August 27 is National Red Wine Day and we’ve got some tasty ways to celebrate! Cooking and baking with red wine will take your kitchen skills to a whole new level, and we’ve got a handful of recipes you just have to try! From decadent red wine chocolate cake and red wine cherry cobbler to red wine mushroom risotto and red wine-braised short ribs, these dishes are worthy of praise … and a toast! If you don’t know what wines to cook with, never fear. We’ve done the work for you and listed a great red wine to use (and drink) for each recipe! Cheers to red!
Red Wine Chocolate Cake

This decadent red wine chocolate cake from Life, Love and Sugar is a layered slice of heaven. Infused with red wine, this rich, moist chocolate cake is layered with raspberry buttercream, topped with chocolate buttercream, and drizzled with chocolate ganache. The blending of chocolate, raspberry, and red wine is a sophisticated taste fit for any celebration. Use a sweet red wine for this recipe. We suggest: Menage a Trois Dolce Sweet Red Blend
Red Wine Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is typically made with white wine, but using red wine instead will give it a whole new (amazing) flavor profile. This red wine mushroom risotto from Life as a Strawberry uses sautéed baby portobello mushrooms, fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese for an earthy, complex dish you’ll love. Pick a dry red wine for this recipe such as zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon or merlot. We suggest: Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel
Red Wine Pot Roast
This hearty dish is whipped up in one pot and is so delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again! The beef in this recipe from Sweet & Savory Meals is made tender by braising it for several hours. It’s savory, tender, and oh-so-good! The red wine adds a tangy kick and sweetness to this perfect pot roast. For this recipe, use a wine you like to drink. Cabernet, merlot, or Bordeaux work best in this recipe. We suggest: Chateau Saint-André Corbin
Red Wine Roasted Mushrooms on Goat Cheese Garlic Toasts
These fun appetizers from How Sweet Eats are sure to be a hit at any gathering, but they’re also great for a quiet night in. Baby portobellos are roasted with red wine, pungent garlic, fragrant thyme, fresh oregano, and creamy goat cheese. You’ll only use a ½ cup of red wine, so be sure to grab a bottle you’ll want to drink with this one! We suggest: Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Strawberry-Merlot Sauce
What sounds better than roasted strawberry-merlot sauce? Not much, if you ask us! This pork tenderloin recipe from Food & Wine is as good as it gets! The drippings of the pork are mixed with merlot and sweet strawberries for a rich sauce that will bring this pork to the next level. For the merlot, we suggest: Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot
Red Wine Poached Pears
Pears might just be the most sophisticated fruit on your table. These pretty poached pears from The Flavor Bender are simple, packed with flavor and have a gorgeous hue from the use of red wine. These pears are sweet, spicy, and fruity all at once. Serve this elegant dessert with mascarpone cheese, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Choose a cabernet sauvignon or merlot for this recipe. We suggest: La Storia Merlot
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Rib Pasta
Braising short ribs in red wine and pairing it with pasta is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. This dish from Half Baked Harvest is made in a slow cooker so it’s a simple dinner to throw together. The meat is braised in a red wine sauce infused with garlic, tomato and bacon, then cooked low and slow. The meat is then shredded and tossed with pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread for a meal to remember. We suggest: Clos de Los Siete Red
Red Wine Cherry Cobbler Recipe
Elevate your dessert game with this easy cherry cobbler from The Flour Handprint. This sweet treat is made with fruity red wine and dark, sweet red cherries. The sugary red wine syrup and cherries are topped with a golden brown, crispy, cake cobbler crust you’re gonna’ love. This dessert makes a great dessert date night. Pinot noir and merlot are recommended. For this recipe, choose a fruit-forward red wine you want to drink. If you want to be a little extra, we suggest: The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
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