Tis the season, and it is time to start thinking about cooking the big Christmas feast. And, of course, as wine professionals, we start with the wine. Friends and family know we have our priorities in order because after we pick the wine we start to pair the foods that complement our favorite winter reds and whites.

Miner Family Simpson Vineyard Viognier
Miner Family Simpson Vineyard Viognier

The Miner Family Simpson Vineyard Viognier is a crowd pleaser that everyone at your holiday celebration will enjoy. With natural acidity and intense concentration, wine lovers flock to this Napa Valley treat. Orange zest dominates citrus profile, and in a classic Viognier style, topical hints of guava permeate the palate. With no overblown unctuous flabby-ness, and a mouth cleansing freshness, we will be pouring this Viognier as a party starter along with a wide range of finger foods and arriving guests. We were dreaming of sweet and spicy pecans that we saw on FoodNetwork.com holiday appetizers guide, along with some amazing Tomales Bay oysters we will be serving up many different ways!

Diamond Creek Vineyards is an institution of Napa Valley wines that are driven by pure terroir. The Lake Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is the pinnacle of their tiny production. This third of an acre vineyard is more than six decades old and only produces enough quality fruit on the finest of vintages. In fact, since 1972, the Lake Vineyard Cabernet from Diamond Creek has only been produced a total of ten times. And because we are having prime rib with our festive meal, this highly touted and extremely rare wine is the perfect call to send off 2014 in grand fashion. Boots Brounstein, along with her late husband and son Phil produced the following video showing how unique their wines truly are.

Now for our favorite course, dessert!

The Vineyards at Frank Family Winery
The Vineyards at Frank Family Winery

Frank Family Late Harvest Chardonnay will be sure to leave lingering traces of sweet holiday jubilation in your attendees’ minds. Minerality, layers of spice and honey that mingle with exotic notes of candied mango and pineapple will be a natural selection to pair with the many Christmas season sugary confections, from panettone to gingerbread cookies. This wine is produced in the classic European style, when the grapes are left to hang late and are perfectly shriveled by the “noble rot.” Wine Spectator describes this style of wine rich, complicated, and enriched by a distinctive honeyed characteristic.

Remember that we offer a comprehensive range of services that are available for the independent traveler’s personalized vacation or to help you pick up these gems that every holiday meal should include. We would love to show you these special wines, as well as introduce you to the people and places behind them. We will “Make it Happen” for you!