The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delightful wines that complement festive meals and create a warm, joyful atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a thoughtful gift, this buying guide will help you navigate the world of wines and make the proper selections for the occasion.
Consider the Occasion:
Christmas Dinner: Opt for versatile wines that pair well with various dishes for a traditional Christmas feast. Think about both red and white options to cater to different preferences.
Gift-Giving: Choose a wine that suits the recipient's taste preferences. If you're unsure, a well-balanced bottle of red or white wine is generally a safe choice.
Red Wines
Pinot Noir: A classic choice that pairs well with a range of foods. Its versatility makes it an excellent companion for roast turkey or ham.
Bordeaux/Rioja/Napa Cabernet: Ideal for those who prefer bold and robust flavors. Perfect with hearty meals like prime rib or lamb.
Try some off-the-beaten-path regions and styles: Bosnian Blatina for the California Cab drinker, Swiss Gamaret for fans of spicy black pepper reds from Spain, or Romanian red field blends for light notes of cranberry and cherry perfect for grilled chicken and salads.
White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, this wine complements lighter fare such as seafood, salads, and herb-infused dishes. Looking for more minerality? Steer towards French Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, or if you prefer more notes of fruit like mango, look for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or local options from Oregon or Washington.
Whites with body: Looking for some white wines that can hold throughout a meal? Look for Cote-Du-Rhone Blancs, Malvasia from Spain, Chardonnay from Oregon, or Burgundy White Wines that offer good bang for your buck: Austrian Gruner Veltliner is a shop favorite with great value. Portuguese whites constantly over-deliver on value. Italian Verdicchio and Vermentino offer versatility without the hefty price tag.
Sparkling Wines
Champagne: A symbol of celebration perfect for toasting! Champagnes are an ideal pairing with appetizers and seafood or served independently.
Pet Nats/Cava/Prosecco: These are more affordable and equally delightful options for celebrating. Great for cocktails or paired with light starters and brunch.
Rosé
Versatility: Rosé wines offer a balance between red and white, making them an excellent choice for diverse holiday menus.
Pairing: Consider a dry rosé for a wide range of dishes, from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. Look for rosés like Tavel and Bandol to pair with more meat dishes, or for lighter fare, try rosé from Provence, France or local options.
Orange Wines
Skin Contact white wine, commonly called orange wine, can be a fun change of pace. They can be paired with various dishes, from salad and fish to pasta and pork. We have a wide variety of orange wines ranging from light and delicate to robust and funky.
Dessert Wines
Port: A sweet and fortified wine that pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts.
Sherry: A fortified wine that undergoes a unique aging process, Sherry’s versatility extends beyond the dinner table. Its distant character adds layers of flavors to any mixology endeavor.
Local and Unique Options
Explore Local Vineyards: Consider wines from local vineyards. There are also great local options outside of Pinot Noir. We recommend trying Oregon Chardonnay, Washington Cabernet Sauvignon or local Syrah.
Holiday 3 pack & case of the month
Looking to make your holiday wine shopping easy? Think about picking up our curated case of the month or holiday 3 pack that is perfect for all your holiday occasions. The 3 pack contains a beautiful bottle of true Champagne, a 2011 Barolo and a fun Italian dessert wine. All for $100 (after discount).
Our December case of the month has everything you need for the holidays. Bubbles, local wine from the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, some everyday drinkers and everything in between. You really can’t go wrong.
Cheers everyone! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic new year!! See you in 2024.