When you think of Valentine’s Day, a few things probably come to mind: candlelight, roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, maybe a perfectly paired glass of red wine.
Bugs?
Probably not.
But one Wilmington hotspot is betting that romance doesn’t have to be predictable — and that sometimes love means taking a walk on the wild side.
On Friday, February 14, 2026, Fermental Beer and Wine in the Cargo District is hosting an entomophagic (yes, that means insect-eating) Valentine’s Day tasting event that pairs hand-selected wines with carefully prepared, farm-raised insects designed specifically for human consumption.
Let that sink in.
From 2:00 p.m. until the fun winds down, guests can sample complimentary wine alongside bugs described as earthy, nutty, and sometimes even fruit-forward in flavor. If you’re skeptical, that’s kind of the point. Fermental is leaning into the unexpected — blending the complexities of white and red wines with an adventurous culinary twist.
Few people think of insects as romantic. But maybe that’s because most of us have never tried them with the right pairing and a little live music in the background.
The event will also feature live music and a food truck on site, along with Fermental’s regular lineup of beer, wine, and other libations available for purchase. It’s free to attend, though wine tastings are limited to guests 21 and older with valid ID. (And a quick heads up: anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid consuming insects.)
Whether you’re planning a quirky Valentine’s date, gathering friends for something different, or just looking for a story you’ll be telling for years, this might be your chance to redefine “dinner and drinks.”
After all, nothing says love like sharing something unexpected.
Fermental Beer and Wine is located at 600 S. 17th Street in Wilmington. For more information, call 910-821-0362.
This Valentine’s Day, skip the predictable — and try something with a little crunch.