Top 10 Wines For Entertaining
Shellback label

Shellback

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

A great value on a very good wine. Tantalizing and harmonious with grapefruit, passion fruit and melon lingering on the palate toward a crisp, refreshing finish. Pairs well with complex creamy foods as well as seafood and creamy Capricho de Cabra cheese.

Louis Latour label

Louis Latour

Le Chardonnay

From one of the most respected houses in Burgundy, this 100% Chard is light and smooth from 12 months in oak. Soothing ripe peach and pear flavors accentuated by crushed rock and vanilla. Great with salmon, chicken and our exclusive Isigny Ste. Mère French Brie.

Las Rocas label

Las Rocas

El Renegado Garnacha

This gem was blended by Food & Wine Importer of the Year, Eric Solomon. Explosive scents of berry and lavender; bold flavors of black cherry and spice. Serve with well-seasoned, seared or roasted foods, or the unique Campo de Montalban cheese.

Los Vascos label

Los Vascos

Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaines Barons de Rothschild controls this old Chilean estate. The wine—a truly special blend—is well balanced and fruity with discreet tannins and a slightly spicy finish. Good with roasts, especially lamb and amazing with traditional English Stilton.

d’Arenberg label

d’Arenberg

The Stump Jump Shiraz

Great small-batch wine for the price! A classic Shiraz with heady aromas, then smooth, ripe juicy plums and mulberries on the velvety-rich palate. Dark chocolate tannins make it awesome with lamb, beef or our exclusive Cranberry Cheddar.

Ruffino label

Ruffino

Il Leo Chianti

Beautiful, authentic Chianti from one of Italy’s oldest and most respected winemaking families. Cherry and plum aromas are repeated on the palate in ripe, balanced fashion. Perfecto with red meats and aged cheeses such as our exclusive Parmigiano Reggiano.

Estancia label

Estancia

Central Coast Merlot

More than a Merlot! A crowd-pleasing holiday essential with dark juicy fruit—round, soft and full finished with sweet oak and chocolate. Pair with tomato-sauced foods or beef tenderloin. Sip it with mountain cheeses or Rogue Creamery’s Oregon Blue.

M. Chapoutier label

M. Chapoutier

Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé

We liked this racy rosé so much, we bought the entire vintage! Perfect with Thanksgiving turkey, it is fruity—but not sweet—with lively acidity and medium body. Stands up well to smoked fish, garlicky foods, even beef or a really good English farmstead cheddar.

Bloom label

Bloom

German Gewürztraminer

A delightful White for the holidays, in the glass or as a gift. Great price, too! This special blend tastes of lychee and Meyer lemon; more dry than sweet, with low acidity and a clean finish. Nice with salmon, chicken, pork, duck, dessert or our exclusive Amadeus cheese.

White Truck label

White Truck

Lake County Sauvignon Blanc
Made with Organically Grown Grapes

Just the thing for holiday entertaining. An easy-drinking, tasty white that most everyone will enjoy. Crisp flavors of lemon peel, grapefruit, orange blossom. Pair with Asian food, light pasta, chicken or our own 365 Organic Everyday Value™ Fresh Goat Cheese.

Bonus Bottle: Cellar Selection

Edna Valley Vineyard label

Edna Valley Vineyard

Pinot Noir

A much-sought, sophisticated bottle from hand-picked fruit grown in cool sea breezes. Luscious and complex with cherry, plum and pomegranate and hints of spicy oak. Pair with grilled seafood, game hens, lamb, rich pasta or our exclusive Robusto cheese.

Bonus Bottle: Sparkler

Nicolas Feuillatte label

Nicolas Feuillatte

Rèserve Particulière Brut Champagne

The pure expression of Champagne terroir with a perfect balance of fruity and dry. Toasty hazelnut, apple, fig and quince on the nose. The essential aperitif in your glass. Enjoy solo, with smoked salmon dishes or with delectable L’Explorateur cheese.

From the chilly North Pole to the southern tip of Chile, our expert wine buyers have been dashing about collecting holiday cheer. They’ve put together a fine list of unique and respected wines that balance quality and value—just what you wanted! Raise a glass as you gather in merriment, around the table or under the mistletoe.

Look for our list in the wine department. Many are a special vintage or unique blend and each includes our suggestions for pairings with food and the season’s best cheeses. Plus, we added a couple of bonus bottles for giving or special occasions, a sparkler and a cellar selection.

Holiday Tips from RealSimple