5 Wine & Horror Movie Pairings You Need to Try for a Chilling Fall Weekend In

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I'm a seasons guy. Can you blame me? As summer fades into autumn and the sweltering days of September give way to the crisp, cool nights of October, I'm all in. Bring on the shorter days and chilly, early evenings because I'm more than ready to trade sunshine for spooky vibes as Halloween approaches. There's nothing I love more on those eerie little evenings than to end my day with a horror movie and a glass of wine. 

So, if anyone can pair a good horror flick with a heavy pour of pinot grigio, it's me.

Watching a horror film without a glass of wine is like attending a baseball game without grabbing a hot dog — it just feels wrong. There's something about the combination of a spine-chilling scene and the perfect sip of wine that elevates the experience to another level. Whether it's a sudden jump scare, the unsettling creak of a door in the middle of the night, or a thunderstorm looming over a haunted mansion, a glass of wine in hand adds just the right touch of indulgence to any good horror flick. Sorry, I don't make the rules — I'm just here to pass them along.

It doesn't matter if you're dusting off your favorite horror movie on steelbook for movie night or streaming one of the best Halloween movies from your favorite platform, a perfectly paired wine enhances the thrills. From classic slasher flicks to psychological terrors, the right wine can turn your night into the ultimate cozy, creepy evening in. 

So, go ahead and pour yourself a glass, because the most popular horror movies deserve nothing less.

Terrifier & 2021 Stags' Leap The Investor Napa Valley Red Wine

Looking for the perfect wine to pair with Terrifier, one of the goriest horror films out there? Look no further than the 2021 Stags' Leap The Investor Napa Valley Red Wine. This red blend is basically made for a movie dripping in blood and gore — because, let's be honest, red blend... blood... you get the connection. With its rich, lush flavors and deep character, it's bold enough to match the intensity of Terrifier, while the smooth finish helps ease the tension between brutal kills. Pop it open and sip along as you watch Art the Clown take horror to new, terrifying levels.

The red blend is currently on sale, dropping the price from $70 to $49 for a bottle. The film can be purchased in a hard copy format on Amazon for $9 or is available for streaming on Prime Video. Prime Video costs users $9/month or $15/month if you decide to get the full Amazon Prime subscription, which offers deals on thousands of items across the site.

Smile & Etude 2018 Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine

If you're planning to dive into Smile before catching Smile 2 in theaters, you'll want to elevate the experience with a glass of 2018 Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine. At $60 a bottle, this sparkling wine is the perfect pairing for the eerie grin-filled thriller. Nothing makes us smile quite like sparkling wine, so popping this bottle open is only fitting for this kind of film. If only the smile we are talking about wasn't so sinister. You win some, you lose some.

With crisp notes of apple, citrus, and a subtle hint of brioche, this bubbly offers just the right balance of elegance and liveliness — perfect for sipping through every moment you want to shield your eyes. You can stream Smile on Hulu, starting at $10/month, or grab a Blu-ray copy on Amazon for $12. Either way, get ready to bust open that bottle and toast to a truly thrilling watch.

Longlegs and 2020 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

If you're ready to experience one of the most terrifying films of the year, Longlegs should be at the top of your watchlist. While it's available on Blu-ray for $20, be prepared for a slight shipping delay due to high demand — this one's flying off the shelves. But if you can't wait, you can rent it on Prime Video for just $6 (usually $20) or purchase it for $20 (down from $25).

Of course, with a movie like Longlegs, you'll want a wine with some impressive legs of its own. The 2020 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, now just $49 (marked down from $70), is the perfect pairing. Swirl it around and check out the legs (hah, get it?) — because we couldn't resist the pun. Rich, bold, and smooth, this cabernet is made to enhance every intense moment of Longlegs. Grab your bottle and get ready for a night of thrills.

Scream & 2023 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

If you're gearing up for a Scream marathon, then you're in for a bloody good time — literally. This DVD set includes the first six films (though sadly, not the latest), for just $38.50, which is an absolute steal. While the Scream movies are scattered across various platforms, you can at least catch the first few on Max, which costs $10/month.

And what better way to pair a Scream marathon than with a glass (or two) of 2023 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc? For $40, this crisp and refreshing white is the perfect companion for a night filled with suspense, screams, and friends. Despite the slasher vibes, the Scream franchise definitely has a "white wine with the lights off and your besties around" energy. A little bit of tipsy fun is kind of a must for these thrillers. So, grab a bottle, dim the lights, and get ready for some iconic horror moments.

A Nightmare on Elm Street & 2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve St. Helena Malbec

If you're ready to revisit Freddy Krueger in all his 4K Ultra HD glory, A Nightmare on Elm Street is available for just $24. For streaming fans, you can catch it on Max for $10/month, making it easy to dive into the iconic slasher that haunts your dreams.

But you're not doing Freddy justice without a proper wine pairing, and the 2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve St. Helena Malbec is just the ticket. At $75, this deep ruby beauty has rich notes of dark berries, allspice, and vanilla that perfectly complement the eerie atmosphere of Elm Street. It's slightly less structured than a Cabernet Sauvignon, but still bold, layered, and as smooth as Freddy's deadly glove work.

Picture it now: The lights are low, your nerves are high, and a glass of Malbec is in hand as Freddy's haunting theme plays. It's a wine that pairs well with those tense moments and adds a touch of elegance to your horror marathon. Whether you're nibbling on some creamy cheese or digging into a heartier dish, this wine is your partner in crime for a perfect horror-filled night.

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