As the air grows crisp and the days grow shorter, the holiday season is upon us once again. At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that gathering around the table with loved ones is one of the great joys of this time of year. Whether you’re serving a traditional feast or exploring new culinary traditions, the right wines can elevate any holiday meal.
Traditional Holiday Dishes
In many households, the holiday table is graced by classic dishes that have been passed down through generations. For those keeping with German traditions, a roasted goose or duck is often the centerpiece, accompanied by pillowy bread dumplings and braised red cabbage. The rich, fatty fowl pairs beautifully with the fruity, off-dry notes of a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Our Italian-American friends may opt for an indulgent lasagna, served alongside meatballs and sausages simmered in a fragrant tomato gravy. These hearty, satisfying flavors call for a bold, structured red such as a Chianti Classico or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Over in the United Kingdom, the Christmas table is rarely complete without a magnificent roast turkey, complemented by savory stuffing, roasted potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. For this feast, we recommend a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc — their medium-bodied profiles and bright acidity provide the perfect foil to the rich, savory elements.
Seasonal Ingredient Pairings
Of course, the holiday season also offers a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce that can inspire creative culinary expressions. Consider incorporating winter squash, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, or pears into your holiday menu. These ingredients pair wonderfully with the spicy, warming notes of a Zinfandel or Syrah.
For a lighter touch, a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño can cut through the richness of smoked salmon, oysters Rockefeller, or a roasted beet salad with goat cheese.
Festive Meal Planning
When planning your holiday feast, be sure to consider the flow of the meal. Start with a sparkling wine or Champagne to set the tone of celebration, then move into medium-bodied reds or full-bodied whites to accompany the main course. Leave room for a dessert wine or Port to conclude the evening on a sweet note.
Don’t be afraid to experiment — the holidays are the perfect time to explore new flavor combinations and discover wines that may become new favorites. And remember, the most important ingredient in any holiday meal is the company you keep. So gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and enjoy the magic of the season.
Wine Varietals for Feasting
When it comes to holiday wines, there’s no shortage of options to explore. For rich, fatty dishes like roasted goose or lamb, look to Bordeaux-style blends, Tempranillo, or Malbec to provide structure and balance. Lighter proteins like salmon or turkey pair beautifully with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Riesling.
Dessert wines such as Port, Sauternes, or ice wine offer a decadent, sweet counterpoint to gingerbread, apple pie, or chocolate yule log. And don’t forget to stock up on sparkling wines to toast the season — Champagne, Crémant, or Prosecco all make festive, celebratory choices.
Wine and Food Pairing Recommendations
When pairing wines with your holiday feast, consider the weight and intensity of both the food and the wine. As a general rule, match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. A delicate white Burgundy would be overwhelmed by a rich beef Wellington, while a bold Cabernet Sauvignon might overpower a light poached salmon.
For roasted meats, look to Rioja, Chianti Classico, or Bordeaux to provide a sturdy backbone. Poultry dishes shine with the bright acidity and fruit-forward profiles of Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer. And for seafood, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or unoaked Chardonnay offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Holiday Wine Tasting Notes
One of our favorite holiday wine discoveries this year is the 2022 Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer from Alsace, France. This medium-bodied white offers captivating aromas of lychee, orange blossom, and freshly grated ginger, with a lush, off-dry palate that would be perfect alongside a roasted goose or holiday ham.
For those seeking a robust red, the 2021 Viña Ardanza Reserva from Rioja, Spain, is a standout. Aged for four years, this Tempranillo-Garnacha blend showcases flavors of ripe red cherries, cinnamon, and subtle vanilla, making it an excellent pairing for braised short ribs or beef bourguignon.
And for dessert, we can’t get enough of the 2020 Inniskillin Icewine from the Niagara Peninsula of Canada. This luscious, golden-hued Vidal Blanc is bursting with flavors of honey, apricot, and candied citrus, a decadent treat to enjoy alongside crème brûlée or a warm apple tart.
Menu Planning for Parties
When hosting a holiday gathering, it’s important to consider the flow of the meal and how your wine selections can enhance the experience. Start with a celebratory sparkling wine or Champagne to welcome guests, then move into lighter whites or rosés for passed hors d’oeuvres.
For the main course, lean into medium-bodied reds that can stand up to a variety of dishes, like a Malbec, Cabernet Franc, or Pinot Noir. And don’t forget to have some full-bodied whites on hand, such as an oaked Chardonnay or Viognier, to pair with any rich, creamy dishes.
Save your dessert wines for the grand finale, whether that’s a Port, Sauternes, or a late-harvest Riesling. This way, your guests can savor the sweet notes without feeling overly full.
Entertaining Tips and Tricks
When it comes to holiday entertaining, the devil is in the details. Set the stage with a beautifully appointed table, complete with seasonal greenery, candles, and festive glassware. Curate a playlist of soothing holiday tunes to create a warm, convivial atmosphere.
And don’t forget the little touches that can make a big difference, like having a selection of aperitifs on hand for guests to enjoy before the meal, or offering after-dinner cordials to prolong the celebration.
Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. The holidays are a time to come together, share stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime. So raise a glass, dig in, and savor the flavors of the season.