by Allisun Groat, Tastemaker in Residence

With the range of foods and goodies we serve at the holidays, it's crucial to pair with versatile wines that complement a wide range of tastes..... my go to? Sparkling wine! Here are 5 wines that are perfect for your holiday celebrations... it's the time of year to splurge and celebrate with some long-standing iconic wineries that have centuries (in some cases) and certainly decades of practice.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, North Coast, CA -- Hailing from the second oldest bonded winery in Napa and the first "champagne method" winery in California, this brut (dry) style, super versatile, zippy sparkler pairs with everything... literally. Crisp, lemony, tons of bubbles and enough structure to stand up to even a little prime rib. It's downright delicious.

https://www.wilsondaniels.com/wine/blanc-de-blancs-north-coast-2016/

Bisol Crede Prosecco Valdobiandenne, Italy -- From the steep hills of the Veneto in Valdobiadenne, the Bisol Crede is soft, complex and creamy. Wildflowers, apple and pear aromas - the ideal wine for the entire meal. Bisol knows what they are doing -- 23 generations of history-making wine at this property.

https://www.wilsondaniels.com/wine/crede-valdobbiadene-prosecco-superiore-docg-2017/

Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa, CA -- Created out of the partnership of vintner Larry Hyde and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee Conti, this exquisite Chardonnay from the best plots on Larry's iconic vineyard is simply superb. Meyer lemon, peach, orange blossom with striking minerality and hints of flint and clove, this rich delicious wine is loved by red and white drinkers alike -- and if you "don't like Chardonnay" you'll love this one!

https://www.wilsondaniels.com/wine/chardonnay-hyde-vineyard-carneros-napa-valley-2016/

Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France -- Biodynamic, Organic and all of the buzzy words, this wine from the Southern Rhone of France is a traditional blend of all 13 varietals of the region, with Grenache at the forefront. Delicately aromatic and fresh with raspberries, leather, violet, thyme - all the things amazing. If you haven't tried a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, now is the time.

https://www.wilsondaniels.com/wine/chateauneuf-du-pape-2017/

Tenuta Sette Cieli, Noi4, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy -- Noi4 (pronounced Noy-kwah-tro) means the 4 of us and the name of the winery translates to the "house of seven skies" referring to the panoramic views from this hilltop property. Quite simply, Bolgheri is the place for rich, deeply complex wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot... the grapes of Bordeaux. This is for the big red wine drinker -- checks all the boxes and still has balanced acidity so you can eat with it... it tastes better when you do.

https://www.wilsondaniels.com/wine/noi4-bolgheri-doc-2016/

Cheers!

all wines imported by Wilson Daniels.

5 must drink wines this Christmas