Candy Pairings from Sommelier Paul Mekis of MADERA

Halloween candy and wine? Of course! Paul Mekis, the Wine Director at Madera, the Michelin-starred signature restaurant at Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, California has shared his expertise with us. Now you can elevate your Halloween celebrations and make good use of the holiday's candy after the trick-or-treating and partying is over. Put a fun twist on your cravings for sweets with Paul's recommendations for candy and wine pairings. You'll love the combinations.

Skittles + Savee Sea Sauvignon Blanc 2014,(Marlborough, New Zealand; $15) - The tartness of Skittles complements the tropical notes of this aromatic wine. Bursting with crisp lime citrus notes of ripe nectarine and grape fruit, this refreshing wine has a great acidity that matches the candy's sharp flavors.

Swedish Fish + J.J. Prüm Riesling Auslese GoldKapsel Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2012(Germany; $95) - The sweet Riesling is filled with a strong apricot flavor. With an intense aroma profile of peach, pear, and honey, the wine leaves a clean finish that enhances the fruit-punch taste of Swedish Fish.

Snickers + Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2013 (Tuscan, Italy; $20) - The wine offers a complex mix of fragrant flavors, including wild berry, violet, and rose. The vibrant palate and hints of spice in the wine pair well with the buttery combination of chocolate and caramel.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups + Turley Zinfandel - Old Vine 2013 (California; $25) - The creaminess of chocolate and peanut butter perfectly matches the earthiness of Turley. With jammy blackberry flavors and a good acidity, the wine is great for cutting down the heaviness of the candy.

About Madera and Wine Director, Paul Mekis

Madera is the Michelin-starred signature restaurant of Rosewood Sand Hill, located in Menlo Park, California. A comfortably elegant ambiance, picturesque views and outdoor terraces welcome guests and locals to Madera. Featuring an open artisan wood-burning kitchen and extensive wine list, Madera serves American cuisine that celebrates the culinary traditions of the Western United States. In addition to indoor and outdoor dining, Madera offers two private dining rooms with private terraces and cozy fireplaces. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and for Sunday brunch as well.

Paul Mekis is the highly renowned Wine Director at Madera. He is a credentialed advanced sommelier (a rare designation given to only an exclusive few in the world) and the wine director at Madera. Since 1986, Paul has served as a wine judge, educator, and representative for wine-related events throughout the Americas, Europe, and South Africa. Paul joined Madera after years of leading wine programs at some of the most highly-regarded restaurants in the world, such as Plumed Horse in Saratoga, California, where he was awarded the Grand Award by Wine Spectator for nine consecutive years.

For more information on Madera, visit: http://www.maderasandhill.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paul Mekis