7 Wine Pairings Perfect for the Holidays

Wine: Grosgrain Tout Le Temps 

From: Washington 

Washington State’s got a strong white wine game—this floral blend from Grosgrain Vineyards is the perfect example. A pretty blend of grenache blanc and vermentino, it makes for a simple, light-weight sipper that will stand up to herby salads and even a bit of spice. While you’re drinking, take a few minutes with the label to see how many sea creatures you can spot. 

Pair it with: A starter like catfish dip or a roasted acorn squash salad

Wine: Attems Cicinas 

From: Italy 

I’m a lover of sauvignon blanc and usually turn to the Loire or California but recently found this Italian version that made me rethink my go-tos. Light with an almost buttery backbone, the Attems Cicinas is produced on a five-acre, single vineyard in the Collio D.O.C. (in the top northeastern corner, bordering Slovenia). Thanks to barrel-aging, it drinks more like a complex Loire sauvignon blanc but with a bit more slate, minerality, and depth. 

Pair it with: Roasted chicken with potatoes or your favorite preparation of a Thanksgiving turkey

Wine: Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold 

From: France

Orange wines can be hit or miss for me but this lush and silky wine keeps its balance. Thanks to a blend of seven Mediterranean grape varietals, including muscat, marsanne, and grenache blanc, each sip is richly woven with peach and apricot, faintly honeyed and sweet. It’s an orange that will cut through heartier foods and soups. 

Pair it with: Potato latkes

Wine: Rodney Strong Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Limited

From: California 

Some meals call for a firm and structured California cabernet sauvignon and Rodney Strong’s Knight’s Valley is my new go-to. Set at the Eastern edge of Sonoma County, the valley is one of the area’s warmest and imbues the wine with dark berries, a bit of cocoa, and a velvety finish. Because this one’s limited, you could also pick up Rodney Strong Vineyard’s Russian River Valley Limited pinot noir, which will be a crowd-pleaser with whatever’s on the table for Thanksgiving.

Pair it with: Any holiday roast or these five-spice-braised short ribs

Wine: Cune Organic 

From: Spain 

Spanish reds, specifically Riojas, have a way of letting you know that’s exactly where they’re from. This organic red is light and cheery with a bright but faintly dusty earthiness up front. Once it opens up, there’s licorice and herbal notes, light acid, and a silky smooth finish. 

Pair it with: A tomato-y, brothy cioppino like this one from chef Dean Neff

Wine: Marqués de Cáceres Organic 

From: Spain 

Made with certified organic tempranillo and graciano grapes, this is another solid expression of Rioja. There’s just a bit of earthy smoke up front that opens up to berries and juicy fruit. Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres is known for setting a new standard for Rioja’s, giving its wines structure and body. 

Pair it with: Lamb chops served over a rich, tomato-based sofrito

Wine: Tempo d’Angelus Bordeaux 

From: France 

Not all Bordeaux need to break the bank. This well-structured blend has a pleasant amount of depth that won’t overpower a meal, with a bit of leather and blueberry. Consider this your next pour for firepit season.

Pair it with: Indoor or outdoor s’mores