Ah, the holidays in the desert. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow and fighting over the thermostat, we desert-dwellers are sipping wine while basking in 70-degree sunshine. We don’t need a roaring fire, but nothing gets us giddy like sparking up the outdoor fire pit on a perfectly lovely patio under some twinkling lights.
And no holiday season can properly commence without wine! Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or sneaking a glass in the closet to avoid awkward conversations with your uncle, the right bottle can make all the difference—so let’s talk about the perfect wines for your holiday celebrations, because it might be the only thing more important than avoiding political discussions with relatives.
There’s something about sparkling wine that makes everything feel a little fancier. It could be the bubbles, or perhaps it’s the sound of the cork popping, which is basically the audio version of a confetti cannon. While Champagne is the gold standard, it can also land you in the 24-karat price range. Raventós i Blanc Cava is your go-to here. Think of Cava as Champagne’s fun, no-strings-attached Spanish cousin. The Raventós family, based in the Penedés region of Spain, has been crafting this exceptional bubbly for more than 400 years, and the result is a sparkling wine that’s as delicious as it is festive.
If you’re looking to seriously up your bubbly game, and only Champagne will do, look no further than Gaston Chiquet. This is a family-owned, small-production Champagne house that makes some of the most delicious sparkling wines out there. Their brut “Tradition” is especially stunning, with layers of brioche, almond and soft citrus. Plus, it pairs with everything, from shrimp cocktail to charcuterie, or even just the joy of not dealing with snow.
While the bottles themselves make a great gift, you can gild the lily by adding a set of elegant crystal coupes. There’s something so chic and Gatsby-esque about sipping Champagne from a coupe, and I love the modern and sophisticated style of the faceted crystal coupes by Viski.
When you’re gathering around the table for everything from Caesar salad to roasted veggies, a white wine that’s crisp and light will work wonders. That’s where Sancerre comes in. Sancerre is a sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley in France, and it’s the kind of wine that exudes elegance without pretention. The key here is its beautiful acidity, which cuts through the richness of holiday fare with ease. Sancerre’s zesty, citrusy notes make it a great choice with seafood, salads or even a cheese platter that’s been devoured before the main course is even served. And since Sancerre is a crowd-pleaser, it’s a great hostess gift. It’s one of those wines that says, “I have good taste and know my wines,” even if you’re secretly Googling what “terroir” means. Gift this wine, and you’ll earn instant “wine expert” cred.
Now, let’s talk about reds. Sure, we don’t have those snowy nights that will make you crave a heavy cabernet, but the desert has a special kind of magic at night—those crisp and clear evenings when you can actually wear a sweater and sip red wine without breaking a sweat. One of my favorite holiday red wines is the Tribute to Grace grenache from Santa Barbara. This wine is bold in flavor yet smooth, with just the right amount of spice and bright red fruits; it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted potatoes or even a good-old-fashioned desert barbecue. It’s fruity without being sweet, with notes of raspberry, dark cherry and a touch of cinnamon, making it a perfect match for that roasted lamb or spiced pork tenderloin you’re planning to serve.
For those of us who enjoy ending the evening on a sweet note (and snuggling under a blanket with the dog), there’s port.
When you hear “Super Tuscan,” your mind probably jumps to images of Italian vineyards, rolling hills and a wine bottle that costs more than your monthly rent. Enter the Supremus Rosso, a “baby Super Tuscan” that brings all of the richness and depth of its high-end cousins without the hefty price tag. This blend of sangiovese, cabernet and merlot is just the right amount of bold, with flavors of ripe blackberries, leather and a hint of peppery spice. The grapes hail from a few of the region’s finest vineyard sites in the areas of Maremma, Colline Pisane, Colli Fiorentini and Chianti Classico, and the vines for this wine are a minimum of 50 years old. Pair it with a hearty holiday pasta like lasagna or rigatoni Bolognese, or a traditional prime rib and mashed potato dinner.
Finally, for those of us who enjoy ending the evening on a sweet note (and snuggling under a blanket with the dog), there’s port. This rich, fortified wine has a luscious sweetness and complexity that makes it perfect for sipping slowly after a long holiday meal. Ruby ports pair wonderfully with chocolate, while tawny ports are an ideal mate for nuts and cheese. (Brie, anyone?) I always have a bottle of Dow’s ruby port and the Grahams 20-year tawny on hand for those post-feast wind-down moments.
Whether you’re popping open a bottle of Cava, uncorking grenache or sipping on a bold Super Tuscan, the key is to enjoy the moment. After all, the best wine isn’t just about taste—it’s about creating memories, making toasts and sharing laughter with the ones who matter most. Cheers to that and a safe holiday season!
