We're on the road to reclaiming that all-important end-of-year event: the holiday party. Whether you're gathering with co-workers, friends, family, lovers, or all of the above, it's almost inevitable that you'll get an invite asking: Please bring a snack or drink to share. This list has you covered, whether you're hosting, toasting, or just coasting through the holiday season.
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The Bubbles
Ticklebumps Sparkling Rose 2022 - With a name as fun and mischievous as the bubbles inside, this festive sparkler makes for the perfect welcome drink and a great start to any party.
Emmolo Sparkling No. 5 - An elegant way to start an evening, a conversation, or a new relationship, this is the bottle features soft bubbles with a welcome freshness. Pairs well with salty nibbles and engaging personalities.
The Whites
Conundrum White Blend - It's hard to find something for everyone, but this bottle makes a darned good attempt. A little sweet and a little soft, it's a goldilocks blend that pairs well with a wide array of dishes, including holiday leftovers and midnight snacks.
Fiddlehead Estate Grüner Veltliner 2017 and “Bebble” Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2015 - Not your standard "glass of white", this California Gruner is a bit of a change from your typical crowd-pleaser. Elegant and serious with a crisp balance of delicate fruit, peppery minerality and pleasing acidity. Pair with a cheese tray or asparagus tart.
La Crema Monterey Coast Chardonnay - Bright, crisp, and just buttery enough to remind you what grape you're drinking, this easy-sipping chard pairs well with a variety of light bites, from a creamy baked brie to seafood pasta to creme brûlée.
Waypoint Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 - If you're one of those people who "doesn't usually like Chardonnay" you may want to give this one a chance. It opens with tantalizing notes of brioche and hazelnut that lead into more traditional tropical flavors, then finishes clean with bright acidity and citrus tones. A great pair for pasta and seafood dishes.
The Reds
Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - With a deep red color and aromas of blackberries, cedar, and spices, this full-bodied wine brings elements of elegance and depth to your holiday shin dig without breaking the bank ($14). Pair with a strong bleu cheese or roasted duck. Also works with guac and chips.
Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - Can you have too many cabs? Not if you're considering this exquisite expression. Carefully blended with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and a hint of Merlot and Petit Verdot, this decadent wine is both silky and bold, like a velvet black dress. Pairs well with dark corners and crackling fires.
Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina DOC Riserva 2018 - Notes of black currant, dark berries, and aromatics of cardamom and juniper mark this Sangiovese blend. A great pairing for short ribs, with rounded tannins and a subtle minerality in its finish.
Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2019 - An often-forgotten grape, this Spanish Garnacha is 100% pure. An experience for eyes, nose, and mouth, this bottle boasts red fruit aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, and vanilla. Well-structured with soft tannins, it's a great pair BBQ beef or a hearty lasagna.
The Devoción Cabernet Franc - Certified organic, this medium-bodied Argentinian bottle boasts a naturally high acidity and is a great pairing for savory leftovers. Not overly complicated, but still nicely balanced.
Hamel Family Wines Isthmus 2018 - A perfect pairing for gamey meats, spicy ribs, and substantial flavors, this structured red blend boasts notes of dark cherry and cassis with woody aromas of cedar and balsam. Bold right out of the bottle, it mellows with age and air.
And for Dessert
Ramos Pinto Vintage 2000 - The perfect end to an evening, especially a chilly one, this 22 year-old mature Port is smooth and seductive. Though balanced on its own, its full fruit flavors pair well with Stilton, Gorgonzola and other full-fat cheeses. Also a great substitute in a Manhattans.
Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2021 - Elegant, silky, and sweet (but not saccharine), this beautiful dessert drink is made using traditional French methods and the care of its process shows in each sip. With notes of butterscotch and glazed fruit, it's the perfect pairing for creme brûlée to Christmas cookies.
Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine 2015 - This beautiful little bottle is self-described as "liquid gold" and I can't think of a better designation. Structurally, it boasts aromas of citrus, apricot, and honeysuckle and falls thick on the palate. Metaphorically it holds everything that is sultry and sweet and magical about the holiday season. (Also see the gift set below)
Gift Sets
Far Niente's Estate Collection - This gift set features five versatile food-friendly wines, each offering layers of flavor and unique characteristics to compliment a variety of meals and satisfy a range of palates.
- 2020 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay, Napa Valley - Bright color, smooth texture. A great expression of Chardonnay that is classy and structured without being "too much" of anything.
- 2019 EnRoute Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley “Les Pommiers” - Dark berry flavors and accents of clove make this wine a great pair for savory dishes with silky tannins and vibrant acidity.
- 2018 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - Aromas of dark berries and accents of leather open to a silky structured wine that plays well with a variety of dishes.
- 2019 Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley -- Sultry, smooth, well-balanced. A joyous presentation and a joyous taste. Bacchanalian label boasting all the flavors of the harvest.
- 2014 Dolce Napa Valley -- Silky and elegant, this late harvest wine makes dessert an absolute delight (you may not even need sweets to go with it).
Scout & Cellar Holiday Gift Set - Looking for an array of interesting wines at a reasonable price point? Scout & Cellar brings you this four-bottle set that will take you from appetizers to dessert in a snap. Just add food. Or better yet, Doordash. Also makes for an excellent host gift if you're visiting for the holidays.
- 2020 Ticklebumps Sparkling Rosé - An effervescent start to your evening, with the softest hint of pink and bright bits of bubbles.
- 2021 Pip, The Greeter Gruner Veltliner, California - Friendly, approachable, and just a little bit different. A great pair for your first course or eccentric guest.
- 2020 Resident Syrah - Dark, bold, but not overly-reserved, a smooth and spicy red to meet most occasions.
- NV Mixtrack Red Wine – A silky smooth blend that's happy to play joyously in the background of your main event.
Non-Wine
Sourced Craft Cocktails Holiday Cheers - Need a boozy beverage for your non-wine friends, but don't want to keep a full bar? Sourced has you covered with a variety of cocktail kits, including the "Holiday Cheers" kit, which includes two mixes (a spritely Mistletoe Punch and a stuffy and sour Golden Year) and your choice of gin or vodka. Each kit has enough ingredients for 8 of each drink.