The Road Linds Travels

It’s that time of year again, and I feel like I just said that. Is anyone else as flabbergasted that the holidays are upon us yet again? And with the holidays comes celebrations, food, and wine. If we’re fortunate, it also comes with good company, and if it doesn’t, well, there’s always wine – wine for the holidays! If you’re looking for the right bottle(s) to complement the festivities, whether it’s to impress the in-laws or pair with that special family recipe, you’ve come to the right place.

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Most of my inventory these days comes from the multiple club memberships and road trips to the Central and Northern Coasts of the Golden State. However, the following recommendations are mostly budget-friendly and attainable without having to dig too deep into the wallet or travel too far. This is my version of show and tell, except we’ll call this “Sip ‘n’ Tell!”

Let The Sip ‘n’ Tell Begin – Just In Wine for The Holidays!

My ultimate go-to – I mean tried and true, never fails – is Bogle cabernet sauvignon. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know I’ve written about Bogle Family Vineyards’ cab before. The best part? You can get it at your local grocery store – Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s, and Vons all carry Bogle. I’m sure others do, too, but those are my local go-tos here in Southern California. And if you don’t believe me, Wine Enthusiast has repeatedly awarded this fruit-forward, fairly light-bodied vino 90 points!

Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon Need-To-Know

• Hints of cherry, plum, and currant blend with subtle touches of clove, nutmeg, and a whisper of burnt caramel
• I originally said this pairs well with shrimp tacos, and it does, but for variety, I will recommend my air-fried crispy Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and light layer of parmesan. Reach out to me if you’d like the recipe! They make an excellent salad or side dish.

For those among us who prefer white wine or who like to begin with white wine and move on to something bolder, Kono Sauvignon Blanc is my pick. I like it so much, I even named one of my plants ‘Kono.’ Admittedly, this is more of a warm weather wine for me. However, if you live in a climate where the holiday season isn’t necessarily a cold one (i.e., Los Angeles), then this one is for you.

Kono Sauvignon Blanc Need-To-Know

• Notes of citrus, lime, and fresh herbs – think green apple and ruby red grapefruit with a candied ginger finish
• This light-bodied wine from New Zealand pairs well with scallops or other shellfish and grilled vegetables.

By this time, if you’re the least interested in wine, you’ve probably heard of or seen Josh Cellars wine. It’s usually found on the top shelf at your local grocer and rightfully so. Awarded 91 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2019, their cabernet sauvignon (yes, another cab) is worth every sip. The juicy, balanced vino is often my go-to for a quick wine-related gift or contribution to a small gathering. It’s also consistently good from one year to the next.

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Need-To-Know

• Notes of blackberry, toasted hazelnut, and cinnamon are enriched by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak
• This best-selling premium table wine brand in 2023 made it our nation’s most popular wine priced above $10 per bottle.
• For those of you who aren’t pescetarian like me, pair it with a juicy burger or some homemade chili. Otherwise, pasta with cherry tomatoes will make an excellent pairing.
• Bonus: Josh Cellars offers a recipe for what I have yet to try but cannot wait to try: Red Wine Hot Chocolate – Cheers!

Let’s change it up a bit since I know not all of us like or want to drink cabernet all the time. My next  pick during this Sip ‘n’ Tell is on the lighter side. It also might be another you’ve heard of or, at least, seen on the shelves of your local grocery store or on the menu at your favorite chain restaurant: Mark West pinot noir. The 2022 vintage, in particular, is a medium-bodied red from California’s Central Coast.

Mark West Pinot Noir Need-To-Know

• Rich flavors of cherries, red berries, and dark fruits are accented by a hint of baking spices. The finish is smooth and gentle, with a silky texture. It opens with aromas of strawberry and violet, unfolding into vibrant layers of ripe raspberry, cherry, and warm pastry. A hint of ground clove lingers on the finish, enhancing its velvety mouthfeel.
• I’ve had this wine alongside tuna tartare and margherita flatbread. It would pair well with many grilled meat and vegetables, as well as spicy shrimp.

My final pick for Sip ‘n’ Tell is a subscription to the California Wine Club. One really can’t go wrong here. My favorite part about this club is their dedication to small, artisan wineries that you likely wouldn’t otherwise hear of. I also have yet to try a wine from their picks that I just couldn’t finish.

They have three tiers of memberships that make excellent gifts or a great investment for yourself. Subscribe to The California Wine Club, receive your shipment, and skip the long holiday lines at the grocery store! Not to mention the headaches of deciding what wine to bring to the soirée. It’s a win-win situation. Or, shall I say a win-wine situation?! Teehee.

That concludes my Sip ‘n’ Tell…for now – Happy Wine for the Holidays from The Road Linds Travels!