15 Amazing Wines to Bring to Your Next Dinner Party
The holidays are here which means one thing – dinner parties. Whether you’re attending or hosting this year, we’ve got the perfect wine for the occasion.
12 amazing wineries across America shared with us their favorite current release(s) along with food pairings.
For a great dinner party simply choose a bottle, follow the winemaker’s lead when it comes to the meal, and you’ll be sure to wow the crowd.
Starting our list strong at Obelisco Estate located in Woodinville, WA, Winemaker Ken Abbott recommends their king of the cabs: the Nefer III Cabernet.
The wine is an ultra-premium cabernet – 100% Cabernet in 100% new French Oak.
“The three lines (III) found on the triple NFR signify actual symbols used by the ancient Egyptians to rate wine. Egyptians were rating wines more than 4000 years ago. History says the III NFR rating was the highest rating and was meant for the pharaoh and the gods only. However, we made it for you.”
Pairings: Ken recommends a few pairings.
1. Any red meat. A perfect pairing might be an Italian seasoned Beef Tenderloin roast or steak with mushroom sauce or filet mignon wrapped with bacon.
2. Dark, dark chocolate
3. Perhaps the best pairing is a bathrobe in front of the fire because it does not need food. It is a luxury that needs nothing else paired with it. It is just good all by itself.
Click HERE to buy the Nefer III Cabernet for $125.
Moving down to Southern California, we talked to Peltzer Family Winery, where “the pumpkins grow and the wine flows!” The Peltzer family has been farming for over a century and they now own a beautiful winery in Temecula Valley next to their 25-acre pumpkin farm.
Peltzer recommended anything from their wax series, which has a wine for any occasion, however, they wanted to highlight their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon.
“It is the perfect bottle to bring out while you wow guests during the Holidays OR while sitting and enjoying family time – the kiddos can sip on hot chocolate while you sip on a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Tasting Notes: bramble, black beauty plum, and eucalyptus.
Pairings: Cabernet loves red meat, so get comfy with modern meatloaf drizzled with a balsamic glaze or a classic pot roast with roasted carrots and potatoes.
Click HERE to buy the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon for $80.
If you’re looking for some incredible Virginia wine, look no further than Barboursville – one of the most award-winning and largest wineries in the state.
Luca Paschina has been resident winemaker since 1990 and holds the most diverse and extensive record of honors among all of his peers in Virginia. It’s safe to say – you’re in good hands.
For a great holiday dinner party wine, Luca recommends the Cabernet Franc Reserve.
“Grown on this Estate since 1977, Cabernet Franc shows dark garnet core, brilliant clarity in the glass. Intense, effusively luscious flavors of ripe red berries, cherry, and plum. A wine of medium body, elegant tannins and with a long finish.”
Pairings: Luca recommends classic veal ossobuco with polenta and porcini mushroom sauce.
Click HERE to buy the Cabernet Franc Reserve for $25.
Located 45 minutes from downtown Austin, Flat Creek Estate has earned more than 400 awards as well as been named the location of “arguably Texas’s best wines” by Food & Wine Magazine.
Flat Creek chose to feature their Super Texan.
“ ‘The wine that made us famous’ at Flat Creek Estate represents the ‘best of Texas’ in the wine category. It’s even been showcased on the Today Show!”
Tasting Notes: “The 2017 Super Texan’s mix of flavors and aromas are reminiscent of tart cherries, leather, earthiness, herbs, and oak, with abundant mature rustic tannins. The ruby garnet color compliments notes of violet and fig.”
Pairings: Like any truly Texas wine it is an excellent complement to barbecue and smoked meats.
Click HERE to buy the Super Texan for $35.
Sleight of Hand, with locations now in both Walla Walla and Seattle, aims to create “world-class wines while having the most fun that is legally possible”. With numerous wines in the industry’s top 100 lists and no legal trouble yet, I would say they have definitely achieved their goal.
Trey Busch, one of the owners, recommends The Conjurer, their Bordeaux-style blend.
