Holiday Bottles Worth Opening (and Gifting)
The holidays are less about rules and more about moments — the first glass poured, the table finally set, the conversations that stretch longer than planned. This season’s wine lineup is built for exactly that: bottles that feel celebratory without being stuffy, comforting without being predictable, and special enough to gift (or keep). From bright sparklers that kick things off to bold reds made for winter meals, these are the wines turning holiday gatherings into something worth lingering over.
The Silver Oak x Sunday Scaries Limited Edition Holiday Gift Box is proof that great Cabernet doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. Centered around a bottle of the 2021 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this collectible release swaps traditional holiday formality for warmth, wit, and a knowing smile. Each bottle arrives housed in an engraved wooden case stamped with one of Sunday Scaries’ signature quips — playful, relatable phrases that feel tailor-made for family dinners, in-law visits, and those blissful moments when the laptop finally snaps shut. The result is a gift that balances Silver Oak’s iconic craftsmanship with a modern, cultural sensibility, inviting it to be opened, shared, and enjoyed rather than saved “for a special occasion.” At $150, it’s equal parts keepsake and crowd-pleaser — the kind of bottle that instantly becomes part of the holiday story.
The Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is the bottle you reach for when the holidays call for something crisp, crowd-pleasing, and effortlessly refreshing. Bursting with bright citrus, tropical fruit, and that signature New Zealand vibrancy, it cuts through rich holiday spreads with ease — think shrimp cocktail before dinner, goat cheese crostini by the fire, or a quiet glass while the tree lights glow. It’s approachable without being boring, familiar yet reliably polished, making it the kind of white that keeps guests refilling their glasses without overthinking it. In a season full of indulgence, Kim Crawford delivers balance, brightness, and just the right amount of lift.
Rock Angel Rosé ($29.99) is the bottle you open when the holidays call for something a little more elevated than your everyday pink. Rich yet racy, it balances a creamy texture from partial oak aging with flinty minerality that gives the wine real depth and polish. Firm acidity keeps everything lively, while the long, silky finish makes it feel indulgent without being heavy. Whether poured alongside smoked salmon, oysters Rockefeller, or delicate tuna tartare, Rock Angel brings a sense of occasion to holiday entertaining — powerful, elegant, and undeniably festive.
Avaline Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) is a bold, full-bodied red that feels tailor-made for winter nights. Organically produced and rich with dark fruit and warming spice, it’s the kind of wine that shines alongside hearty meals, ski-lodge dinners, and long fireside conversations. Polished yet comforting, this Cabernet delivers depth without heaviness—making it an easy crowd-pleaser when the temperature drops.
Tre Secoli Asti DOCG Biologico is the kind of bottle that brings instant joy to the holiday table. Made from 100% organically farmed Moscato, this lightly sparkling Italian classic pours a luminous straw yellow and bursts with aromas of acacia blossom, fresh peach, and wildflowers. Delicate bubbles and gentle sweetness give it an effortless elegance, while its low alcohol and vibrant freshness make it dangerously easy to keep pouring. Whether served as a welcome glass, alongside dessert, or as a refreshing contrast to richer holiday fare, this Asti feels celebratory without trying too hard — soft, fragrant, and unapologetically crowd-pleasing.
Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
The Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 is a winter-table showstopper—classic, commanding, and built for long, celebratory meals. Sourced from vineyards on the southern slope of Montalcino, this 100% Sangiovese benefited from reduced yields in a nuanced 2020 vintage, resulting in exceptional tannin maturity and depth. it pours an intense ruby red, unfolding aromas of ripe forest berries, blackberry jam, tobacco, and leather, followed by a broad, velvety palate with lingering notes of fruit preserved in spirit. Aged for three years in large Slavonian oak and French tonneaux, then finished in bottle, it’s a Brunello made for roasted meats, game, and aged pecorino—exactly the kind of bottle you open when the table is full and the night has nowhere else to be.
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé brings instant celebration to the table, pairing centuries of Champagne heritage with a bold, modern edge. Founded in 1785 with the ambition of creating a cuvée fit for royalty, the House has since become one of the most decorated Champagne producers in the world—while leading the charge on sustainability as the first Champagne house to earn B Corp certification. In the glass, this rosé is vibrant and expressive, bursting with blood orange, wild strawberry, black cherry, and a touch of almond, all wrapped in a beautifully elegant structure. It’s a Champagne that holds its own alongside hearty holiday dishes like sirloin steak or red onion tatin, making it just as suited for festive dinners as it is for popping open when the moment calls for something truly special.
The 1924 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon (around $15) is a cozy crowd-pleaser built for winter comfort food. Aged in bourbon barrels, it layers ripe dark fruit with subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, giving the wine a warming richness that feels tailor-made for colder nights. It shines alongside maple-roasted sweet potatoes or sticky BBQ short ribs, where its bold structure and touch of sweetness play beautifully with smoky, savory flavors. This is the kind of bottle you open when the oven’s on, the house smells incredible, and seconds are guaranteed.
The Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (around $18) brings brightness and balance to a season often dominated by heavier pours. Fresh and citrus-driven, with notes of lime, passionfruit, and a signature New Zealand crispness, it’s an ideal match for seafood starters, herbed vegetables, or lighter holiday bites before the main event. Clean, vibrant, and endlessly refreshing, Stoneleigh is the white you reach for when you want something festive without feeling weighed down — proof that holiday wines don’t always have to be rich to feel special.
The J Vineyards Brut Rosé ($50) is a sparkling standout made for celebratory moments. Hand-harvested in the Russian River Valley, this elegant bubbly delivers refined freshness with layers of vibrant fruit and delicate structure, striking a beautiful balance between richness and finesse. Lively yet graceful, it’s an ideal way to kick off a holiday cocktail party or to pair with lighter main dishes like blackened salmon, where its bright acidity and fine bubbles elevate every bite. This is the kind of bottle that signals the start of something special the moment the cork pops.
Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply stocking the fridge for the weeks ahead, the right bottle has a way of anchoring the moment. Consider this your permission to open the good wine, pour generously, and let the season unfold as it should — one great glass at a time.
