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One size fits all, it enhances a meal, and brings people together in good cheer – those are just a few wonderful reasons to stock up on wine for gifting or entertaining. From charitable bottles and bundle packs to epicurean boxes and even wine suitcases, we’ve rounded up top picks spanning from California to Italy. Cheers!
SPLURGE GIFTS
Known for crafting site-specific pinot noir and chardonnay from the California coast, Black Kite Cellars is offering the Africa Quest Holiday Wine Collection featuring three pinot noir wines: the majestic Rhino, the courageous Lion, and the gentle giant Elephant. In the spirit of giving, 100% of the profits will be donated to the Kenya Rhino Rangeland Expansion project. It’s the ideal way to gift the outdoors enthusiast on your list while giving back to the animal kingdom. ($210)
Because two bottles (or more) are always better than one, this historical estate is offering several curated gift sets for the serious connoisseur, including magnums. The Chateau Montelena 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and balanced with long aging potential. Available in 750ml ($200) or magnum ($425), it’s a stellar addition to any collection. For wine and travel aficionados, choose from two gift sets in partnership with VinGardeValise, a high-end wine suitcase.
Napa’s Goosecross Cellars have released four elevated wines that perfectly complement the scents and flavors of the holiday season. Three of them rely on fruit from the Goosecross State Lane estate vineyard in east Yountville: the 2021 Goosecross State Lane Cabernet ($90), Cabernet Franc ($90), and the hallmark, Holly’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon ($185). A new portfolio addition, the 2021 Napa Valley Tempranillo ($57), is a beautiful expression of one of Spain’s noblest grapes: dark ruby in color with enticing notes of boysenberry, red fruits, dried figs and cigar tobacco on a smooth and well-balanced palate.
Texans can support local by gifting wine lovers the Heath Family Brands Holiday Magic Wine Bundle, which includes Heath Sparkling Ebullience, Grape Creek Vineyards Mosaic (a Bordeaux-style blend), and Invention Vineyards Mourvèdre rosé. The Fredericksburg, Texas, based winery is offering 20% off for members of any Heath Family Brand wine club and a 10% discount for non-members ($139.76).
Inglenook’s stunning 2022 Blancaneaux always makes a statement during the holidays. The distinctive Marsanne-Roussanne-Viognier blend is ideal for those seeking an alternative to chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. It’s delightful with cracked crab on Christmas Eve, or a thoughtful hostess gift for your favorite white wine fan. ($68)
Inman Family Wines OGV Estate Pinot Noir
Pioneering winemaker Kathleen Inman is a leader in what she has coined “eco-ethics,” the belief that sustainable practices yield the best expressions of a terroir. Her complex and elegant 2021 estate pinot noir is a true representation of the Russian River Valley and a special gift for the pinot noir connoisseur. ($75)
Who doesn’t love a super Tuscan? “Cinghiale” translates to wild boar, and this wine name refers to the place where the wild boar goes to root and roll. With complex aromas of cherries, rosemary, and myrtle, the 2022 vintage represents the soul and culture of Maremma much like the wild boar. More importantly, it drinks deliciously with any feast (about $45).
JONATA “Todos” Vineyard Red Blend
The 2021 Todos, meaning “everything” in Spanish, combines syrah, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, merlot, and miscellaneous grapes from the Santa Ynez Valley to remarkable effect. Crafted by winemaker Matt Dees, the silky wine brims with succulent black fruit and notes of dried strawberry, ripe plum, aged balsamic, mulberries and spices. A must for the red wine lover! (about $45)
In the Alexander Valley in Healdsburg, California, find this enchanting estate owned by John Jordan specializing in French-inspired chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Estate-produced olive oil, culinary products and wine gift sets are also offered. The Signature Trio Gift Set includes the 2020 cabernet, 2022 chardonnay and 2023 estate extra virgin olive oil – a box full of luxuries for the die-hard epicure. ($142)
Here’s a perfect gift for the environmentalist! This well regarded Napa Valley winery with wines by renowned winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, donates 10% of online sales of its Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon ($95) and Sauvignon Blanc ($60) to organizations that fight climate change. The most recent release of the cabernet sauvignon is presented in bottles 13-20% lighter than before – and without foil capsules, to reduce waste.
STOCK UP FOR ENTERTAINING
The 2021 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County will be an instant hit among holiday party goers or make for a luxe stocking stuffer. Anticipate aromas of baking spice and wild lavender combined with strawberry preserve and boysenberry flavors. (about $35)
Washington state’s founding winery produces myriad red and white varietals worth exploring. For an aperitif, the 2023 Horse Heaven Vineyard sauvignon blanc will refresh the palate with zesty flavors of grapefruit, lemon and melon. (about $18)
Sourced from stunning vineyards in Monterey County, the 2022 California chardonnay boasts aromas of citrus and tropical fruit with hints of vanilla and honey. Its bright acidity and buttery notes allow it to pair well with creamy pastas and fruit garnished cheese displays – plus, everyone loves the screw top and price. (about $13.99).
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
Don’t overlook the tried-and-true pioneering California wineries like Mondavi. You can afford to invite extra guests if pouring the Private Selection Chardonnay, a creamy wine flaunting French oak and baked bread aromas with flavors of ripe apple, citrus and tropical fruits. ($9)
Food-friendly with an accessible price, William Hill’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon offers notes of blackberry compote and Mission plum with flavors of molasses layered with hints of toasted oak and crushed dried rosemary. Available at grocery stores nationwide. (about $13.99)
In a pinch with unexpected guests? Reach for the lively 2023 Circa 77 sauvignon blanc-semillon blend from the Margaret River region of Australia. Its 2022 Circa 77 chardonnay is another zesty choice for those who think they don’t like chardonnay. (both about $22)
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Cover photo courtesy Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.
