Who says Halloween is just for kids? Sure, trick-or-treating is fun but so is sipping great wine and nibbling on grown-up treats with friends. This year, skip the costumes and chaos and host a "Galloween" party instead ... a chic, adults-only soirée that’s equal parts playful and sophisticated.
The concept is simple (and devilishly delicious) pair classic Halloween candies with complementary cheeses and wines. The result? A tasting board that’s whimsical, surprising, and seriously good. Here’s how to put together the ultimate Galloween tasting flight:
- Candy Corn + Brie + Prosecco
- Why it works: Sweet, creamy, and effervescent. This pairing is pure Halloween nostalgia with a bubbly upgrade. Candy corn’s sugary vanilla notes melt into Brie’s buttery softness, while Prosecco’s light fizz cuts through the richness and keeps things balanced.
- Serve it: Warm Brie just slightly for maximum creaminess, set out a handful of candy corn, and serve with flutes of sparkling Prosecco.
- Sour Patch Kids + Goat Cheese + Pinot Grigio
- Why it works: This unexpected trio is a crowd-pleaser. The tangy acidity of goat cheese echoes the sour zing of the candy, while Pinot Grigio’s crisp citrus notes refresh the palate after each bite. It’s bright, tart, and delightfully grown-up.
- Serve it: Arrange the goat cheese on your cheese board, scatter Sour Patch Kids nearby, and chill your Pinot Grigio for a zesty, palate-cleansing pour.
- M&M’s + Parmesan + Pinot Noir
- Why it works: The nutty saltiness of aged Parmesan balances the sweetness of the chocolate, while the Pinot Noir’s bright red fruit notes tie everything together. Think of it as a sophisticated twist on chocolate-covered nuts. Creamy, salty, and perfectly smooth.
- Serve it: Scatter M&M’s in a small bowl, slice thin shards of Parmesan, and pour a light-bodied Pinot Noir slightly chilled.
- Dark Chocolate + Blue Cheese + Cabernet Sauvignon
- Why it works: This pairing is bold and dramatic - just right for Halloween. Dark chocolate’s bittersweet richness plays beautifully with the funky, salty bite of blue cheese, while a full-bodied Cabernet with deep tannins and dark fruit rounds it all out.
- Serve it: Break chocolate into squares, top with a crumble of blue cheese (trust us on this one), and sip alongside a velvety Cab.
Tips for Hosting a Galloween Tasting:
- Set the scene: Think purples, pinks and oranges. Keep it bright and cheery with pops of pumpkin decor. We folded our napkins into Witch Hats and Pumpkins for extra seasonal fun! Download our Fall Napkin Folding Guide for all the steps.
- Create a tasting board: Arrange each trio together - candy, cheese, and wine label on a single board or platter for easy pairing.
- Encourage guests to complete the tasting notes (download our printable version here) and vote. Have everyone rank their favorites ... spoiler: the candy corn + Brie combo is always a surprise hit!
- Add a spooky soundtrack: Jazz-meets-Halloween or a vintage monster-mash playlist keeps the vibe festive but still adult. Here's a fun one we put together!
This Halloween, trade the trick-or-treat bags for wine glasses and cheese knives. With these playful pairings, you’ll throw a Galloween party that’s unexpected, elevated, and hauntingly delicious - proof that Halloween fun doesn’t have to stop at childhood.