“Our Estate blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot from our Estate blocks in Walla Walla, Red Mountain, and the Horse Heaven Hills. It’s full-bodied, with loads of red and black fruits balanced by beautiful acidity, and has some nice herbal, savory notes from the Cab Franc.”
Pairing: “It is the perfect wine for this incredible recipe from one of our favorite food bloggers, Half-Baked Harvest. This sun-dried tomato orzo has the richness to pair with the acidity of the wine, and the savory notes from the tomatoes are complemented by the savory notes in the wine. Of course, the fruit is the star, and the richness of the dish is the perfect match!”
Click HERE to buy the Conjurer for $35.
Click HERE for Half-Baked Harvest’s Orzo dish.
The New York Finger Lakes are not only beautiful but also home to some of America’s most incredible wineries, one of which is the family-owned Shepherdess Cellars.
Mark Radloff, the owner of Shepherdess Cellars, recommends The Red Forager as the best complement to your holiday dinner party – an amazing tasting wine at a price that really can’t be beat.
Tasting Notes: Full-bodied & robust. The ‘Forager’ is a blend of 60% Chancellor, 25% Cabernet Franc & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This earthy wine has notes of cherry, dark berries & currant.
Pairings: Rack of lamb, Standing rib roast, and Spaghetti with meatballs.
Click HERE to buy The Red Forager for $19.
Frichette Winery is located on Red Mountain in Benton City, Washington, and is owned by Greg and Shae Frichette. When Greg and Shae moved to Washington, they dreamed of creating a business “that would give them goosebumps” and wine that would “wow” their guest’s palates. I think you will find that their Frichette 2020 Punctual does just that.
Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc dominant blend features blueberry and caramel on the nose. On the palate: dark cherry, ripe raspberry, olive, and baking spices with a hint of caramel on the long finish. 72% Cab Franc and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% New French Oak / Production 14 Barrels.
Pairing: Paired with their very own BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza.
“The wine is bursting with amazing Fruit Flavor and complimented the layered flavor of this pizza, allowing the savory sweet BBQ sauce to really shine. This amazing wine dazzles the palate with notes of sweet pepper that perfectly mingle with the cilantro and melted cheddar cheese.”
Click HERE to buy the Frichette 2020 Punctual for $45.
Click HERE to find Frichette’s BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza.
If you have ever seen a concert at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, Washington then you have experienced a part of Cave B history. The Bryans first tried to build their winery along the Columbia River in the 1970s and unintentionally built the most beautiful concert venue in Washington state. They now have an incredible winery right next door and a cozy tasting room in Woodinville. Read more of their story here.
Freddy Arredondo has been the head winemaker at Cave B since 2008. Before this, he was a professional chef. According to his team, he “always does a wonderful job pairing Cave B wine with food.” He provided his ideal dinner party wine and meal below.
Aroma: Blackberries, fig jam and mashed ultra-ripe blueberries along with a hint of raspberry jam introduce the earthy notes of sweet tobacco and Rooibos tea leaves, for a wonderfully complex nose on our 2019 Tempranillo.
Taste: The dark fruit and earthy flavors meld perfectly with silky tannins on the palate. The fruit notes are apparent first with sweet tobacco and Rooibos tea gracefully drawing out the finish.
Pairing: I am picturing this wine with a beautiful piece of grilled wild-caught King salmon drizzled with fig and chipotle glaze, served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Click HERE to buy the Cave B 2019 Tempranillo for $38.
“Small farming with sincerity” – it’s what you’ll find at Via Vega Winery in Paso Robles. Larry Gomez, the winemaker has spent 21 years working at J. Lohr, Lockwood Vineyard, and Wildhorse Winery. In 1998 he opened Via Vega where he enjoys making high-quality wine with his family – who are always helping with production, clean up, and entertainment.
When asked about dinner party wines, April and Larry Gomez recommended the Via Vega Vineyard Aglianico 2017.
