Since first appearing as Robin Scherbatsky in the pilot episode of the CBS sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ 15 years ago, Canadian actress Cobie Smulders has gone on to land roles in some of the biggest shows in film and television. If you’ve seen films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Netflix comedy series Friends From College, or the ABC crime drama Stumptown, you’ve likely seen her in one of her many roles. 

As it happens, Smulders just celebrated her 39th birthday last Saturday, April 3. And what better way to celebrate her special day by drinking a glass of wine while watching her in one of her memorable portrayals, whether it’s as Aunt Robin, Agent Maria Hill, or Dex Parios? 

Smulders’ love for wine is no secret, as she publicly posts some of the wine tastings she would go to on her Instagram account, to the fact that her wedding to actor and comedian Taran Killam back in 2012 was themed as a “California wine country wedding.” So whether it’s watching her join the Avengers to take out otherworldly threats, or laughing while she catches up with Ted, Barney, and the gang at the McLaren’s Pub, here are six red wines under P1,000 that you can pair with Smulders’ most memorable roles: 

1. Beronia Crianza - How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) 

Photo from IMBd

With its red-maroon color and aroma of red fruits and licorice on a base of spices, as well as its round, velvety taste, Beronia Crianza is a food-friendly red wine best enjoyed over a meal with a companion. It’s probably something that Robin Scherbatsky could enjoy while on a date with Ted Mosby, unless she already has a glass of Scotch on hand. 

As a mysterious, sarcastic morning show host, Robin is also just as likely to feel at home while sharing a beer with her friends at McLaren’s Pub. “But umm…” (as Robin would usually say), a glass of Beronia Crianza while enjoying red meat or pasta while watching Smulders shine in her defining role seems like the perfect way to celebrate her birthday. 

How I Met Your Mother is available for streaming on Netflix and Hulu.

2. Heartland Shiraz - The Avengers (2012) 

Photo from IMDb

Heartland wines promise to stay true to the recognized Australian style of winemaking, while also ensuring a balanced structure and an appealing texture. This Heartland Shiraz is part of that distinct style and has been called the pure expression of the country’s most iconic variety. Of course, with its great outdoors, Australia is also known for adventure, and Smulders’ most adventurous and physically demanding role has been as Agent Maria Hill in the MCU. 

Whether it’s helping the Avengers take down their enemies or giving S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury vital information, Maria Hill can do it all and has been one of the agency’s most dependable agents. Enjoying this Australian wine while watching her action-packed scenes in The Avengers is a great way to celebrate the actress’ special day. 

The Avengers can be streamed on Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play.

3. Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Friends After College (2017-2019)

Photo from IMDb

Aside from having the rich primary flavors of cassis, mulberry, and a hint of eucalypt, Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is also known for its French oak maturation that adds secondary hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and spice. As Lisa Turner, a hedge fund lawyer in her 40s, Smulders’ role in the Netflix comedy series Friends After College also deals with themes of adulthood and aging as various Harvard alumni deal with their post-college life in New York. A glass of this red wine would go well with one of the comedic roles she took on after the success of HIMYM. 

Friends After College can be streamed on Netflix.

4. 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon - Stumptown (2019-2020)

Photo from IMDb

19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon is described as being part of a range that “celebrates our convict history,” and boasts of a delicious combination of red currant and ripe berry flavors as well as a hint of vanilla. As private investigator Dex Parios in the ABC crime drama, Smulders’ character handles cases where police cannot get involved, and uses her experience as a military veteran to get things done. To top off this fitting pairing, this is a red wine that’s best paired with a casual meal, which is something that her assertive, quick-witted character would appreciate. 

Stumptown can be streamed on Amazon Prime and Hulu.

5. Maycas Reserva Especial Syrah - The Lego Movie (2014)

Photo from IMDb

While the Canadian actress is known for being a part of the MCU, she has also portrayed an iconic DC Comics superhero on the big screen - or at least, her animated version. Smulders voiced Wonder Woman in the 2014 film The Lego Movie and its 2019 sequel, which combines comedy and adventure with the classic toys loved by children and adults. 

The film’s light subject should pair nicely with the Maycas Reserva Especial Syrah, which is described as having a sound and round tannish finish, good volume, great freshness, and acidity while being consumed with red meats, lamb, and spicy sauces.

The Lego Movie is available for streaming on YouTube and Google Play. 

6. Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon - A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)

Photo from IMDb

Even though it’s a show based on children’s novels, A Series of Unfortunate Events has dark themes and also deals with dark subjects. As Mrs. Quagmire/The Mother, Smulders was a character that brought light and optimism to the show, in contrast to fellow HIMYM alumni Neil Patrick Harris’ Count Olaf, who played the show’s main antagonist. 

With deep dark fruits, blackberry compote, and black plum complemented by the aromatics of clove, cinnamon, and dark herb, the Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon seems like a match to this series based on Lemony Snicket’s novels. A glass of this wine with barbecued flank steak and wild mushroom risotto would be perfect while watching Smulders and the Baudelaire children outsmart Count Olaf. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events is available for streaming on Netflix.