and a whisper of spice that complements Twizzlers’ fruity sweetness. Together, they find an unexpected harmony—one that transforms a simple movie-night candy into something more grown-up and quietly indulgent.

Smarties

There is something timeless about Smarties—the pastel colors, the soft rattle in the roll, the way they melt between chalky and creamy. My mom still loves them, and I think that is part of their magic: they feel like a gentle return to simpler days. Their powdery sweetness pairs beautifully with bubbles, especially an off-dry German Sekt.

Sekt’s light effervescence and citrus brightness cut through the candy’s sugary texture, while its floral undertones bring out hidden depth in those tiny discs. The result is cheerful and balanced—a little nostalgic, a little sparkling, and just refined enough to make you smile at your own sweet tooth.

Junior Mints

Cool, creamy, and coated in dark chocolate—Junior Mints are a sensory contrast in every bite. The snap of the shell gives way to a refreshing burst of peppermint, a flavor that lingers like a winter breeze. Pairing it with a Cabernet Sauvignon adds warmth and gravity, grounding that coolness with rich berry and cocoa notes.

The wine’s structure amplifies the chocolate while its subtle spice harmonizes with the mint, creating a combination that feels almost cinematic. It is the kind of pairing made for dim lights, old movies, and maybe a little nostalgia. If you can find the Halloween Spooky Junior Mint box, all the better—it is the season to indulge.

Pop Rocks

Pop Rocks are pure spectacle—tiny crystals that fizz, crackle, and burst like fireworks on your tongue. I have never tried them myself, but my niece swears they are unforgettable. To mirror that spark, reach for a Prosecco.

The Italian sparkler’s fine bubbles and notes of pear and apple create a playful echo of the candy’s effervescence. Together, they turn a novelty into an experience—one part science experiment, one part celebration. It is joy in its simplest form: fleeting, fizzy, and fun enough to remind you why candy should never be just for kids.

Nerds

If chaos had a candy, it would be Nerds—tiny, colorful pebbles of sugar that seem to multiply the moment the box opens. My nieces and nephews adore them, scattering them like confetti whenever they visit. When I finally tried them, I understood the appeal: a quick pop of fruit, tart and crunchy all at once.

Their playful punch pairs beautifully with a Cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne. The off-dry bubbles cut through the sweetness while lifting the candy’s berry and citrus notes. It is a pairing that feels festive and spontaneous—a sparkling nod to childhood energy with an adult’s appreciation for balance.

Tootsie Roll

Few candies carry nostalgia quite like the Tootsie Roll. Dense, chewy, and unmistakably cocoa-rich, it is a taste of Americana wrapped in wax paper. Each bite feels like an echo of old movie theaters and Halloween nights gone by. To complement its chocolatey depth, pour a Ruby Port.

The Port’s rich fruit and caramel tones mirror the candy’s texture, creating a lush, almost velvety harmony. Chilling the bottle for twenty minutes before pouring enhances the balance—each sip softens the candy’s sweetness while deepening its warmth. Together, they deliver the essence of quiet indulgence: familiar, comforting, and utterly satisfying.

Almond Joy

Coconut, almonds, and chocolate—Almond Joy is a textural trio that deserves an equally layered wine. A glass of Madeira, with its caramel richness and toasted hazelnut depth, mirrors the candy’s buttery coconut and roasted almond notes with striking elegance. The wine’s subtle salinity reins in the sweetness, creating a balance that feels tropical yet composed. Together, they evoke the warmth of an island evening on a crisp October night—a taste of sunshine wrapped in chocolate.

Butterfinger

Crunchy, flaky, and unapologetically sweet, Butterfinger is a study in texture and nostalgia. Its peanut butter crisp begs for a wine that can match its playful confidence without overpowering it—Amontillado Sherry does just that. The sherry’s notes of toffee, hazelnut, and burnt sugar echo the candy’s golden layers, while its dry, slightly oxidative finish keeps everything in graceful check. It is peanut brittle reimagined—sweet, sophisticated, and unmistakably grown-up.

Milkybar [or White Chocolate Bark]

White chocolate can be a difficult match, but Gewürztraminer meets it with poise. The wine’s floral perfume, touches of lychee and rose, and whisper of spice play against the chocolate’s creamy texture, drawing out its subtle sweetness. If Milkybar is not within reach, any high-quality white chocolate or bark will do. The result feels delicate and aromatic—a pairing that lingers softly, like the final note of an evening well spent.

Payday

Sweet caramel and salty peanuts make Payday one of Halloween’s most underappreciated treasures. A chilled Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley unlocks its full charm—the wine’s honeyed pear, apricot, and bright acidity highlight the candy’s roasted nuttiness while taming its sweetness. The result is indulgent yet balanced, like a refined version of the classic salty-sweet snack you did not know you needed with your wine glass.

What makes this ritual worth returning to each year is not the candy or the wine alone—it is the pause between them. The quiet moment when sweetness meets depth and the night feels softer for it.

You do not need to master Halloween candy wine pairings to enjoy them; you simply need to savor what is in front of you. So light the candle, pour the glass, unwrap the candy—and let the evening be exactly what it is: simple, sweet, and just a little grown-up.

And when you are ready for even more inspiration, explore our expanded feature, The Ultimate Candy + Wine Pairing Guide for Halloween, for a fresh mix of elevated pairings and new seasonal favorites.