Ah, October—the magical month when the air is crisper, sweaters come out of hibernation, and leaves abandon their summer post in glorious hues of red and gold. Autumn is a season that begs for cozy indulgence, and frankly, what better way to spend these cooling evenings than with a glass of wine in hand, paired with seasonal delights? Whether it’s a Tuesday night after work or a leisurely Saturday afternoon, here’s a guide on how to embrace October in style—through food, wine, and some delightful ways to spend your time.
Weekday Evenings: Slow Down with Style
Monday: The “We-Can-Do-This” Comfort Evening Mondays can be rough, so why not ease into the week with something familiar, yet special? Picture this: a rich bowl of butternut squash soup, with crispy sage and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s autumn in a spoon, warming you from the inside out.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Gris from Alsace—try Hugel Pinot Gris. It’s aromatic, fruity, and has just the right touch of earthiness to balance the sweet, nutty flavor of the squash. Plus, a bottle of Hugel won’t break the bank, hovering around 15–20 Euro.
Post-Dinner Idea: Cozy up on the couch, light a cinnamon-scented candle, and get lost in a good book or re-watch a favorite series. If you’re feeling nostalgic, maybe it’s time to revisit Breaking Bad. It’s practically October in TV form!
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday—Autumn Edition Who says tacos are just for summer? Roast some pumpkin or sweet potato, sprinkle with a little cumin and paprika, and make yourself some autumn-inspired veggie tacos. Top with a fresh salsa verde and a sprinkle of feta for a salty bite.
Wine Pairing: Tempranillo from Rioja—try Bodegas LAN Crianza. With its ripe cherry flavors, a hint of oak, and spice, this wine is perfect for pairing with the warmth of roasted autumn vegetables. At around 10 Euro a bottle, it’s great value for a midweek indulgence.
Post-Dinner Idea: If the weather permits, take a brisk walk around the neighborhood to admire the changing leaves, or do something creative—doodle, paint, or maybe finally start that scrapbook you’ve been meaning to get to since last fall
Wednesday: Midweek Italian Comfort Wednesdays call for something simple but satisfying. Enter Mushroom Risotto. The earthy mushrooms make this dish feel cozy, and it’s incredibly rewarding to cook, with that soothing motion of slowly stirring in the broth.
Wine Pairing: Chianti Classico—specifically Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico. The earthy, cherry notes of this Italian classic cut right through the creamy risotto. It’s an excellent wine for about 20 Euro, delivering more elegance than its price tag suggests.
Post-Dinner Idea: Time for a good puzzle or board game! Or, if you’re more digitally inclined, why not take a virtual museum tour? Sip the rest of your Chianti as you “walk” through the Uffizi Gallery.
Weekends: Savor the Long, Lazy Days
Saturday: Brunch, Wine, and a Walk On a crisp Saturday morning, the possibilities are endless. Start with a homemade brunch—something indulgent like eggs benedict with smoked salmon or fluffy pancakes with a spiced apple compote.
Wine Pairing: Cava from Spain—try Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. This sparkling wine is budget-friendly at about 12 Euro, crisp, and refreshing with citrus and green apple notes, which pairs wonderfully with brunch dishes. Cava is perfect for those late mornings when you want the sparkle of Champagne without the price tag.
Afternoon Idea: After brunch, throw on a sweater and head to your local farmer’s market. Pick up some apples or pumpkins, wander among the stalls, and savor the leisurely pace of an October Saturday. Or, if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, why not explore a nearby vineyard? Fall is the perfect time for a tasting trip.
Saturday Evening: The Hearty, Rustic Feast For dinner, it’s time to go big with an autumn classic: a slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables, served with warm crusty bread. Let it simmer for hours, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of braised beef, carrots, and thyme.
Wine Pairing: Malbec from Argentina—Catena Malbec is a standout choice. Full-bodied, with deep blackberry and plum flavors, this wine can stand up to the richness of the stew. At 25 Euro, it’s a fantastic option for a weekend treat.
Evening Idea: After such a hearty meal, light a fire or gather around a fire pit outside if you have one. Bring out some marshmallows for roasting, pour yourself another glass of Malbec, and enjoy the crackling warmth. Maybe share some ghost stories (it is October, after all).
Sunday: The Lazy Sunday Roast There’s no better way to close out the weekend than with a classic roast. A roast chicken with rosemary, garlic, and lemon is a perfect choice—simple, elegant, and quintessentially autumn.
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay from Burgundy—Louis Jadot Bourgogne Blanc is a steal at around 20 Euro. Its creamy texture, balanced by fresh acidity and apple notes, makes it the perfect companion for roast chicken. It’s rich enough to stand up to the meal without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Afternoon Idea: After your roast and wine, Sunday afternoons are made for relaxing. Grab a blanket, make a cup of tea (or sip on the last of your Chardonnay), and curl up on the couch for a classic autumn movie marathon: Maybe a moody British drama like The Crown or a classic top movie like The Shawshank Redemption
Wine Tasting Pro Tips:
When choosing wines to pair with your autumn meals, look for varieties that reflect the season’s characteristics: warmth, spice, and earthiness. Reds like Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Tempranillo are perfect, while whites like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris bring that crisp, clean finish.
Whether you’re spending your autumn evenings perfecting the art of risotto or indulging in lazy weekend roasts, don’t forget to let the wine complement the mood. In October, every meal feels a little more special, every glass of wine a bit more deserved. So, let the leaves fall, the sweaters unravel, and the corks pop. Here’s to a month of cozy indulgence and the perfect sip of autumn in a glass. Cheers!