This year, make the holidays simple with this cheat sheet of fabulous wines for all kinds of dinners.
From lamb to turkey, I’ll have you covered. For a list of Pinot Noir, check here. With all the lists to be made this year, here is your selection of fantastic wines from some of the best Northern California wines you can order now online just in time for the holidays.
If you’re having grilled or roasted dishes, this is an excellent compliment. Challenge any non-red-wine-drinker not to notice a new twist on their dishes. They will soon imagine a red velvet couch in the corner and be transported to the elegance of the season.
Alexander Valley’s climate is perfect for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, and Jordan takes full advantage.
A wine that has been celebrated at White House Dinners, this wine is impressive. Study their collection of wines, from tasting notes to what to pair them with, including recipes for a quick education on wine. Hold in a decanter or air it out for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
The Essence of Flowers Vineyards & Winery Video
Often a hip and chic welcome to any fine dinner, Flowers Vineyards & Winery has quickly made a name for itself from its West Side Road tasting room.
Their delicate and soft touches to their wines make them exceptional. These wines are produced from grapes established high above the hills overlooking the ocean and above the fog. Instead of heavy, full-bodied wines that can sometimes quickly tarnish your palate before your third bite into your meal, Flowers is the beautiful welcome to ease into any memorable evening.
Their passion for creating vineyards from hard-to-reach elevations has proven a phenomenal hit.
If you’re having dishes like fish, herb-infused squash, or vegetarian dishes, this will be the hero of the evening. Their 2016 Seaview Ridge Pinot Noir was exceptional and hard to find. Today, they only have 2021 available, but Flowers is just a good bet all the way around.
Member for nearly 7 years!
I know, you’re saying, another Pinot Noir? But let me tell you, Stephen and Walker wine is what every woman wants, and I’ll tell you why.
Nancy Walker makes wine that caters to women in the sense that you’ll find beautiful bouquets, chocolate, linear and velvety wines that make you feel draped in, yes, you guessed it, velvet.
Stephen and Walker is an exclusive wine, only sold in Sonoma County. If you’re looking for something unique that no one has heard of (often the case), impress the well-knowledgable group of family and friends with this crowd-pleaser.
These wines pair well with roasted or grilled meats, portobello anything, and lamb. As Aunt Voula once said on My Big Fat Greek Wedding, “What do you mean he don’t eat no meat? Oh, that’s ok, I make lamb!’
One wine we were very impressed with at their estate was Hartford Family Winery. They were so impressive that we took guests to their tasting room in downtown Healdsburg, letting them know that this was the place to buy if they were looking for impressive wines. So there you go.
If you’re looking for something like a cabernet sauvignon, look no further than a Hartford Zinfandel. Their Zinfandels have 90+ point ratings and have been talked about for decades in wine journals.
These wines would pair well with stews, pork loin with cherry or cranberry sauce, game dishes, and a nice steak au poivre; the perfect holiday dishes.
Still looking for that cabernet sauvignon to pair with rich Italian sauces like lasagna and spicy sausage? Check out the Flambeaux Wine collection.
With cabernets from the Alexander Valley, my favorite Sonoma appellation for deep reds, this winery treats its members to an exclusive list of limited selected wines with a small case production.
These top-notch red wines from the Sonoma Valley have an exemplary exclusivity reputation for a fair price compared to the expensive cabernet sauvignons from Napa, but don't let that fool you. This is high-end.
At this price point, this would be a reasonable upscale gift for the more discerning wine lover.
Another cabernet sauvignon with very interesting fermentation in their winemaking is Quivera Vineyards.
If you want to satisfy a request for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers but do not have to hold on to your seat before drinking it, try their 2019 Berler Cabernet Sauvignon from Fountain Grove. You’ll have a sip and most likely be happily surprised that you’re light on your feet after sipping.
This kind of accompaniment is friendly, approachable, and still very nicely paired with grilled meats.
If you’re with a white wine-type crowd but have a cabernet sauvignon favorite and everyone is served meat dishes, this would be your choice.
Great quality-drinking wine.
Rare wine we have stocked up with a case.
A solid winery from one of the pioneer winemakers in Dry Creek is Pedroncelli.
If you want a great wine that won’t break the bank, get a case of this for the holidays. They’re great for gifts, a chill night by the fire with friends, or being taken to a party where someone might say you shouldn’t have spent so much!
It’s been years since we’ve visited this winery, and since then, they have redone their tasting facility. I wouldn’t mind going back for another case. These were so good.
Study what they have here and stock up.
Just when I thought I had written a good list of wines to choose from, I found one of our favorites - Michel-Schlumberger (or Michelle Schlum-ber-shjay).
I took this to a ladies' night dinner, and sure enough, I got the oohs and ahs.
This wine expresses elegance, which the winery brilliantly calls wise. I would go with the Cabernet Sauvignon La Cime Dry Creek Valley for its elegance - especially for the holidays.
Their Viognier was one of Richard’s favorites, although I can’t remember what vintage it was.
These are to be handled with care and respect. Light and airy, yet strong enough to hold up to any bold meal like an inconspicuous guest that turns out to be a pure joy to talk to.
Dutcher Crossing
Another great winery not to exclude is Dutcher Crossing Winery.
This was the only winery where I experienced a wine like no other. It was full of personality that reminded me of no one. I had to have it.
They have excellent gift pack ideas right now for the holidays, and their accolades can be found here.
What is so unique is their tasting notes like mint, chaparral scrub, and quince flavors. I know - pretty remarkable.
If you’re making a rare dish with different flavors that are not your typical steak, grilled fish, or pasta, I would look at Dutcher Crossing tasting notes and see if there is something that would pair nicely with what you’re making, and who knows? You might score big like I did!
Exceptional Chardonnay
If you’re not fortunate enough to visit Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, you won’t go wrong with these selections, especially if you like Chardonnay.
I’m unsure if it was the beautiful weather or the views, but I spent $100 for a chardonnay. Yes, my husband said, “You want to pay $100 for a chardonnay?” Yes. It was the most beautiful and pure Chardonnay I’ve ever had. I had to have it.
These wines, with their full bouquet at the nose and crisp fruit on the palate with a lasting smooth finish, someone knows what they're doing here.
If you want to buy someone special, a nice chardonnay, be prepared to pay. Right now, their Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay is $150, but if you buy Chardonnay in Sonoma, this is a big hitter. Just make sure to chill it to the max!
Are you looking for Thanksgiving Dinner wines? Check out Wine Spectator’s top 100 list of 2023 award-winning wines for more selections. You’ll find exceptional Sonoma County wines there too.
Just order now in time for the holidays. What are some of your favorites?
Cheers!