White Wines for the Holiday Season
The holidays are back! As we gather to celebrate with loved ones, wine often plays a starring role—whether it’s enhancing a festive meal, serving as the perfect host gift or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table. With so many options, picking the right bottle can feel overwhelming. That's why we turned to an expert for help!
We’re resharing John Buechsenstein’s, white wine selections for gifting, serving and celebrating over the holidays.
“For some people, drinking red wine can cause the dreaded ‘red wine headache,’” says Buechsenstein, a seasoned winemaker and wine sensory instructor at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. “Choosing whites for gifting, serving and celebrating is always a safe choice.”
John Buechsenstein’s Top Picks for White Wines During the Holidays
Top White Wines for Gifting
2020 Ramey “Hyde Vineyard” Carneros Chardonnay $80
This very stylized and layered chardonnay has notes of minerality, citrus, toasty oak and vanillin. Its balancing acid backbone pairs well with almost anything you might serve.
2021 Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer Alsace $30
An all-time favorite of mine, it has all the floral, citrus and lychee notes I expect from Gewürztraminer and a brightness I expect from Zind-Humbrecht – an initial off-dry impression finishes with refreshing acidity. Great for an appetizer or cheese course.
Top White Wines for Serving
2022 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc $18
My go-to dependable SB, it has classic varietal pineapple-grapefruit notes and a refreshing, but not piercing, tartness.
2022 Navarro Winery Grüner Veltliner Anderson Valley Mendocino $26
This local rendition of a wine we normally see from Austria has all the spiciness, citrus and acid zest needed to perfectly match most foods.
Top White Wines for Celebrating
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley “Multi-Vintage” Brut Sparkling Wine $32
This is the top sparkling wine made in North America, IMHO. Consistent, dependable, lush flavors, baked bread notes, and a lip-smacking finish.
2014 Louis Roederer Brut Champagne $90
The French counterpart of Roederer Estate, this is a classic Champagne with pinpoint bubbles creating a rich mousse. It has notes of pear and citrus, with layers of toasted biscuits. À Santé!
Make Sustainability Part of Your Gifting
If you’re looking to wow your guests or host this holiday season, make sustainability a part of your wine selection process. Interest in sustainable and organic winemaking continues to be top of mind for many wine lovers and wineries are embracing eco-friendly practices. If supporting sustainability is on your holiday checklist, look for certifications like “Certified Organic” or “Sustainably Farmed” on wine labels before heading to the checkout.
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