Savoring the Season

As the holiday season approaches, I begin to feel the need to stock the wine cupboard with a variety of wines. A selection of wines with great taste in elegant glasses can add that special touch that transforms any event into a truly great celebration. Whether you're entertaining a large group of friends or planning a night just for two, the perfect wine can go a long way. Not sure where to begin? No worries, these entertaining with wine tips can help you along the way.

Pick Affordable Sparkling Wines - Celebratory alternatives to pricey Champagne include cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy.

Buy Great Wine Values By The Case - Finding good wine and then socking away a case of it (typically 12 bottles) saves money as many wine shops offer case discounts.

Select Food-Friendly Wines - Big holiday meals tend to involve multiple side dishes, which puts a lot of competing flavors on the plate. Well-balanced wines that are not too oaky or tannic are the most versatile when it comes to pairing.

Use Value Wines for Punch - Seek out inexpensive wines that would be just as delicious in a bowl of punch or sangria as on their own. Look for bottlings from Spain and South America.

Pairing wine with those wonderful holiday foods can be a bit tricky. A winning wine and food combination is the pairing that makes both the food and the wine better in combination than either would be alone. Here are some tips for those common foods we all enjoy and the wines that go well with them.

Classic Holiday Turkey; Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Sauvignon Blanc

Holiday Roast Beef; Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Syrah

Holiday Ham; Dolcetto, Viognier, Off-dry Riesling, Dry Sparkling Wine

Sweet Endings; Port, Late-Harvest Wines, Ice Wines

The holiday entertaining list is made and checked twice so wrap your mittens around the season and celebrate with ease.