11 Holiday-Appropriate Wines to Sip and Gift This Season

Between Friendsgiving, holiday parties, festive dinners, and New Year's Eve, there's always an occasion that calls for wine. And when you want to switch things up from your usual go-to vino and drink (or bring) a bottle of something new, these white, red, and rosé varietals will please any palate.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley 2017 Riesling ($9): An "everyday" Riesling that's sophisticated enough for special occasions? Now that's our kind of white. You'll pick up on the crisp apple and mineral aromas in this medium-dry style that's produced in Washington’s Columbia Valley, and you'll definitely want another glass when it comes time for dessert.

Le Vins Georges Duboeuf 2018 Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé ($14): Beaujolais Nouveau (a red wine made from Gamay grapes) is always released right before Thanksgiving — after the first harvest — but this year it's getting a pink makeover. For the first time in the US, legendary Beaujolais distributor Georges Duboeuf is bringing a Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé to the market. Slightly lighter and fresher than its original counterpart, this is the ultimate wine to bring to a Friendsgiving with a rosé-loving crew.

Hacienda de Arinzano Chardonnay ($16) and Arinzano Gran Vino Chardonnay ($68): We all know a Chard lover — give them one of Arinzano's elegant, yet complex, varietals that come from Spain (between Rioja and Bordeaux). Citrusy with a long finish, these two versions are made in the French style and are meant to impress.

Noble Vines 515 Rosé ($16): This bright rosé (with flavors of raspberry, citrus, and juicy strawberry) is exactly what you want to crack open around 5:15 — hence the happy hour nod — or, in the case of the holidays, early afternoon. Just sayin'.

Ancient Peaks Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($17): Sauvignon Blanc lovers are going to be very into this brightly acidic, domestic version from Paso Robles, California. Pair it with veggies, fish, or meat — or even pour as your guests arrive.

Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours 2016 ($20): Nothing sets the tone for the holidays quite like Bordeaux, but when you want a quality bottle (without a hefty price tag), opt for wines from the region of Côtes de Bordeaux, which has an ample selection of affordable ones. This Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux is comprised of half Sauvignon and half Semillon grapes for a slightly buttery yet exotic taste.

Ultimate Provence UP Rosé 2017 ($23): UP Rosé’s chic AF bottle design echos its well-structured palate. Think tart cherry and floral flavors with the slightest hint of white pepper from the Syrah grape. And surprisingly enough, it cuts through the richness of mashed potatoes with gravy like a champ.

Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2015 ($27): There's a reason this Spanish Selección Especial has a cult following and that would have something to do with their winemaker's superior craftsmanship. Aged 11 months in French and American oak barrels, the Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend gives off silky tannins along in the mouth, along with dark chocolate and berry nuances, making it the kind of big red that can go all night.

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($95): A wine that tastes like vanilla, nutmeg, truffle, and sage will always be welcome at our table. Another staggering reason to go with this Cab as a hostess gift? It's drinkable upon release, but with proper cellaring it can be enjoyed through 2038.

Croft Vintage Port 2016 ($99): If a trip to Portugal isn't in the books this year, the next best thing is sipping something from across the Atlantic. Croft's 2016 Vintage Port (with roughly 20 percent ABV) features blooming notes of ripe strawberry, blackcurrant, rock rose, and eucalyptus.