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Top Wine Picks for Holiday Dinners, According to Experts
No holiday dinner is complete without a special bottle of wine, and according to our experts, the most precious bottles to share are the ones you personally enjoy most. Whether festive bubbly, refreshing whites, or bold reds are your thing, bringing a bottle that you love is one of the greatest ways to add a personal touch to the holiday table. Not sure where to begin? Check out which grape varieties, wine styles, and specific bottles our team members are bringing to the table this holiday season below.
“My go-to wine will always be Cabernet Franc! There are a lot of different styles of Cabernet Franc, which makes it so diverse and food friendly. You can find sparkling wines made with only Cabernet Franc, lighter reds, big bold reds, and even sweet versions too! I think it is one of the grapes that people know but they don't realize how amazing and versatile it can be.” – Hugo Arias Sanchez, Lead Sommelier and Brand Ambassador
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“For my December holiday dinners, I usually go with a Pinot Noir because it’s a safe, versatile option that pairs well with just about everything. I’ve been making my way through a lot of Oregon producers lately.” – Jaiven Smith, Creative Designer
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“I usually reach for a Pinot Noir. It's approachable and perfect for my family, who are new to wine. Ladera’s Pinot Noir from the Russian River has been a recent favorite.” – Crystal Langley.
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“I love to open sparkling wines because most people don't open bubbles on a regular basis, so it makes it feel extra special. Champagne is my favorite, but I typically open one bottle of that then bring out some different bubbles, maybe cremants from Loire or Jura or some American bubbles.” – Victoria Love, Winery Management Specialist, WSET III
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“This year, I am going to be showing up to dinners with Cabernet Franc. I find that it bridges the gap that exists between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon and is a great wine for a winter's night here in Minneapolis.” – Joey Lamugsa, Product Manager
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“I plan to let others bring their favorite bottles for dinner, and instead, I plan to show up with a well-chosen dessert wine for the end of the meal. Sweet wines tend to be overlooked, but a good vintage can really elevate the finish of an evening. I picked up a few exceptional bottles during the Black Friday sales, and I’m genuinely excited to share them.” – Jacob Unger, Order Fulfillment Specialist
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“For Christmas dinner, I'll be pouring a lighter wine, probably Pinot Noir, with appetizers/snacks, and with dinner, something a bit heartier, likely something from Rioja or Bordeaux. Red meat is generally the center of our Christmas dinner, and these wines will pair well with both the meat and the side dishes.” – Lindsay Koblitz, Merchandising Specialist and Sommelier
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“Christmas dinner is a pretty big deal in the Sutter household, and it's generally centered around an amazing beef tenderloin roast. While I will stay pretty traditional with my Cabernet Sauvignon pairing, I usually reach deep inside the wine cellar and pull out a special bottle. This year, it will include "The Flag" from Medlock Ames. I have been staring at it for a while!” – Paul Sutter, Senior Vice President of Digital Product
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“My family does Christmas a bit differently; instead of the classic holiday meal, we make a bunch of homemade pizzas. It’s my favorite meal of the entire year! And because of the pizza, I always reach for a lighter red wine, like a Pinot Noir—and no one does Pinot Noir better than Ricochet. I especially love their 2022 Pinot Noir Eola Springs Vineyard.” – Maddy Schaeffer, Associate Marketing Manager
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“Our holiday dinner is typically a NY Strip, so I like to pair for the ‘slip and grip.’ The steaks have enough fat so they're very rich on the palate (the slip), paired with a high-altitude Cabernet with a well drained soil for a bigger, brawny-er tannin (the grip). Stringers' Howell Mountain Cab is the play here.” – Joe Pfeifer, E-commerce Director
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From our Sommsation family to yours, we wish you a joyful (and wine-filled) holiday season!
