FAVORITE WINES FOR HOLIDAY HOSTS
Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of our favorite things…
Holiday Host Gifts: Wine Edition
We’ve done the work so you don’t have to. Our in-house sommeliers rounded up some favorite wines for you to get the host of your next holiday party. With options at every price point, your hostess will be getting the mostest this year.
Value Range <$30
Don’t let the word “value” steer you away. These bottles under $30 are great options that rival wines double their price points.
The Fableist Pinot Noir 774
Produced in Santa Barbara county, this pinot is ripe and red on the pallet with herbal and tannic notes. It’s one of Frank’s favorites and an absolute steal for this price range.
Chandon Brut
Clean and crisp California sparkling wine is perfect for any kind of hosting as it can be enjoyed by itself or built into cocktails like French 75s or mimosas. We frequently serve this at weddings for brides wanting an upscale experience at a lower price point.
E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône
With bright black and red fruits prominent on the pallet; this Rhône wine is vegetal with a peppery note. As a blend of Grenache, syrah, and Mourvèdre, it has the personality of a much more expensive châteauneuf du pape AKA sure to please your host at a very reasonable price tag.
Mid-Tier $30-$50
Luca Malbec
Okay, Frank’s absolute favorite on this list. An Argentinian wine that is medium plus in tannin and absolutely delicious. It has notes of dark red currant and dark ripe cherry with very pronounced chocolate. Buy it for the cabernet drinker in your life- we bought it for a holiday host of ours! Shhhh… don’t tell. :)
Bloodroot Pinot Noir
This pinot is the result of a collaboration between multiple anonymous winemakers in California- they keep it a secret as to not undercut their own brand offerings. This complex, sun-baked, and ripe wine carries notes of rose petals and red fruit. It provides a quality that is higher than many higher-priced wines available in the market today. Ashley’s favorite and go-to red.
Premium Range $50-$100+
Veuve Clicquot
Need we say more, a classic albeit slightly…predictable? Veuve Clicquot is a benchmark for good Champagne and a great buy at its price point. It is light and foamy and balanced. It has notes of yellow and white fruit with a finish of freshly baked bread. Easy pleaser even if unoriginal.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby red in color, this wine has notes of mocha and chocolate covered raspberries. It has a detectable oak spice and soft tannins. It is a perfect pairing for hearty holiday dishes and heavy stews. Show-stopper.
Louis Jadot Puligny-Montrachet
When shopping for someone that knows wine, Burgundy is usually a safe bet. This white wine is incredibly complex with a high minerality and crisp finish. It is a great example of old world wine with notes of honey and fresh white flowers. A luxurious house favorite.
