On the Wine Side - Holiday Wines to Share, Enjoy and Gift

Hello, holidays! We're in the full swing now, and there are some wonderful wines to be shared with family and friends and given as gifts.

For a range of ideas, check out the selection of wines that are on the shelves by our "Ask Me" desk in the middle of the store. They are mostly Staff Picks - wines that we who work here and have tried many wines over the years consider some of our favorites. there's a great new Barolo in the mix - the 2019 Casa E. Mirafiore DOCG - that Andy describes as unfolding in many layers of balanced flavor. There are a couple of the Verga LaStoria 1895 wines - the Primitivo and the Toscana. The Montepulciano is the other in the 1895, and they're all fabulous. And they're all in heavy bottles, which makes impressive gifts. Looking for crispy and juicy white wine? Caitlin picked the GranD'Arte Alvarinho from Portugal. One of my Staff Picks is the Victor Valdobbiadene Prosecco. We had this in a wine class and it was very well received. I took it to a party and everyone loved it. All of the Staff Picks are worth checking out.

For anyone interested in the Wine Spectator's "Top 100" Wines of the Year, you may want to find these in our fine wine room: 2020 GD Vajra Barolo; 2022 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc; and 2021 Bledsoe Family Walla Walla Valley Cabernet. The 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon was a pick; we have the 2022 vintage. We also have the 2023 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. So many nice wines!!

For those who want to learn more about wine, we'll be starting classes again in February, so stay tuned! And last but not least, when you're in the store if you need any help or have any questions, please ask us. We love to help you find just the right wines.

Cheers and Happy Holidays to all!