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Hey friends, Lauren here! Valentine’s Day tends to get a bad wrap & it’s easy to understand why. Overpriced flowers, expensive dinners, long lines — no thank you! But this year, we are switching things up & throwing a fun get-together that celebrates all the ladies in your life! No pressure, no weirdness, just lots of delicious wine, fabulous food, and the best friends. Who is in?!
But First, What is Galentine's Day?
So here’s the deal, Galentine’s Day is basically a celebration of friendship, plain and simple. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your favorite ladies, pour a glass of something delicious, and just enjoy each other’s company. No pressure, no awkward romantic vibes, just laughter, good food, and maybe a little wine-fueled gossip. Honestly, it’s like the best pre-Valentine’s Day warm-up you never knew you needed.
It started as this fun little idea on TV, but the beauty is you can make it totally your own. Brunch, cheese boards, baked Camembert, playlists, candles—whatever makes your group feel cozy and festive. The whole point is celebrating the people who make your life sweeter, and trust me, when you get a few bottles of Kendall-Jackson Rosé or a glass of Chardonnay flowing, it suddenly feels like a proper party without any of the stress.
How to Build the Ultimate Galentine’s Day Charcuterie Board
If you are anything like me, you don’t get excited about most holidays (except for the big ones, of course). Instead of jumping on the anti-VDay bandwagon, this year we decided to get the gals together and have a fabulous, at-home happy hour. What could be better than lots of fabulous Rosé, your best girlfriends, and a board full of savory treats.
Figuring out what to serve when having people over can be a bit tricky. If you have been following along on our food pairings, you know that we are huge fans of big, delicious spreads. Just pile on your favorite goodies onto a large cheese board, grab some plates, plenty of wine, and voila – it’s chic, easy, and delicious!
It’s important to have a least one main event on the board & for this get-together it’s all about the baked camembert. This delicious dish is the older sister to the baked brie & is just as indulgent, if not more sophisticated. The honey makes it sweet, the garlic & sea salt add in the savory, and the blueberries (or herbal garnish) add a little something special!
The recipe is super easy & impresses the heck out of guests every time. Pair it with a delicious glass of crisp Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Rosé and you’ve got the perfect couple!
Check out our blog for the full breakdown on how to build the best holiday cheese board (with wine of course).
Setting the Mood for a Cozy Galentine’s Hang
You know what really makes a Galentine’s night hit differently? It’s all in the little details. Think soft lighting, a playlist that keeps everyone humming along, and just enough cozy touches to make the space feel like a hug. Candles are a no-brainer—they instantly add warmth and a little romance without trying too hard. If you’ve got string lights, drape them casually over a shelf or along a table edge; suddenly your living room feels like a boutique wine bar.
Now for the soundtrack. Curate a mix that’s upbeat but chill—some classic girl power jams, a few mellow indie tracks, maybe even a guilty pleasure or two. The goal is background vibes, not a full-on dance party (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it). And don’t forget the details that make guests feel special: soft napkins, a few fresh flowers, or even a quirky serving board for your baked Camembert. It doesn’t take much, but when you combine these elements, suddenly your friends walk in and feel like they’re stepping into a night that’s all about fun, food, wine, and friendship.
Honey Baked Camembert Recipe
Recipe Type:
Appetizer
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 250 g Camembert
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tiny pinch sea salt
- olive oil
- honey
- blueberries
- rosemary and/or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. If you have a camembert baker use that, if not, leave the cheese in it's box. Cut half inch slices in the top layer of the camembert, making sure not to penetrate through the bottom.
- Finely chop your garlic clove & poke into holes. Drizzle with a little olive oil & honey (the more the merrier!) then bake in the hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until beautiful and oozy in the middle.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Feel free to add rosemary or thyme if you are feeling earthy, or if fruit is more your speed, pile blueberries high & drizzle with more honey.
Fun Add Ins That Take Your Camembert to the Next Level
Here’s the thing about baked Camembert—it’s already indulgent and oozy, but a few little extras can make it feel totally elevated and personal. Drizzle on extra honey for that sweet, sticky pull that makes everyone’s eyes light up. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add an earthy note that smells as good as it tastes.
Fruits are another easy way to add color and flavor: blueberries, sliced figs, or even pomegranate seeds turn the cheese into something that looks like it came straight off a fancy menu. Nuts bring crunch and texture—think toasted almonds or pecans tossed on top just before serving. Honestly, you can mix and match however you like; the best part is letting your creativity shine and giving your friends a little “wow” moment when they dig in.
Fun add-ins to try:
- Extra honey for sweetness
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Blueberries, figs, or pomegranate seeds
- Toasted almonds or pecans
- Drizzle of olive oil for a silky finish
- Cracked black pepper for a subtle kick
Kendall-Jackson Wines + Galentine’s Day = Pure Magic
Let’s be honest—Galentine’s Day isn’t just about the snacks and laughter, it’s about raising a glass (or three) with the people who make life sweeter. That’s where Kendall-Jackson wines come in. A crisp Grand Reserve Rosé pairs perfectly with the honey baked Camembert, cutting through the richness while keeping every bite bright and fun. It’s that perfect little sip that makes everyone pause, smile, and maybe even toast to friendship mid-bite.
But don’t stop there. Their portfolio is full of options to match every mood and menu. The Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is rich and buttery if you’re serving heartier bites, or a smooth Cabernet or delicate Pinot Noir adds a rich, layered note to the spread. Really, having a few bottles on hand turns your casual get-together into a full-on experience. Wine, cheese, laughter, and your best friends—when you put it all together, it’s pure magic.
FAQs
What exactly is Galentine’s Day?
It’s a celebration of friendship, typically held the day before Valentine’s Day, where you gather your favorite ladies for fun, food, and wine—no pressure, just good vibes.
Do I need to make a big spread to host?
Not at all. A few well-chosen dishes, like the honey baked Camembert, a few fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers, paired with your favorite Kendall-Jackson wines, is plenty to impress.
Can I host if I don’t have a big entertaining space?
Yes! Galentine’s Day is more about connection than space. Cozy corners, a small table, or even a picnic-style spread on the floor works beautifully.
Can I incorporate themed games or activities?
Sure! Think lighthearted games, a DIY cocktail station, or a casual tasting flight of wines. It’s all about keeping the mood playful and stress-free.
Do these ideas work for small or large groups?
Yes, whether it’s 3 friends or 10, the key is simple, shareable food and approachable wine. Bigger groups just mean more bottles to go around!
