8 Wines That Are Perfect For Your Holiday Party

The holiday season is an inherently festive time, and with an abundance of parties, concerts, and special events sprinkled generously throughout the last several weeks of the year, there are plenty of opportunities to imbibe. And with so much of the holiday season centered on food, there are countless opportunities for wine and food pairing and personalization.

Whether you’re a white wine lover or a red kind of person, and whether you’re planning a small, sit-down dinner or a large-scale affair, here’s a look at how to get the right wine for your holiday party, and a guide to some fantastic wines that will leave you and your guests feeling particularly festive during this year’s holiday celebrations.

For the White Wine Drinker  

Maybe you prefer white because you’re not much of a red meat eater, or maybe you just prefer the taste – but regardless of your reasoning for favoring white wine varieties over red, here are some to be sure to bring to the table during this year’s family and social gatherings.

1. Hogue Pinot Grigio 2005

One of the most popular wine varieties produced in the Pacific Northwest, Pinot grigio, or Pinot gris, (same grape) has made many a fan, thanks to its sweet floral scent and noticeable notes of citrus and nectarine. Hogue’s blend is a bit on the lighter side, and pairs perfectly with a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as with Italian flavors and other plates that don’t feature red meat. It’s also a great wine to serve during cocktail hour, because it’s bright, light, and likely to keep your guests wanting more.

2. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2005

Not only is this one at an ideal price point during a time of year when many are particularly cash-strapped, but it’s especially tasty, to boot. Apple, pear, and melon are the primary dominant flavors, while other fruits and smoke are apparent in the variety as well. All the flavors meld together in creating a white wine that boasts a rich, buttery texture vaguely reminiscent of your favorite holiday treats and sweets.

3. Paraiso Riesling 2004

Even if you aren’t someone who enjoys a lot of desserts throughout the year, you probably indulge at least a little bit during the holidays. You’d be hard-pressed to find a white wine variety that pairs better with sweets than this Paraiso Riesling. This Alsace-style, sweet, dry wine offers flavors of white peach and green apple, and also pairs well with delicate seafood dishes, chicken and salmon. Unless you’re serving up a rich, thick roast, you’ll want to make sure the cork is popped on this one.

4. St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2003

The St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley is a bold white wine blend that offers elegance, sophistication and vibrancy – in other words, it’s ideal for just about any lively holiday festivity. Boasting orange, lemon, and lime citrus flavors and a spunky combination of earthiness and well-balanced acidity, it’s the perfect bottle to pair with your holiday party or dinner.

For the Red Wine Drinker

Some say red wine is an acquired taste, but those who love it are pretty passionate in their preference. For a rich wine flavor that pairs perfectly with an abundance of different dishes, red wine is often the way to go. Here’s a look at the best wine for holiday parties for those who opt to see (and drink) red.

5. McManus Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Want to “wow” your party guests without breaking the bank? Then this Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. Not only is it a bold, garnet color that conjures up images of Christmas decorations and cozy fireplaces, but it also offers fantastic cherry and blackberry flavors with a subtle coffee finish. It pairs well with red meat and heavy dishes, and is available at a reasonable price – making it the perfect wine for all your holiday parties.

6. Rex Goliath Pinot Noir

If you can get past the fact that this red wine was named for an almost 50 lb. Texas rooster, you’ll find that it’s a highly pleasant, yet surprisingly subtle blend that pairs nicely with everything from the first appetizer to the formal entrée. The Rex Goliath Pinot Noir offers an aroma of spice and ripe, fresh berries, with the overall flavor profile relying heavily on raspberries and strawberries. It’s a fabulous red wine for what you pay, so consider letting this variety take center stage at your next seasonal soiree.

7. Yellow Tail Shiraz

This one’s a great option for those who typically prefer white wine, but are interested in expanding their wine-drinking horizons. Subtle, yet flavorful, the Yellow Tail Shiraz boasts a berry aroma, and packs an abundance of fruity flavors into one reasonably priced bottle. When it comes to choosing a crowd-pleaser that won’t put too much of a strain on your wallet, Yellow Tail Shiraz delivers on both counts.

8. Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2003

Dancing Bull’s 2003 Zinfandel packs some serious punch. Chock-full of black cherry flavors, this variety boasts both warmth and spice that will jazz up any holiday festivity. It pairs particularly well with heavy holiday offerings like red meats, mushrooms and bold, flavorful tomato sauces, and is just what your guests need to make merry with one another while breaking bread.

Additional Options

While red and white varieties are typically the most popular around the holidays, other options exist for those seeking a little something different. One such option is rosé, which is a crisp, fruity pink wine blend that pairs well with everything from turkey to salad. Its versatility, combined with its party-pink appearance, makes it an ideal choice for any holiday occasion, from Thanksgiving feasts to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

While the wines you offer can indeed make or break your holiday party, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to buy them. Most of the varieties discussed above are available for highly reasonable prices that won’t hurt your wallet at a time it’s already stretched thin. So, sit back and sip on something sensational this holiday season and brings your friends and family along for the fun.

Learn More:

• 20 Gifts for Your Favorite Wine Lover
• 10 Wine Books that Would Make Great Gifts
• How to Choose the Best Wine For Your Christmas Dinner
• Our Guide to New Year’s Eve Champagne Shopping