It is the holiday season once again, and with it, comes friends, family, food and wine! Of course, the holidays come with their traditions, and our favorite one is sitting down with those we love and sharing our beloved holiday dishes.

 

There is no better way to begin your holiday celebrations than with a glass of bubbly. Sometimes sparkling wines can be tricky to navigate – especially with the growing selections at your local shops. The biggest challenge is figuring out what you like! For those who are fans of French Champagne but don’t quite have the budget, look for Crémant! Crémant is a French sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region. It is often easier on the budget but just as delicious. Go for a Rosé style if you have many dishes or appetizers featuring cranberries or cinnamon. You can’t beat bubbles for greeting and grazing!

 

White wines are a staple of the holiday season. Your favorite bottle of Chardonnay often accompanies the perfect transition from summer into fall. A little bit bolder than the lighter wines of summer, Chardonnay is the ideal companion for creamy dishes and fall fruit. Versatile and fresh, it can be paired with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and some of your lighter holiday desserts. Apple pie with vanilla ice cream is a heavenly pairing with a bright and yummy Chardonnay. If Chardonnay isn’t your thing, Rieslings and Viogniers are other holiday favorites. They both have a vibrant stone fruit flavor and pair well with salty and rich dishes and desserts like fruit galettes and spice cake. Rosé is also a fun addition to your thanksgiving bar–perfect with turkey and sweet potato dishes. Not to mention amazing with cranberry and raspberry-focused dishes.

 

Tis’ the season for red wines! With a wide range of depth and flavor, you can easily find the perfect fit for your holiday menu. Whether you are enjoying roast beef, turkey or even Chinese takeout – red wine is a perfect choice. Pinot Noir is a staple of the holiday season, given its flexibility and range of flavors. Being a lighter red wine, Pinot Noir gives you many match options. Turkey, ham and even salmon are beautiful partners for Pinot Noir.

 

Darker and more complex wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel are amazing with those heavier proteins we love around the holidays–think Prime Rib and spice-encrusted roasts.

 

Something with a little sweetness is ideal for cold, winter evenings; look for port style or ice wines, and some guilty pleasures often accompany them! Think cherry chocolate rum cheesecake or fudge. If dessert isn’t your thing, dessert-style wines go great with cigars!