By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
It’s that time of year again. Halloween is over and now it’s a race to the end of the year. The holiday shopping, the family get-togethers and the stress….oh the stress! Well, I’m here to help lower your blood pressure by answering the age old question of “What wine should I bring?”
This time of year often forces the most confident wine lover into second-guessing every choice. Turkey, ham, prime rib, traducken and even the tofurkey – how could a single bottle possibly make everyone happy?
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and let the bad thoughts out. The holidays need not be an exam in advanced food pairing theory. They are about laughter throughout the house, dogs hoping for dropped crumbs and of course, the joyful sound of popped corks. Instead of stressing over the perfect pairing, instead think of wine as part of the meal itself. Make it a course all upon itself.
Course One: The Welcome Glass
You’ve been busy prepping the house for guests and you’re convincing yourself this was a good idea. The doorbell rings and the chaos begins. Coats flying on chairs, dogs barking, appetizers disappearing faster than you anticipated and of course the question, “Is it too early for wine?” (Hint: the answer is never!)
This is your cue for something fresh, bright and perky on the palate. It’s the perfect time to think bubbles. Because when you get down to it, nothing says “Let’s celebrate” more than sparkling wine.
There are so many options when it comes to sparkling. From a Crémant from Loire, to a Prosecco, to a Cava and of course Champagne. Don’t boggle yourself down on what it is. These wines cleanse the palate, set the mood and pair with just about anything on the nibble table from baked brie to salty nuts.
Find sparkling in Downtown Paso!
Course Two: The Table Talker
Every party starts and ends in the kitchen and holiday gatherings are no different. It’s the time that your friends and family are “helping” prepare for the meal. The table is being set, plates are being arranged and the food seems to multiply. Amidst the flurry of activity, and before the main feast hits the table, you want wines that can mingle politely with everyone’s conversations and opinions on the dishes.
I’d like to introduce you to the diplomats of the wine world. The varieties that get along with everyone and everything. The wines that don’t try to steal the spotlight, rather those that complement the dishes and the festive atmosphere. We want the friend or relative that everyone gets along with here, just in the form of a bottle of wine.
For your whites, think Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked styles especially), or Pinot Gris. These are your charming conversationalists, offering freshness, texture, and just enough weight to handle the evolving holiday spread without being demanding. They’re adaptable, easy-going, and ready to complement everything from a pre-meal cheese board to those last-minute, perfectly seasoned vegetables emerging from the oven. (Find unique white wines in Downtown Paso)
When it comes to reds, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Cabernet Franc are all wonderful options that play well with multiple dishes without overpowering them. These are your thoughtful guests who enhance the gathering with their presence but never dominate. They offer fruit, subtle spice, and a structure that is both intriguing and approachable, making them perfect companions as the kitchen fills with the aromas of the main course. (Find Bordeaux wines in downtown Paso)
As the pre-dinner buzz builds and the kitchen becomes the heart of your home, remember these versatile varietal wines. They are more than just beverages; they are the amiable anchors of your early evening, ensuring every palate finds a happy place, setting the stage for the feast to come without any fuss or pretense.
Course Three: The Main Event
Finally, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The clatter of plates subsides, replaced by the soft hum of Alexa playing background music, the murmur of football from the TV, and the occasional happy sigh from the dog curled up contentedly under the table. Your guests are settled, plates piled high, and the aroma of the feast fills the air. This is the moment to bring out a wine with presence – a wine that can hold its own, not just against the heartier dishes on the table, but also against the richness of the moment itself.
If your centerpiece is a magnificent roast, perhaps a juicy red meat dish, or an array of beautifully roasted root vegetables, you’ll want a wine that echoes that depth and richness. This is the time to reach for a bold Syrah, a velvety Merlot, or a Cabernet Sauvignon with a gentle touch. These reds offer robust flavors, firm tannins, and a structure that stands up to the richness of the meal without overwhelming it. Imagine the dark fruit and peppery notes of a Syrah complementing a succulent cut of beef, or the smooth plum of a Merlot harmonizing with earthy, caramelized root vegetables. These wines are designed to be enjoyed alongside substantial fare, enhancing every bite with their confident character.
Alternatively, if your holiday spread leans towards poultry or elegant vegetarian mains, you’ll want a wine that offers a harmonious balance of spice, fruit, and structure. Here, Cabernet Franc or a vibrant Zinfandel strike a gorgeous balance. Cabernet Franc, with its characteristic notes of bell pepper, red berries, and earthy undertones, is a fantastic partner for turkey or a savory lentil loaf, offering a sophisticated counterpoint. Zinfandel, on the other hand, brings a burst of jammy fruit, blackberry, and a touch of spice that beautifully complements roast chicken, game birds, or a hearty mushroom Wellington, adding a lively dimension without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the dish.
Remember, the goal isn’t to “perfectly” match every bite, but to find a wine that enhances the whole experience. A good bottle shouldn’t steal the show, rather it should play harmoniously. The most important thing is to pour generously, and savor the peak of your holiday gathering.
Course Four: The Sweet Finish
As the last plates are cleared and the glow of the evening settles in, it’s time for the final, sweet act. Dessert is where wine truly gets to strut a little, moving from a complementary role to the star of the show.
Forget the heavy meal; your palate is ready for something comforting, concentrated, and perfectly sweet. A late-harvest Riesling, with its honeyed apricot and floral notes, is superb with fruit tarts or spiced cakes, offering bright acidity that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. If you’re serving pies—especially pecan or pumpkin—a classic Tawny Port is unbeatable. Its rich, nutty, and caramelized flavors feel like a warm, liquid hug, providing a beautiful textural and flavor contrast to the crust and filling. Or, for a lighter, joyful finish, a slightly fizzy Moscato d’Asti offers delicate sweetness, low alcohol, and a burst of peach and orange blossom, making a simple slice of pie feel like a grand finale.
And here’s a secret: dessert wines also make great conversation wines. The richness and complexity of these sips naturally encourage you to slow down. Pour small amounts, sip slowly, and linger—because this is the part of the evening no one wants to end. They provide the perfect excuse to settle into the comfortable post-feast glow, ensuring your holiday gathering concludes on a high, sweet note.
Beyond Pairings: The Real Meaning of the Glass
At the end of the day, wine is more than flavor notes or pairing charts. It’s a moment that is a shared experience. The joy comes not from matching acidity to salt levels, but from raising a glass with the people who make your life richer.
So don’t get caught up in the “right” bottle. Open what you love, try something new, and let the wine be part of your celebration rather than the focus of it.
Happy Holidays!
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
