The Ultimate Wine & Gift Guide!

Tis’ the season and I am a bit late with the annual gift guide but if you follow me on Instagram you know I have been selling Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Somm-ing at various stores, building a wine program for a new retailer, and booking events like a mad woman! All great problems to have but now it’s time to showcase some amazing wines and gifts you can give this holiday season. Im about to begin my holiday shopping and you better believe all of these items and wines are on my list and I think they will be on yours too.

Bubbly & Bright

Champagne Mandois Brut Origine- a refined blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that showcases the elegance of this family-owned house in Pierry. With vibrant aromas of crisp apple, citrus zest, and brioche, it offers a lively palate of green apple, lemon curd, and a subtle creaminess. Perfect as an apéritif or paired with seafood and creamy cheeses, this Champagne embodies tradition and sustainability—ideal for elevating any occasion. $55

2019 Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc de Noirs- from Etude Winery is an elegant expression of Pinot Noir, crafted as a white sparkling wine. Delicate aromas of white strawberry, pear blossom, and a touch of brioche lead to a crisp, vibrant palate with flavors of stone fruit, citrus zest, and a whisper of minerality. With its refined mousse and bright acidity, this wine is perfect for celebratory toasts or paired with light fare like fresh seafood, salads, and soft cheeses. $60

Château De Bligny Grande Réserve Brut Champagne- a luxurious Champagne crafted from a unique blend of six grape varieties. Aromas of golden apple, citrus peel, and baked brioche lead to a richly textured palate featuring notes of ripe pear, toasted almonds, and a delicate minerality. With fine, persistent bubbles and a balanced finish, this Champagne is perfect for celebrations or as an elegant pairing with oysters, poultry, or creamy cheeses. $49.99

Loimer Brut Rosé Reserve Sekt-  This one is an elegant sparkling wine from Austria, made primarily from Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay. It presents delicate aromas of wild strawberries, cherry blossoms, and a hint of brioche. On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, with flavors of ripe red berries and a fine, persistent mousse that leads to a clean, dry finish. Perfect as an apéritif or paired with light appetizers, seafood, or creamy cheeses, this rosé Sekt offers a refined and refreshing sparkling experience. $29.99

Winter Whites 

La Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine– by Jo Landron, this is a vibrant and refreshing wine that highlights the best of the Loire Valley. Crafted from Melon de Bourgogne, this organic and biodynamic Muscadet offers crisp aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of salty sea spray, reflecting its maritime terroir. On the palate, it’s lively and mineral-driven, with bright acidity and a clean, elegant finish. Perfect with oysters, fresh seafood, or as a zesty aperitif, this wine is a testament to Landron’s commitment to expressive, sustainable winemaking. $25.00

Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Chardonnay 2023-  a bright and expressive white wine from Puglia. With a moderate 12.5% ABV, it showcases aromas of ripe tropical fruits, peach, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it’s smooth and well-balanced, with a creamy texture complemented by fresh acidity and a lingering finish. This versatile Chardonnay pairs beautifully with light pastas, seafood, or roasted white meats, offering an approachable yet refined taste of Southern Italy. $20

Kloster Neustift Abbazia di Novacella Grüner Veltliner– a crisp, refreshing white wine from the Südtirol-Alto Adige region in northern Italy, produced by the Abbazia di Novacella (also known as Stiftskellerei Neustift). Known for its dry and clean style, this Grüner Veltliner delivers a bright acidity and a light, mineral-driven profile that makes it a versatile pairing with seafood, shellfish, or creamy pasta dishes. I loved the aromas of ripe white stone fruits, green apple, and a touch of herbs, combined with a dry, tangy palate marked by crisp apple, citrus, and pear notes. The wine’s clean finish has a subtle hint of flinty minerality. $25.99

“Rosé The Hall’s”

2021 Dido La Solució Rosa Montsant-by Sara Pérez and René Barbier is a captivating rosé that blends artistry and terroir. Made primarily from Grenache with a touch of Syrah and Carignan, it offers delicate aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fresh and complex, with flavors of ripe red berries, citrus zest, and a subtle minerality, finishing with vibrant acidity. Perfect for pairing with charcuterie, seafood, or seasonal dishes, this wine is an elegant choice for festive gatherings. $35.99

2023 Millbrook Hunt Country Dry Rosé- is a vibrant and refreshing wine from the Hudson Valley. Crafted with a blend of Cabernet Franc and other estate-grown varietals, it features enticing aromas of ripe raspberry, strawberry, and a hint of pink grapefruit. The palate is crisp and dry, with flavors of red berries and a lively acidity that makes it an ideal match for fresh salads, grilled salmon, or light pasta dishes. Perfect for year-round sipping, this rosé is a charming nod to Millbrook’s dedication to quality winemaking. $20

Reds They’ll Rave About!

