As the holidays draw near, our charming community begins to sparkle. Twinkling lights down Park Avenue, the scent of pine and cinnamon seeping from neighborhood homes, and the joyful buzz of local shops championing the revelry of the season. Whether you’re attending a holiday dinner or festive get-together, bringing a thoughtful bottle of wine is a timeless gesture of appreciation. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be daunting. Rest assured, by following a few simple guidelines you can arrive with confidence — and with a bottle or two that your host will remember long after the last song plays and the final guest leaves.
Match the Mood, Not Just the Meal
The food spread takes center stage during holiday gatherings, but the best wine pairing is sometimes more about the atmosphere than the menu. For large gatherings, versatile and crowd-pleasing wines are your best bet. Seek out wines like pinot noir from Sonoma County or barbera d’Alba from northern Italy. These wines are medium-bodied with balanced levels of ripe fruit and silky tannins. They complement everything from roasted poultry to savory stuffing. For the white wine crowd - an unoaked chardonnay from California or a dry chenin blanc from the Loire Valley in France are crisp, bright, and appealingly fresh wines. They exhibit floral and herbal aromas with approachable fruit flavors, and they delicately dance alongside lighter dishes or appetizers on the table.
- Solid Bet/Everyday: Bovio – Barbera d’Alba $19.99
- Under the Radar: Domaine Richou Chauvigne Anjou Blanc $22.99
- Splurge: Flowers – Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast $54.99
If you’re attending a holiday cocktail party, a sparkling wine like champagne or cava instantly elevates the mood and pairs well with appetizers, cheeses, and conversation alike. For something a bit unexpected, try a rosé prosecco — it’s elegant, festive, and universally enjoyable.
- Value Play: Avinyo Cava Brut Reserva $19.99
- Under the radar: 90+ Lot 228 Cremant Brut d'Alsace $17.99
- Splurge: Henri Billiot Champagne Reserve $69.99
The Perfect Pair: Building a Wine Gift Basket
A bottle of wine makes a beautiful standalone gift — but with a few simple additions, it can become a memorable basket that delights all the senses.
- Start with a wine and build a theme. Italian reds pair beautifully with gourmet pasta, sauces, and olive oil. A French rosé might shine alongside artisan cheese, crackers, and honey.
- Add small nuanced gourmet or luxury items. Include a candle, linen napkins, or handcrafted chocolates to make your basket feel indulgent.
- Balance flavors and textures. Pair a crisp white with roasted nuts, brie, or dried fruits. A bold and powerful red wine pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or savory charcuterie.
- What grows together goes together. Wine and olive oil go hand in hand and are complementary in many ways. One bottle of each in a gift basket provides the home chef with all the tools one needs to achieve the ultimate culinary experience. For a selection of curated high-quality extra virgin olive oils, check out Grove and Vine; a Scotch Plains family-owned business featuring new harvest small-batch olive oils with a global reach and premium giftable packaging (groveandvine.com).
- Include a personal touch. A handwritten tag or note about why you chose that particular wine adds warmth and authenticity and ties it all up for a memorable exchange.
This year, ensure your gifts say what words sometimes can’t: gratitude, joy, and the simple pleasure of good company. After all, the holidays aren’t just about what’s on the table — they’re about who’s gathered around it and about raising a glass to the people who make life richer.
The holidays aren’t just about what’s on the table — they’re about who’s gathered around it and about raising a glass to the people who make life richer.