Best Wines for the Holidays Offer Flexibility, Ease and Familiarity

During this time of year, wine conversations are at their peak as holiday parties, gatherings and dinners take over through the beginning of January. Wine is often the perfect hospitable gift for hosts, which leads guests to search for the best wines for the holidays.

Certified sommelier and lifestyle adviser Regine Rousseau of Shall We Wine enjoys helping others discover new wines, creating memories during and beyond the holidays.  When asked about consumer wine trends seen this year, one stands out for sure. “I am seeing a division in terms of younger people not drinking,” says the Chicago-based educator about the dry lifestyle that continues to gain momentum.  It has also inspired the growth of non-alcoholic wine brands such as Grüvi and Lussory, which aim to create inclusive wine communities.

But if you are one who is all about the wine life, the choices are plenty, with many consumers opting for help when making a good vino selection. “I like wine.  I don’t want to invest a lot of time in wine classes and reading a lot about wine. I just want to be comfortable enough to make good choices, and I want to be guided through what I should be drinking,” Rousseau says wine enthusiasts share with her as she guides them to a desirable sip. She adds they also include, “Help me find something cool.  Something that fits my palette, fits my budget and fits my lifestyle.” For Rousseau, this means challenge accepted.

An Easy Way to Pair Some of the Best Wines for the Holidays

As a sommelier, Rousseau is very familiar with the industry philosophy of pairing wine with food: reds with heavy dishes and whites with seafood. However, she likes to take a different approach.

“We have to think about how people eat at home. When you add wine and food, the wine is going to change and food is going to change because you are bringing two elements together,” she says. When you think about food pairing, pay attention because the two things are going to change and see if you like it. When you put it together, does it [the pairing] get better? Great, that’s a good pairing. Does it get worse?  That is not a good pairing.”

This stress-free way to pair wine with food opens the door to experiences that invite discovery, released perceptions, and a growing roster of sips that allow you to identify your favorites easily.

Rousseau also shares thoughts on selecting and pairing based on price point and whether a higher-priced wine equals a better wine. “You liking it is what makes it a better wine,” she says, emphasizing the importance of finding wine that excites your palette and taste buds.    

However, she says that higher-priced wines are due to a few factors that wine consumers should keep in mind. “When you understand winemaking and you understand regions and you understand costs, there is a reason why these wines are expensive,” she says.  These factors often produce an amazing bottle of wine at a higher price point, but again, you can find an unforgettable bottle that fits your palate and preference at a lower price. That is what enjoying wine is all about: a personalized experience.

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We asked Rousseau to share some of her favorites that made her list of best wines for the holidays and she has these six sips to put on your radar.

Trimbach Frederic Emile 2018 Reisling, $112 – This fruit-driven and balanced riesling is an easy sip that is dry, challenging the sweet reputation rieslings are known for. Rousseau says, “There is an earthy component that comes through white wine that gives it this magic,” and that magic is also in this bottle.

Orin Swift You Go First California Sparkling, $60 – A California sparkling with “really beautiful fruit.” This pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier sparkling blend yields a wine with notes of lemongrass, toasted brioche, Meyer lemons and Granny Smith apples. Rousseau describes it as “French ingenuity with California fruit for a beautiful balance.”

Château Gassier 2023 Côtes De Provence Sainte-Victoire “Le Pas du Moine“ Rosé, $32 – “We have to get out of this idea that rosés are only for the summer,” Rousseau immediately says when talking about this selection. She encourages consumers to reconsider a rosé wine during the holidays and says this year-round sip fits what people want: fresh, flexible with foods and great price point.

Ward Four 2023 Barbera Sonoma County, $40 – Winemaker Justin Ward Trabue is behind this vibrant, juicy red. Rousseau likes that you can introduce it to a lot of different people and they will love it because it pairs easily with favorite foods such as pizza and a mushroom quiche.

Fog Crest Vineyard 2018 Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley,  $70 – Pinot noirs continue to be a staple red wine you can enjoy any time of year, for any occasion with almost any meal.  This one, Rousseau says, is excellent and full of flavor. It’s also flexible and adds something special to holiday brunches and dinners.

DAOU Estate 2021 Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $150 –  For Rousseau’s last selection, she points out that every vintage continues to get better each year. “Big and lush” with a great story to go with it is how she describes this one.  While it is a great wine to enjoy this holiday season, she suggests getting a bottle to enjoy a bottle now and another one for later to see how it develops.

Visit Rousseau online for information on how to work with her and to sign up for her newsletter.  You can also follow her on Instagram for more best wines for the holidays suggestions, everyday wines to try, trends and wine tasting tips.