The best wine gifts to give (and get) this season
Nothing quite kicks off the holiday season like the sound of bottles popping. The celebratory tradition of drinking wine is a communal act that draws together family and friends over good conversation and food. If you’re planning to host a wine-themed holiday party or looking to impress someone with a bottle as a gift, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there.
To spark some inspiration, we chatted with six sommeliers around the country about what they’re sipping or gifting this season.
Read on to discover their most prized picks.
Lydia Richards, Owner of wine consultancy Vino Concierge, and co-founder, Hispanics in Wine & Spirits, Inc.
“Gamay is a great option for any holiday party. A red varietal, it tends to be very drinkable with expressive flavors of red fruit, florals and subtle spice. It’s perfect with almost any poultry or ham and can stand up to lighter red meat preparations without overpowering all the tasty side dishes. In terms of whites, Chenin Blanc is an excellent choice. It has a striking balance of complexity, texture and acidity that pairs perfectly with food and always keeps you coming back for another sip.” Gamay $42.99; Chenin Blanc $38.99, winetherapynyc.com
Eitan Spivak, Beverage Manager at Kabawa Restaurant, NYC
“My favorite wine right now would have to be a grower Champagne, named Champagne Hélène. Champagne is such a versatile beverage that it can pair with just about anything, but fried food has a natural affinity with it. There is something special about the oily pop of biting into something fried working with the effervescence and doughy quality of a Champagne.” $86.99, nyc.flatiron-wines.com
Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor
“I always recommend a wine that has a unique story to tell, and for me, that’s our Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a wine that truly speaks to its origin, a special place at the foot of the Andes Mountains. When it comes to pairing, I love how the rich, elegant structure of our Cabernet Sauvignon works with classic holiday dishes like roast lamb or a beautiful cut of beef.” $199, caskcartel.com
Jamie Schwartz, former sommelier at Eleven Madison Park and USA Portfolio Manager at Skurnik Wines
“The holidays equal colder weather and richer food, so this is a time of year that I reach for delicious bottles of red wine. I like to keep my reds bright, fresh, and possibly chilled. I recommend Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley made by the incredible team at Rhys Vineyards. I also suggest the carbonic Sangiovese from Stolpman Vineyards in Ballard Canyon. Their “Love You Bunches” Red is the perfect party wine.” $24, stolpmanvineyard; $39.95, shop.klwines.com
Janet Pouchot, Beverage Director, Cafe Commerce NYC
“A bright, flavorful New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc such as the Rapaura Springs Classic pairs well with the nuances when eating canapés which can be wildly varied in taste, texture and temperature and can easily move onto a nice pairing with a first course of salad and fish.” $17, wineexpress.com
Madeline Maldonado, Sommelier for Ci Siamo
“One of my favorite wines to drink during the holidays is Viña Monty Graciano. The bouquet has always evoked and spoken to the holidays, aromas of figs, dark berries and baking spices, but it is a different experience on the palate. The wine is layered and complex while being able to cut through decadent food and not feel heavy on the palate.” $90, finding.wine
Looking for a few good cheeses and accessories to elevate your holiday soiree? Read on for recs from one of the country’s top cheese mongers and more.
24-Month Comté, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
Dominick DiBartolomeo, owner of The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills and Domenico’s recommends Comté, a hard, French cheese known for its complex and evolving flavors that deepen with age. $22.50 for half pound, cheesestore.com
Wine Enthusiast x Cheer Moda Electric Sparkling Wine Opener
Perfectly suited for any bottle of bubbly, this sparkling wine opener safely uncorks bottles in seconds with just the touch of a button. $79.99, wineenthusiast.com
Hatch Faceted Glass Punch Bowl and Champagne Bucket
This multifunction bowl creates a perfectly chilled environment for your favorite holiday punch or bottle. $89.95, crateandbarrel.com