2019 Ruffino Modus Toscana- This bold and structured Supertuscan blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese. It has an intense ruby red color and a bouquet of blackberries, cinnamon, and clove, complemented by soft tannins and an impressive structure. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Great with your holiday beef and venison! $30

2018 Marqués de Caceres Reserva– This Rioja red wine, made predominantly from Tempranillo, offers aromas of ripe red fruit, along with a touch of oak and spice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. It’s a wine I always feature in my tastings, I have been obsessed with their portfolio lately and because it always delivers! $25

2021 DiamAndes de Uco Cabernet Franc- From the Uco Valley of Argentina comes one of my favorite wines with meat and lamb! A fresh and expressive Cabernet Franc, this wine shows aromas of blackberries, violets, and a touch of green pepper. It has a well-structured palate with ripe fruit flavors and fine tannins. This wine is exceptional and ideal for those wine lovers seeking something new and exciting to add to their drink now or “cellar for later” section!  $24

2019 Alexandre Burgaud Beaujolais-Villages Lantignié– This light and fruity Beaujolais has aromas of ripe strawberries and cherries, with a soft, smooth texture. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more refreshing red wine. This wine is ideal and can be enjoyed with everything since “Gamay goes with it all”. Whenever I have a customer come in, they have a mixed menu of fish, meat, veggies, and cheeses… I go for the Gamay and this one is stellar beyond belief! $18

2021 Silk & Spice Silk Route Red Blend- A blend of various red varietals, this wine offers rich flavors of dark berries, spices, and chocolate. It has a velvety mouthfeel with soft tannins. Silk & Spice is one of those wine brands you’ll see at your big stores and honestly it’s great to have out at a party when you want a smooth, budget friendly, approachable red to enjoy. $12

2020 Varvaglione Negroamaro Salento- This Negroamaro-based wine is deep and intense, with flavors of dark fruits and herbs, balanced by a touch of spice and earthy notes. From Puglia, Italy this wine is not to miss if you can find it, it’s a little tough but the right wine store can easily get it for you and I absolutely recommend trying it! This wine is perfect with grilled meats, soft cheeses, and tomato based sauces!  $22

2018 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon- A classic Napa Cabernet with aromas of black currant, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich with ripe fruit flavors and structured tannins. This wine will steal the show with its bold fruit, nice balanced spice, and pair-ability. I fell in love with this wine after one sip and will make sure I am always stocked with this amazing Cabernet that will make all your holiday happenings shine! $85

2020 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir- This Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is one not to miss. This wine is from an iconic winery who originally began the “single estate” Pinot Noir movement and this silky, seductive wine is absolutely delicious. It is elegant, with flavors of red berries, cherry, and subtle oak spice. It has a smooth, balanced mouthfeel and a long, refreshing finish. I recently featured it at a tasting event for private clients and it won the hearts of everyone. $65

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2021- from California, this wine embodies the timeless elegance and bold character for which this iconic winery is renowned. This vintage showcases a rich and velvety texture, with a deep garnet color that hints at the intensity within. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis are complemented by subtle layers of cocoa, cedar, and vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, its full-bodied structure is balanced by smooth, integrated tannins and a lingering finish, making it an exceptional choice for pairing with grilled meats, hearty pastas, or aged cheeses. his wine is a quintessential California Cabernet, perfect for any occasion. $55

2019 Dutcher Crossing Proprietor’s Reserve Petite Sirah– is a bold and expressive wine that showcases the depth and complexity of this powerful varietal. With a deep, inky purple hue, it greets the nose with enticing aromas of blackberry compote, dark plum, and blackcurrant, interwoven with hints of mocha, vanilla, and cracked pepper. On the palate, this full-bodied wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe dark fruits, framed by firm, yet refined tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and luxurious, leaving lingering notes of cocoa and spice. Perfect for pairing with slow-cooked meats, rich stews, or sharp aged cheeses, this wine is a standout wine that demands attention and is ideal for your Christmas Filet or Roast! $39

