The Best Wine Pairings for the Holiday Season

Bringing the Christmas spirit or ringing in the New Year, we’ve got a list of the best bottles for all your holiday needs.

When pondering the best bottles to bring to this year’s festivities, family–owned and –operated Josh Cellars and González Bypass both have wine selections to make the perfect host(ess) gifts. Be the hit of the party with wines that are flavorful, fun, and easy enough to grab on your next trip to H-E-B. Or order on Drizly, Instacart, or Minibar for a quick and easy delivery to the doorstep to conjure up that Christmas spirit at your next gathering.

1. Josh Cellar’s Prosecco pairs beautifully with fish, vegetable hors d’oeuvres, seafood pasta or rice dishes, and light sponge cakes or mousses. The wine has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruit: pear, green apples, and citrus. The light effervescence from the Prosecco provides a vibrant and crisp pop to the taste buds. From appetizers to the last bite, this is a versatile party pleaser and ideal for a gathering that calls for a celebration!

2. From the vineyards of Tio Pepe, the Palomino Fino is surprisingly fresh and complex after spending four years aging in oak casks. The dry flavors offer hints of almonds and green apples with a slight bitter finish. This one pairs perfectly with the pre-dinner charcuterie board. Try it with toasted bread, crushed tomatoes, smoked mackerel, almonds, and young cheese. 

3. Another crowd pleaser from Josh Cellars is their Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is ideal for bringing to Hanukkah dinner, Christmas feast, or a social distanced holiday barbecue. The bourbon barrel aging imparts notes of vanilla, brown spice, and caramel, which blend harmoniously with flavors of ripe plum, cranberry, and hints of smoked meats. Its flavors are rustic and robust. This varietal is a perfect gift alternative for the bourbon whiskey lover and perfectly pairs with entrees like grilled steak, a leg of lamb, or barbecued ribs.

4. Spending the holidays in a warmer climate this year? Josh Cellar’s Pinot Grigio  is perfect for those who prefer a white over red. This delicious California Pinot Grigio features flavors of citrus and passionfruit. It is crisp and bright, with hints of green apple and pear. This showstopper pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or grilled vegetables and has a true Texas sunset vibe to be enjoyed with friends in the backyard.

5. Finish the evening with González Bypass Solera 1847 that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, fruit salad, or apple pie. And if dessert is not an option, it’s versatile enough to enjoy with any kind of cheese! This decadent masterpiece that has been crafted by the González family for centuries has notes of raisins, vanilla, oak, and hazelnuts. While it’s smooth on the palate, Solera 1947 finishes with hints of dates and touches of caramel and is sure to leave a lasting memory on an evening of fun.