Wine Made Easy for Holiday Gatherings
The holidays should be about laughter and clinking glasses, not worrying if the Chardonnay is at the perfect temperature. Always remember that wines are the supporting cast for the holidays. Friends and family are the stars. However, hosting can be simple and fun with a few smart wine choices.
Start by choosing crowd-pleasers (we have a few suggestions below and some are even on sale), not your bottles that made the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. Look for balanced, food-friendly wines that most people would be happy to sip. Consider crisp Pinot Grigio, Vinho Verde, or unoaked Chardonnay for your whites, and a smooth Gamay or Pinot Noir, savoury Syrah, or fruity Malbec for reds.
Keep pairing rules simple: more delicate cuisine with lighter wines, hearty dishes with fuller bodied reds, and keep in mind that bubbles go with everything. Save the seriously intellectual wine and food pairings for later.
Plan for about half a bottle per guest and a good general ratio is around 60% red, 30% white, and 10% sparkling.
Most importantly, relax. Wine brings people together. So, pour with a smile, toast to good company, and let the evening sparkle. Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays from Wine Journeys!
Ratings: 5 stars: Outstanding; 4 stars: Very good; 3 stars: Good; 2 stars: Moderately good; 1 star: Not very good, but not bad; No stars: Poor.
Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2023 ★★★½ $15.00 (LCBO)
Seek out bottles made with Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes; Alvarinho adds extra structure and integrates more fruit character. This particular wine is crisp and citrusy, finishing with a refreshing saline minerality. It’s delightful as an aperitif, light appetizers, and truly shines with seafood.
Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay Unplugged 2023 ★★★★ $19.95 (Vintages, Winery)
This unoaked Chardonnay offers body and a creamy texture from extended time on the lees, balanced by bright notes of lemon, apple, and energetic acidity. It’s a versatile choice that’s perfect with finger foods at a holiday party or alongside your turkey dinner.
Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling NV ★★★★ On sale $27.95, Regular $32.95 (Vintages)
Made from 100% Chardonnay from their own Estate on the Beamsville Bench, this Traditional Method sparkler is fresh, creamy, and elegant from 29 months aging on the lees. It’s a fantastic and versatile pairing choice for your party or ringing in the New Year.
De Chanceny Cremant de Loire Rose Brut NV ★★★½+ On sale $19.95, Regular $21.95 (LCBO)
This sparkler hails from the Loire Valley in France. It’s medium bodied and made in the Traditional Method entirely from Cabernet Franc. Expect lovely gingered strawberry flavours with an herbaceous sweetness on the finish, and a fine mousse. It’s another versatile pour for your gathering or save a bottle for New Years.
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2023 ★★★½+ $17.95 (Vintages)
This full-bodied Syrah from South Africa’s Swartland region delivers exceptional value. Classic notes of smoked meat, plum, and black pepper unfold first, followed by layers of blackberry, pomegranate, vanilla, and a touch of minerality. Serve it with your more savoury apps like bacon cheddar dip.
13th Street Burger Blend Gamay Noir Pinot Noir NV ★★★★ $15.95 (LCBO)
This is an excellent medium bodied non-vintage red with juicy red cherry and berry flavours that’s made to pair with a wide variety of food despite its name. It would be delicious with your sliders or mushroom crostini.
Kaiken Estate Malbec 2022 ★★★½ On sale $16.95, Regular $18.95 (Vintages)
Good value smooth Argentine Malbec that is between medium and full bodied serving up blackberry, black cherry, and black currant along with forest floor, mint, baking spices, and vanilla with moderate tannins. It would complement lamb lollipops or Italian sausage bites nicely.