Who knows the secret to surviving the holidays? We do! It’s simple: always have plenty of wine.
As we near the end of the year and holiday chaos approaches, there’s one thing that can calm the frenzy: a perfect glass (or two) of your favorite vino.
Between shopping for that eclectic aunt who has everything and figuring out which wine pairs with your mom’s famous pot roast, the holidays can be a delightful yet dizzying whirlwind.
But don’t worry, we have you covered. We’ve rounded up our best survival tips in our holiday wine guide to help you sip your way through the season. Cheers to less stress and more wine!
How to Survive: The Wine Basics
Impress all your friends and family by flaunting a few basic facts about wine. Whether it’s knowing what to sip before dinner or how to pick a great dessert wine, here’s what you need to know about holiday wine this season.
Know About Full-Bodied Red Wines
One thing you’ll hear a lot right now: people talking about full-bodied wines. They’re kind of a staple of the season. Why? Rich, hearty reds pair wonderfully with holiday meals, like roasts and braises. They’re dark, powerful, and full of bold flavor.
When it comes to full-bodied red wines, you’ll want to know about Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These are some of the most popular options on shelves. They’re also the most likely to show up at the holidays, whether it’s while sipping with family or pairing with dinner.
Know About Lighter Red Wines
Light-bodied reds are a great holiday wine option because they pair perfectly with a range of occasions. Unlike heavier wines, lighter reds have lower tannins and lots of acidity. That means they complement a variety of flavors. Plus, they can be more palate friendly for anyone just dipping their toes into the wine world.
Some of the most common light red wines you’ll encounter are Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Grenache. These wines have a lighter color than the other reds. They also have a more delicate flavor. This makes them great with lighter foods because they won’t overpower the flavors.
Know About Rich White Wines
When we talk about rich white wines, this means the wine has more body and alcohol than other white wines. This can make them feel very smooth and creamy in your mouth. They also have riper and fruitier flavors.
Want to know the most popular rich white wines you’ll see this season? Look for oaked Chardonnay, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc. These can be divine when sipped with creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or cheesy pasta.
Know About Crisp White Wines
Unlike richer options, crisp white wines are light and have sharp acidity. This makes them taste fresh and gives you a “zing!” in your mouth. They can be a fantastic pairing with both creamy dishes and herbaceous ones.
Favorite crisp white wines you’ll see are unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and rosé. These are great crowd-pleasing wines for a party. Not only do they pair with lots of flavors, but they are approachable to many different palates.
Know About Sparkling Wines
Nothing says celebration more than a bottle of bubbly! Sparkling wines are a favorite for the holidays because they’re so festive and fun. Plus, with all the bright bubbles, these are great for sipping with appetizers or just on their own.
There are a few types of sparkling wine you may see at the holidays. First, there’s rich and elegant Champagne from the famous region in France. Light and fruity Prosecco from Italy is another common option which is usually more affordable. There’s also Cava from Spain, which can be wonderfully drinkable and very affordable. You can also find great holiday sparkling wine options from the United States and South Africa.
Know About Dessert Wine
Last, but not least, there’s your dessert wine. This can actually be a broad category ranging from bubbly to lusciously sweet. But in general, these wines are delightful and pair perfectly with holiday desserts.
For dessert wines, the popular bottles you’ll see may include Moscato d’Asti, Riesling, Ice Wine, and Port. These can range from being very sweet to having just a kiss of sweetness. No matter how sweet, they can be an excellent pour alongside holiday pies, cookies, or special treats.