This is the time of year when we need some festive libations on hand. Heaven forbid we should run out of wine and spirits over the holidays.
Here are some of my favorites:
Soquel Vineyards: 2016 Intreccio ($75)
This exceptional red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc is a sure-fire hit with its complex aromas and textures. A double-gold winner at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Odonata Wines: 2019 Sparkling Rosé of Sangiovese ($42)
Winery owner Denis Hoey has made a genuinely gorgeous sparkler with plenty of spice and fruit. Perfect for the holidays.
Ser Winery: 2018 Cabernet Pfeffer ($40)
Who makes a Cabernet Pfeffer round these parts? Ser Winery owner Nicole Walsh is the answer. As well as this terrific Cab Pfeffer, Walsh makes an abundance of other distinctive wines.
The Vice Wines: 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Rosé ($29) and 2020 Orange of Semillon ($28)
These two lovely wines made by The Vice Wines in Napa Valley add a very festive touch to any table. Swirl the Rosé around your glass and enjoy its beautiful notes of passion fruit and pomelo—The Orange of Semillon bursts with tropical fruits—notably papaya, banana, kumquat and ginger.
Alfaro Family Vineyards: 2020 Gruner Veltliner ($20)
Richard Alfaro’s estate-grown Gruner Veltliner is a dry, crisp and zesty white wine with citrusy flavors of lime and grapefruit. It’s a local favorite.
Armitage Wines: 2019 Chardonnay ($36)
This unoaked delight made by Brandon Armitage is a Chardonnay lover’s dream. It is slowly cold-fermented to bring out intense tropical aromas and flavors. With a round and full palate, it goes well with food or on its own.
Beauregard Vineyards: 2020 Lost Weekend ($25)
This wine bottle will adorn any table with its eye-catching label of redwoods. A delicious blend of Zinfandel and Carignan pairs well with many different foods.
Annieglass: Add sparkle to your table with some beautiful locally made wine coasters by Annieglass—a Watsonville-based art-glass company.
