THE BEST WINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Perfect Holiday Wines

The holidays are a time for enjoying great food and drink with family and friends. Wine always adds a touch of festive sophistication to any holiday gathering. With such a wide variety to choose from, how do you pick the perfect wines to complement your holiday meals and delight your guests?

Popular Red Wines for the Holidays

For hearty holiday dishes like roasts, steaks, and pasta, you can’t go wrong with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or smooth Merlot. Cabernet offers notes of black cherry, cedar, and dark chocolate with a firm, full-bodied taste that stands up well to rich meats and strong flavors. For a slightly milder red, try an oaky, vibrant Merlot with tastes of red berries and sweet herbs. It’s a medium-bodied complement for savory starters, herb-crusted chickens, or even chocolate desserts!

Festive White Wines

While reds steal the show at many holiday tables, don’t count out crowd-pleasing white wines. A buttery Chardonnay adds warmth and depth of flavor to dishes like baked fish, scalloped potatoes, or mushroom risottos. For lighter seafood appetizers, salads, and hors d’oeuvres, refresh guests with a chilled Pinot Grigio and its zesty citrus and green apple notes. And don’t forget easy-drinking Moscato, with its holiday-appropriate aromas of peach, honeysuckle and ginger.

Sparkling for Celebrating

No holiday celebration is complete without at least one toast! Pop open a bottle of crisp sparkling wine like Cava, Prosecco or even Champagne. Their tiny, elegant bubbles and bright acidity cleanse the palate perfectly between bites of rich foods. Friends and family will delight in the festivity of sparkling wines as well as their berry, stone fruit, and floral undertones. Toast each other with a vibrant glass during appetizers or raise one high in a breathtaking Champagne toast at midnight.

Wine always brings people together in fellowship and enjoyment. This holiday season, craft memorable moments for everyone at your table by serving the perfect wines. The choices are endless, so have fun exploring varieties until you find new favorites worth celebrating year after year!