Brits planning a cosy night in with a takeaway this Valentine’s Day are in for a treat, as they can now elevate their evening with a unique 30-minute wine and dine experience—all without breaking the bank or leaving the sofa.
Introducing ‘Decanteroo’, a free service from Deliveroo that brings expert sommeliers straight to your door. Acting as matchmakers for the evening, these trained professionals will deliver a bespoke Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference wine tasting, perfectly paired with your Valentine’s dinner. But forget the usual fine-dining formalities—this experience is all about fun, flavour, and unexpected pairings.
Renowned wine expert and TikTok’s favourite ‘wine guy’, Tom Gilbey, has expertly curated a selection of Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference wines to complement some of Britain’s most beloved takeaway dishes. The result? A refined but accessible approach to food and wine pairings that ditches the snobbery.
From a crisp Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco that pairs effortlessly with an American Hot pizza from PizzaExpress, to a luscious Viognier that enhances the garlic and parmesan wings from Wingstop, and even a bold Malbec to accompany TGI Friday’s Full Rack of Ribs—there’s something for every palate. During the experience, you’ll get to swirl, sniff, and sip up to three wines alongside your takeaway, with your favourite bottle gifted to you free of charge.
Tom Gilbey’s Recommended Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Wine Pairings with Deliveroo:
- Five Guys Cheeseburger & Fries x Taste the Difference Viñedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza: The blackcurrant notes and smoky finish of this Rioja complement the juicy burger, American cheese, and crispy fries. If you opt for Cajun-style fries, the spice will shine even more alongside this wine.
- Wingstop 8 Pieces Boneless Garlic Parmesan x Taste the Difference Viognier: The peach and nectarine flavours of Viognier perfectly balance the rich, garlicky chicken without overpowering it.
- PizzaExpress American Hot x Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco: The prosecco’s lively freshness counteracts the spice and richness of the pepperoni and hot peppers.
- Taco Bell Chicken Nachos Deluxe Box x Taste the Difference Chenin Blanc: This vibrant wine, bursting with orchard fruits and honeysuckle, enhances both the meatiness and the spice of the nachos.
- Toby Carvery Carvery for One x Taste the Difference Rioja Reserva: A classic roast calls for a classic wine—this Rioja’s warming oak, vanilla, and ripe black fruit notes make it the ideal companion for a hearty carvery.
- Krispy Kreme ‘Hearts in Bloom’ Doughnut x by Sainsbury’s Alcohol-Free Sparkling: This fruity, alcohol-free option is a delightful match for the sweet indulgence of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
These unconventional yet delicious pairings are sure to excite the 36% of Brits who, according to Deliveroo’s latest research, would never dare to order a ‘non-traditional’ wine pairing at a restaurant for fear of judgement (22%) or appearing inexperienced (28%).
Tom Gilbey shares his enthusiasm: “With over 32 years in the wine industry, from winemaking to running a flagship city wine merchant, I couldn’t resist the chance to create the ultimate takeaway and wine pairings for Valentine’s. You don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy great food and wine combinations—just an open mind and a love for great flavours!”
This Valentine’s Day, Deliveroo’s research shows that many Brits are looking to enjoy good wine without the pretense. Over a third (36%) see traditional sommelier services as expensive, with 23% calling them exclusive, and 22% viewing them as pompous or snobby. ‘Decanteroo’ aims to make expert wine pairings just as easy and accessible as ordering from your local chippy.
Launching in three of the UK’s most wine-loving cities—London (80%), Manchester (64%), and Brighton (67%)—this initiative comes at a time when 22% of Brits admit they wish they knew more about wine to impress their Valentine’s date, while 38% believe that a mediocre bottle can ruin a takeaway. With a quarter (25%) of those in relationships admitting they get the ‘ick’ if their partner picks the wrong bottle, Decanteroo is here to save the day from any Valentine’s Day missteps.
Additionally, research shows that a third of Brits (33%)—single or otherwise—will be spending the most romantic night of the year at home, with 32% opting for a takeaway and 44% enjoying a good glass of wine.
“Sommelier pairings shouldn’t be reserved for ten-course fine dining experiences. We’re thrilled to offer Brits the chance to enjoy Tom Gilbey’s fantastic wine and takeaway matches from the comfort of home. Because, let’s be honest, what’s better than kicking back with your favourite takeaway and a perfectly paired glass of wine?”
Arabella Jenkins from Deliveroo
With limited availability, slots for Decanteroo are expected to go quickly. Interested Brits can register via Eventbrite for London, Manchester, or Brighton and will receive an email notification before tickets go live at 4 pm on Thursday, 13th February.
Lucky participants will receive a 30-minute personalised wine tasting for two, guided by an expert sommelier, who will recommend the best Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference wine to pair with their takeaway. As an added treat, each Decanteroo experience includes £40 Deliveroo credit to cover the cost of dinner.
For those unable to secure a Decanteroo spot, Deliveroo is still making Valentine’s Day extra special by offering up to 30% off select Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference wines from 10th-14th February—so everyone can experience the perfect wine and takeaway pairing, no matter where they’re dining.
