It’s the last weekend before the holidays, and holiday menus and wine pairings are front and center this time of the year.  Here are some wine recommendations I suggest as you ponder your possible food and wine pairings for festive parties and dinners:

Seafood (particularly shellfish):

2023 Barrel Oak Sauvignon Blanc

2023 Cana Albariño Reserve

Poultry and Pork: Fruity white wines

2024 Gray Ghost Gewurztraminer

2021 Gadino Sunset (Off-dry)

Poultry and Pork: Fuller-bodied white wines

 

2019 Linden Hardscrabble Chardonnay

2023 Slater Run Nest (white blend)

Poultry and Pork: Fruity Rose and Lighter-bodied Red wine

 

2023 Breaux Vineyards Saignee (Dry)

2022 Muse Gamay

Pork and Poultry, Lean Beef: Fruit-driven Red wines

2020 Domaine Fortier Le Pivot (Red Blend)

2023 Paradise Springs Cabernet Franc

Beef: Tenderloin, Rib Roast, Braised

2019 Pollak Merlot

2019 Cana Unite Reserve (Red Blend)

Game Meats

2022 Delaplane Cellars Petit Verdot

2019 Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo

Ring In The New Year

Capstone Vineyards Blanc de Blanc

Early Mountain Vineyard Blanc de Blanc (not picture here)

Don’t get too bogged down over what to wine to pour.  In general, let proteins take the lead on that decision, consider sides, and then whatever your favorite wines happen to be.  Rose and lighter-bodied red wines, for example, generally play well with seafood and lamb. Be playful and see what works for you.  At larger gatherings, have a variety of options available and let guests decide.  This should be fun, not tedious.  So, enjoy!

Take advantage of the upcoming weekend to pick up your favorite Virginia wines to serve over the holidays.  Perhaps you plan to visit the wineries presented in this post.  If you do, mention Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Happy Holidays!!