“Wine to take to your next dinner party? How about something fun to say, talk about, and taste: Aglianico.
This Italian varietal pronounced ah-lee-YAHN-ee-Koh pairs well with food and friends. This estate varietal is a bit of a show-stopper. Feels like a fancy day in a glass. Very much a stay-home-and-lock-the-door wine.”
Tasting Notes: “Fruit jumps at you in the nose, with floral aromas on the front palate. Charm and comfort in the mouthfeel – bright and tight fruit expression, shows firm middle palate structure.
The finish displays developed fruit on a soft oaky style wine.. something like ‘Far Away Flowers’.”
Pairings: “The tannins, acidity, and hints of spice will match rich meats and rustic dishes. Try with mushrooms, lentils, and kale. Of course, bring on the Italian dishes for this Italian wine.”
Click HERE to buy the Via Vega Vineyard Aglianico 2017 for $38.
Lone Madrone is a family-owned, sustainable winery located in the heart of Paso Robles, California. Neil Collins and his family started their journey in 1996, making wines that capture the terroir they come from. Primarily sourcing their grapes from dry-farmed, head trained, organically farmed vineyards from the west side of Paso Robles. Lone Madrone focuses on bright acidity and balanced wines that have proven their longevity in the cellar. These wines are meant to be enjoyed with great friends and food.
“Eat, Drink, and be Merry!”
When it comes to a dinner party, why not open a few bottles?
For the first course, we have the 2021 Points West Rose – 100% Mourvedre. Sourced from the Holmestead Vineyard in the Templeton Gap District of Templeton. CA.
Pairing: Roasted and raw pear salad. Burrata, beets, shaved fennel, and honey-mint yogurt.
For the second wine, we have the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from Carver Vineyard in the York Mountain District of Paso Robles, CA.
Pairing: Miso-charred steak frites and 7oz. C.A.B. Flat Iron, Green Peppercorn Sauce
Click HERE to buy the 2021 Points West Rose for $30.
Click HERE to buy the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon for $70.
Our next wine is from Fairsing Vineyard, a family-owned, sustainable vineyard located on the top of a hill in the breathtaking Willamette Valley. Family heritage, joy, and beauty are three things that you will find when you pour yourself a glass of Fairsing wine.
You surely won’t disappoint if you open a bottle of the 2017 Fairsing Vineyard Pinot Noir at your next dinner party.
“The Fairsing Vineyard flagship Pinot noir continually expresses a true sense of place. Crafted from the finest clonal selections from across the vineyard, each vintage inspires us with hallmark depth, layered complexity, and seamless elegance.”
Tasting Notes: “The 2017 opens with hints of spice and floral. Generous flavors of sappy dark berries and plump fruits with harmonious tannins and a sleek finish.”
Pairings: Pairs wonderfully with Fairsing’s Miso Mushroom Arancini, Chipotle Gratin Sweet Potatoes, or Brie En Croute. Find recipes for each of these dishes and more by clicking HERE.
Click HERE to buy the 2017 Fairsing Vineyard Pinot Noir for $46.
For our last wines on the list (but most definitely not least) we went to Delfosse Vineyards and Winery located a quick 30 minutes from Charlottesville, Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Delfosse wines have won numerous prestigous awards throughout the years – and rightfully so.
For your next dinner party, try the 1870.
“This wine is named after our historic Chestnut Log Cabin built in 1870. This very approachable and easy to drink Chambourcin based blend exhibits young, bright red fruit, soft tannins and a hint of toasted oak.”
Pairings: “Serve with charcuterie or light red meats.”
Or, for a “true Virginia style” try the Petit Verdot.
“Rich and burly, this wine exudes aromas of violets and dark cherry. The intense flavors are nuanced with a gritty edge of forest floor and plentiful tannins.”
Pairing: “It will pair beautifully with your favorite red meat dish.”
Click HERE to buy the 2021 1870 for $24.
Click HERE to buy the 2020 Petit Verdot Reserve for $32.
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
