Sip well! Fantastic Red Wines for the Holidays.

The red wines recommended ​in the 12 Essential Wines of Christmas!

Creating this wine order guide was fun and difficult. The fun was shopping the wine shelves, considering the bottle options. Perhaps it’s a similar feeling a book-lover has in a book store. Excitement and overwhelm. How could I choose just a few bottles of red wine with so many amazing bottles available? The question can be answered by another question: what is this wine going to be paired with? Whether it’s a turkey with the trimmings, a prime rib roast with Yorkshire pudding or an emotional phone call with the family, I chose red wines for this guide that resonated with me as I imagined the sensual pleasure of that first sip and the flavors and textures that would play a role in my enjoyment – yes even the phone call.

The 12 Essential Wines of Christmas.

I wrote this guide to the 12 Essential Wines of Christmas so it makes sense that I would want to draw your attention to the reds. Here’s why - 57 bottles of fantastic international and BC wine are included. The links to get more information or order are live. Our amazing retail partners who took a chance on me and this – Marquis Wine Cellars and Swirl Wine Shop are offering you a 10% discount plus free shipping where applicable, if you click the link. You could order 1 of each or a dozen of the same style. It’s all up to you. If you have questions you can send me message on messenger or by email. I’m here to help. The best part is this project, aside for all the feels. I’m paying it forward. With the savings you realize I hope you pay it forward too. Maybe you’ll be inspired to contribute to your local food bank or women’s shelter. Having the opportunity to provide you with this guide to the 12 essential wines of the holidays has been my total pleasure.​​

Get your free copy here

My Red Wine Recommendations!

Is there anything more comforting than that first glass of red wine at the end of the work day or the first sip at the beginning of a celebratory evening ahead? Here are my recommendations for those occasions that may not be defined by food but rather aches, pains and emotions.

---

A night of shopping can be exhausting.
​
Remember when we strolled down Robson Street with a thousand twinkling lights dodging other pedestrians and saving 15 minutes for a Starbucks? This year we are taking it online. There are just as many choices to be made and just as much credit card damage to be done. No matter the shopping experience, a night of shopping can be exhausting. Now that you’ve spent it all, these wines offer value and yet amazing flavours and character. You will feel like you broke the bank on these bottles.

International
​How about an interesting and distracting
yet pleasing rich Portuguese red from a quality producer?
Try Sanguinhal 2017 Cerejeiras Tinto ($16).

British Columbia
Not to be outdone, you can rely on
Golden Mile’s Road 13 Seventy-Four 74K ($30)
​or Orofino Red Bridge Blend ($28).

---

A Night of Gift Wrapping.
​
A night of gift wrapping brings joy but also some aches and pains. When wrapping wrists start to hurt and energy is zapped pull out something sip-worthy to change the mood. This does come with a warning – thirst can play a role making it likely these styles can go down rather nicely so here are my picks that have a bit less alcohol and more are more savoury. A tasty charcuterie board plays a great supporting character.

​International Red
Go with Argentina’s or Argentina’s 
Tapiz 2015 Alta Cabernet Sauvignon ($29).
Great value!

British Columbia Red
​Merlot feels like a cuddle.
Try Hugging Tree’s 2015 Moonchild Merlot ($24)
or call Rust Winery and order their terroir series
– my favourite is the Similkameen Valley label.

---

​The Family Zoom Call.
​
It’s likely this year that Zoom will be a part of the holiday celebrations. How can we avoid it? These calls can be glitchy, awkward, and altogether too reality TV. Regardless of the challenges and swirling emotions, joy is why you show up and hang out regardless of the outcome.  The best way to start and end the family zoom is a celebratory toast. Glass in hand, wine in glass, big smiles – cheers! Something red and comforting will not let you down. Here are a couple of my ideas for something powerful to pair with the feelings of the moment.

International
Something deep, dark and delicious from Spain
is Telmo Rodriguez 2017 Almuvedre Tinto ($25).
This powerful red will reset your dial.
​It’s all black fruit and spice of Mouvedre aka Mataro or Monastrell.

British Columbia
Syrah is incredibly beautiful in BC.
For a richer style, try Daydreamer’s Amelia ($37)
or decant Le Vieux Pin Cuvee Classique ($51).
For something a little more approachable
try Winemaker’s Cut ($29) (lighter fresher style)
​or Orofino Scout Vineyard ($32) (a little more texture.)

---

At the end of the day, life is what we make it. 

​​There are more red wine recommendations to come in the next blog post as we explore the bottles to go with fantastic celebratory feasts that mark the holiday traditions and make waist lines expand. Let me know if this post was helpful and if you have any questions.

At the end of the day, life is what we make it. 
​
During the holiday season, we can count on tradition and celebration, knowing that family is at the heart of it all. Sometimes road blocks appear and challenges rise up, but the human spirit is strong and as a community we can help each other, and that is a true gift. So here is my gift to you and yours. I hope the 12 Essential Wines of Christmas recommendations add to the quality of your holiday season.

From my wine loving heart to yours – Happy Everything!