As we get into the holiday season, we have a lot on our plate. A good piece of advice is to visit a local wine shop and stock up on a case or two. You’ll never know who needs a last minute gift or what your taste buds are calling when you’re sitting around the fire. Maryam at Bichi Wines loves magnums for any holiday. They instantly signal, it’s time to celebrate! Emily at J.Brix shared her favorite styles: a skin-contact wine to pair with all the flavors of the Thanksgiving feast, pét-nat while opening presents and grower champagne with a little caviar and potato chips on NYE. We asked our pals Juerie & Paul over at Clos Wine Shop for a few bottle suggestions.

THANKSGIVING

Beaujolais is always the big winner at Thanksgiving! Anytime we have a lot of different foods on the table, we want to match it with plenty of different wines so there’s something for everyone! Keep your eye out for these bottles – they’re killer!

• Justin Dutraive 'La Madone' Fleurie, Beaujolais, France 2018

• Meyer-Fonné Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes Alsace 2020

• Matthiasson Chardonnay Linda Vista Oak Knoll Napa 2021

• Domaine Anita “Cuvée P’tit Co” Chénas 2020

• Lini 910 "Labrusca Rosso" Labrusco dell'Emilia NV

HANUKKAH/CHRISTMAS

Start the day with a glass of fizz to get the festive spirit going. A nice way to start is with something a little dry – bright acidity first thing in the morning can be a bit of a challenge! These will be great on the table this year…

• Bonnet-Ponson 'Le Jour', Champagne, France

• Ohlig "Latitude 50°N" Rosé Sekt Germany NV

• Domaine Roland Lavantureux "Vauprin" Chablis 2020

• Bodegas Santalba "Que Vida" Garnacha Rioja 2019

• Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 2015

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Goodbye to the old year and hello to the new with all its possibilities and potential. Obviously, the classic go-to for NYE is Champagne, but this is good chance to mention something we believe in wholeheartedly – at the end of the day, whether it’s for fun, for relaxing or for pairing with food, drink whatever makes you happy. There are all sorts of rules for pairing, but just remember this: if you don’t love what you’re drinking then you’re not going to love what you’re eating. In other words, drink what you like as long as it doesn’t clash with your food. Here’s some things we’ve put aside already for NYE:

• Champagne Herve Brisson "Les Aulnes" Extra Brut NV

• Boroli Barolo “Brunella” 2013

• Remelluri Riserva Rioja 2014

• Acri Wine Co. Petite Sirah San Diego County 2019

Thanks for our friends at Clos Wine Shop for sharing all of these thoughtful bottles and guiding us all to make some delicious decisions this holiday season.
If you’re in the San Diego area, be sure to stop by their shop for a glass and some potato chips. Tell them we said hello!
Clos Wine Shop: 4521 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116