BY JAMIE KNEE | NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Holiday Wine Guide
A Wine Guide for a Joyful Season
With Petite Wine Traveler, your personal wine guide
The holidays arrive with delightful chaos. You feel the rush of planning dinners, hosting friends, wrapping gifts, and welcoming family to your home. During this busy season, many turn to me as their wine guide. As your personal sommelier and the Petite Wine Traveler, I want you to feel relaxed, confident, and inspired about the wines you serve. Let me make your holiday pairings feel effortless.
Thanksgiving Wine Guide
Thanksgiving begins the season of celebration. Rather than saving sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve, I encourage you to enjoy bubbles now. Sparkling wines set a joyful tone and refresh your palate before the feast. While the turkey roasts, I love to serve cheeses and seasonal bites with a chilled glass of bubbles. The acidity and lively texture cut through richness and pair beautifully with vegetables, potatoes, and savory dishes.
California Sparkling Favorites
• Riverbench 2018 Blanc de Blancs
• Laetitia 2020 Brut de Noirs
Both wines bring notes of brioche, citrus, and toasted almonds. They lift the meal from first sip to last.
Your Wine Guide’s Picks for the Main Feast
When the feast begins, Pinot Noir shines. Its earthy red fruit complements fall flavors and makes guests feel grounded and comforted. If you want something playful, consider sparkling red wine. One of my favorite surprises is the Cuvée M Red from Mumm Napa, a Pinot Noir and Syrah blend that brings notes of plum, cassis, and cardamom. It adds a festive touch your guests will remember.
A Wine Guide for White Wine Lovers
For those who prefer whites, dry Riesling delivers bright acidity and citrus freshness that keeps the palate alive.
Try:
• Tatomer Riesling 2018
If you want something fuller, choose Chardonnay or Roussanne. They stand up to richer holiday dishes.
• The Hilt Estate Chardonnay 2020
• Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne 2019
These wines bring flavors of croissant, almond flour, jasmine, and kumquat.
Rosé All Day
Throughout Thanksgiving, rosé offers a refreshing companion. Its crispness reminds you of the first bite of a fall apple. It pairs easily with almost everything.
• Curran Grenache Gris Rosé
• La Lieff Gigi Rosé 2021
These pink wines feel lively, friendly, and perfect for an all-day celebration.
Wine Guide Pairings for Vegetarian Dishes
Stuffed acorn squash brings warmth, spice, and seasonal comfort. It pairs beautifully with Grenache.
Try:
• Beckmen Vineyards 2021 Grenache Estate
You can also explore cool-climate Syrah. Its peppery elegance lifts the flavors of this dish.
• Piedrasassi 2019 Sta. Rita Hills Syrah
Both wines create harmony on the table.
A Holiday Wine Guide for Christmas and Hanukkah
As we move into December, traditions take center stage. Roast beef, brisket, and holiday comfort foods call for wines with structure and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon brings dark fruit and firm tannins, perfect for hearty meals.
• Star Lane Vineyard 2019 Cabernet
If you love a smoother red, Merlot shines.
• Paradise Springs Winery 2018 F’ing Merlot
These wines help you feel grounded, comforted, and ready to indulge.
A Wine Guide for New Year’s Eve
As we approach the new year, Champagne takes the spotlight. It adds sparkle, elegance, and anticipation to the night.
Favorites include:
• Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
• Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
If you prefer something more budget friendly, consider Cava, Crémant, Metodo Classico, or California sparkling wines.
Your Holiday Wine Guide Wrap-Up
As you move through the season, let wine bring warmth, joy, and connection. With this wine guide in hand, you can create evenings filled with good company, beautiful pairings, and unforgettable memories. I want you to feel confident, inspired, and excited to explore each bottle with the people you love.
Cheers to a season filled with laughter, grace, and exceptional wines.
https://www.montecitojournal.net/2023/11/21/a-wine-guide-for-a-joyful-season/