Wine of the Sea Barolo 2017- The most stunning gift and presentation you will find, this wine is an exceptional expression of one of the finest vineyards in the Barolo commune, earning its place among the world’s most celebrated wines. Often hailed as “The King of Wines,” this bold and majestic Barolo captivates with its complex aromatics. Intense notes of red cherries, plums, and violets are beautifully intertwined with layers of tar, black tea, forest floor, and a hint of vetiver, offering a sensory journey like no other. On the palate, it reveals a perfect balance of power and finesse. Generous, yet finely grained tannins harmonize with vibrant acidity and a robust structure, ensuring its remarkable potential for long-term aging. This wine is truly a masterpiece—a world of flavor encapsulated in every glass. $280-350/bottle.

Fortified Fun

Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port- is a refined and complex wine, showcasing a balance of rich, sweet, and nutty flavors. The port has an initial burst of raisin sweetness, followed by notes of cranberry, cherry, black tea, and sandalwood. It’s a deeply flavorful wine, with the expected oxidative character that marks aged tawny ports. While the mid-palate is rounded, the finish is sharp, characterized by lingering sour cherry notes that can become a bit overpowering for some tastes, especially when compared to younger tawnies like the 10-year-old, which tend to be more approachable. $35

Add-on’s

Formaticum Zero Cheese Storage Bags  – The bags are compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable. These plastic-free bags are greaseproof and porous to oxygen, making them ideal packaging solutions for aged cheese and charcuterie. Made of white greaseproof paper and brown vegetable waxed paper, these materials work in concert to create the perfect micro-climate for your cheese. I recently tried these while entertaining and needing good cheese storage and they were awesome. So easy to use and they absolutely kept my cheeses so much fresher, these are a must and are perfect to pair with a bottle or two of wine as a gift. Formaticum cheese storage products preserve the essence of cheese so you can enjoy its true taste in all its glory.  $19.50/10 count

Extra Virgin Olive Oils & Balsamic’s by Somm In The Grove- As you already know, I have my own line of sustainably grown hand harvested Extra Virgin Olive Oil’s and Balsamic Vinegars of Modena. $18+

A Taste of Europe: Sweet Treats To Gift With Sips! 

Panettone from Italy– This traditional Italian sweet bread originally from Milan, Italy is enjoyed by all during the Christmas season. For history buffs, did you know this sweet bread dates back to the Roman Era? Now it’s just loved by all but was originally associated with Italian Nobility. If you haven’t had this delicious dome shaped bread before, you must try it especially with some espresso and sambuca, or Moscato d’ Asti!

Turrón de Alicante PGI from Spain– This traditional Spanish Nougat has protected status and dates back to the Moors who introduced nougat making to the Spaniards. By the 15th century it became popular for Christmas time and has stayed that way since. It’s made from high quality almonds and honey with egg whites and is shaped into a bar. It’s a delicious addition to a charcuterie board and so festive with after dinner drinks, coffee, and more.

Speculoos Organic from Belgium– This is a delicious spiced shortcrust biscuit from Belgium and you’ll see this often around the holiday season. It’s particularly famous for Saint Nicholas’ Day in December and dates back to the 17th century where bakers would use intricate wooden moulds with religious or folkloric figures to make these treats. They’re flavored with all your favorite sweet baking spices and have a crunchy caramel texture thats addicting.

Dresden Stollen PGI from Germany– Also known as Dresdner Christstollen, this traditional Germany Christmas treat is protected with PGI status meaning it can only be produced in Dresden, Germany. This specialty is made with heavy, yeasted dough filled with candied citrus peels, raisins, almonds, and almond paste. It’s also often spiced with cardamom and cinnamon and then coated in powdered sugar. It’s ideal with a late harvest riesling from Germany as well as coffee and tea.

This is a long one, but I did my tasting research and can assure you these wines will set you apart this holiday season and will win the hearts of all your guests as well as the ones you give them to. You can’t go wrong with this massive selection. Simply bring this list to your favorite wine store and they’re bound to have most for you, and if you live in a state where you can ship, plenty of online stores have them too.

Need some help ordering? Simply ask the Somm! I offer Sommelier wine services to help you curate, navigate, and ship your orders this holiday season to the ones you love!