The 5 drinks you need to host spooktacular horror movie nights
The first horror movie ever made dates all the way back to 1896. And something like almost 300 were released worldwide in 2024. That means you can watch a horror movie every night between now and Halloween and still have plenty to choose from for a Halloween horror movie night party with these spooktacular drinks and frighteningly delicious foods.
You have lots of options with horror movie nights. Snuggle up with your honey. Make it a pajama party with your best friends. Watch alone if you dare. Or roll movies on every screen in the house for a costume party on Halloween night.
You could pair drinks with each film, like Duplin Blackberry with “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. Think Duplin Queen Anne’s Revenge wine with 1980s throwback “The Fog,” in which a creepy fog rolls into a coastal town exactly 100 years after a mysterious shipwreck, like the one of the wine’s label. Duplin Pum’kin is essential with the “Halloween” series of movies.
All the creepiest sounding but crazy tasty wines you need for scary movie watching this Halloween are packed inside the new Duplin Horror Movie Night Kit, as well as Blister-Fried Peanuts and chili cheese Wicked Mini Crackers sure to scare up everyone’s appetite when the munchies attack. The kit includes four wines in all, fixings for mulled wine and two snacks.
Read on for all the boo-tiful wine details and don’t be afraid to check out the video above for a walk through the siptastic dark side.
How to taste wine like a Duplin pro
See. Swirl. Sniff. Sip. Savor. Use this 5-step system for each wine on the tasting sheet included in your kit. Here's how.
See: First, hold a glass of wine up to a light and look at the color. It will allude to the variety of grapes used and what the wine will taste like. Is it Scuppernong? Nobel? Carlos? Another? Color also indicates flavor. A bright, saturated hue often means a more intense flavor. See if you can guess the grape and flavor before you sip.
Swirl: Consider the wine's body next. Swirl the wine in your glass to determine if it is light or heavy. You're looking for the viscous streaks running down the side of the glass after you swirl. They're called "legs." Sweeter wines will leave streaks to cling or move slowly. That means a heavier body.
Sniff: After you swirl, really dip your nose into the glass and inhale the aroma, which wine pros call the "bouquet" or "nose." Pausing to experience the bouquet heightens your senses and anticipation of the first sip. Think about what you are smelling. Is it fruity? What kind of fruit? Berries? Ripe banana? Musky honeydew melon? Pure grape? Are you getting floral notes like honeysuckle or gardenia? See if you pick up unexpected smells like pine or fall leaves. Describe the bouquet and discuss it.
Sip: Take a sip slightly larger than normal and hold the wine in your mouth for 3-5 seconds. Let the wine coat the tongue and the inside of your mouth. Wine releases more flavors as it warms on your taste buds. Before swallowing, purse your lips and breathe in gently, allowing the air to travel across the wine in your mouth to get the full flavor profile.
Do the flavors you're experiencing match the wine's nose? When and where are you tasting those flavors? Are you getting, say, banana bread on the first sip and then astringency or acidity at the end, which is called "the finish." Where do flavors hit you? On the tongue? On the side of your mouth.
Think back to the wine's body. Compare the texture of different wines, how they feel in your mouth. Light as water or heavier, like the texture of sweet iced tea? If you're sampling a sparkling wine, do the bubbles feel fine or medium in size. Compare your experience to the wine's description and see if it matches.
Savor: As you continue sipping, note how the sensation is slightly different from what you experienced when the wine was resting in your mouth on the first sip. This is the point when you taste and feel the wine's finish. As you continue tasting, note how the wine pairs with the Duplin Gourmet crackers and Muscadine Pineapple Habenero dip. See which wine you like best with those snacks and others you may be enjoying during your at-home or virtual tasting. Cheers!
Now, let's begin your wine tasting!
Hatteras Red
Hatteras Red is a sweet, fruity wine with a bold finish, capturing the essence of a beachside escape. Its balanced journey from sweetness to a touch of acidity makes it a favorite among beer lovers. With a 10.2% sugar level, it’s best enjoyed chilled. Whether sipped solo or infused in creative cocktails, Hatteras Red’s versatility shines. Try it infused with jalapeño for 24 hours and serve over ice with a shot of vodka for a spicy, refreshing twist. Perfect for casual sipping or mixing!
Queen Anne's Revenge
Blackbeard, the notorious pirate of the Carolina shores, left an indelible mark on history. As you pour a glass of Duplin Winery’s Queen Anne’s Revenge, you can almost hear the creaking timbers of his legendary flagship. This bold, semi-sweet red wine, crafted from the muscadine grape variety Nobel, offers a slightly tart finish. Produced just once a year through a unique process where grapes are fermented on the skins in outdoor tanks, exposed to Mother Nature’s fluctuating temperatures, this wine’s complexity is truly unparalleled.
Blackberry
Blackberry wine offers a rich, earthy sweetness, capturing the essence of freshly picked North Carolina blackberries. This Duplin favorite shines whether served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. Its bold berry flavor pairs beautifully with honey-glazed ham, brown-sugar-braised short ribs, spice cake, and hearty holiday feasts. A nostalgic taste of summer, Blackberry is the ideal companion for rich meals or casual sipping moments.
Pum'kin
Pum’kin wine features a crisp start that seamlessly transitions into a smooth, cozy spice, instantly invoking the essence of fall. This exceptional blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg pairs beautifully with tailgate snack platters filled with smoked meats, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers. It’s also delightful alongside nut-coated cheese balls or tender short ribs served over creamy whipped sweet potatoes. For a flavorful twist, pull a sizzling steak off the heat and deglaze the skillet with a splash of Pum’kin, creating a rich pan sauce that your family will request time and again, perfect for memorable meals.
Muscadine Cider
Muscadine Cider is a unique, alcohol-free beverage that stands out as it does not undergo fermentation. Instead, this delightful cider is crafted from fresh noble grapes that are cold-treated and pasteurized, preserving their natural flavors. With its refreshing taste, Duplin’s Muscadine Cider delivers an old-fashioned cider experience without the alcohol. This charming drink is perfect for all ages and occasions, making it a great choice for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm day. Experience the rich, fruity essence of muscadine grapes with every sip of this delicious and invigorating cider.
Mulling Spices
This expertly crafted spice kit is designed to pair beautifully with Hatteras Red and Muscadine Cider, enhancing their flavors for a delightful experience. Or take your spiced with a new level and substitute the red wine with Pum'kin! Each kit comes with a recipe printed on the front of the spice packet, guiding you to create a warm, seasonal treat that will impress your guests and elevate your gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this spice kit adds a touch of warmth and festivity to your favorite Duplin wines. Discover the perfect blend of spices and flavors that will make your drinks truly memorable!
Blister Fried Peanuts
Bertie’s Blister-Fried Peanuts are carefully crafted in small 4-pound batches to ensure exceptional quality. Every detail, from boiling time to oil temperature and salting, is meticulously managed according to their special recipe. Lightly salted and packaged in a tamper-proof, recyclable plastic jar featuring a signature red and gold foil label, these peanuts make a delightful gift. Known for their incredible taste, Bertie’s Blister-Fried Peanuts are also OU Kosher Certified, ensuring premium standards.
Wicked Minis Chili Cheese
Wicked Minis Chili Cheese oyster crackers pack a bold, zesty punch in every bite. Perfect for adding a flavorful twist to salads, chowders, and soups, or enjoying as a tasty snack on their own. Made with premium ingredients and a unique spice blend, these bite-sized treats deliver quality in every crunch. Packaged in a resealable bag to lock in freshness, Wicked Minis are crafted in the USA and designed to satisfy anytime, anywhere.
