There’s something about this time of year that calls for a slower pour— a few more people around the table, laughter that lingers, and food that feels just a bit more indulgent. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner with friends or a meal you’ve been planning for weeks, the right wine brings everything into focus.
From bubbles that light up the room to reds that wrap you in warmth, these bottles are built for celebration— big or small.
Masi Prosecco DOC Brut– Veneto, Italy
Start things off with sparkle. Masi has been crafting expressive wines in Veneto since the 18th century, and their Masi Prosecco proves that bubbles don’t need an excuse. The aromas are bright and floral, with notes of white peach, pear, and fresh apple.
On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, carrying citrus zest and a subtle almond note that lingers just long enough to make you smile. The texture is soft and creamy — a hallmark of quality Prosecco — with that easy elegance that makes every pour feel like the beginning of something good.
Sommelier note: Prosecco’s lower pressure gives it a gentler mousse— that light, silky fizz that keeps you sipping.
Tip: Keep a chilled bottle on standby and pour a glass while you’re setting the table— it turns prep time into part of the party.
What to pair: Smoked salmon blinis, creamy burrata with citrus, or baked brie with honey and thyme. It’s also perfect for festive brunches or that first toast before dinner.
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Miss Vicky “Ô Joie” Fleurie 2022– Beaujolais, France
If sparkle starts the night, this one keeps it going. Fifth-generation winemaker Anne-Victoire Monrozier, known as Miss Vicky, crafts “Ô Joie” from 70-year-old Gamay vines rooted in pink-granite soils. In the glass, it’s all red-berry brightness— strawberry, cherry, and raspberry— with violets, light spice, and a whisper of minerality.
The palate is silky and energetic, carrying that pure fruit through to a delicate, refreshing finish. Fleurie is one of the most elegant crus of Beaujolais, and this bottle captures everything that makes it timeless and fun all at once.
Sommelier note: Gamay’s lively acidity and gentle tannins make it the perfect table wine— joyful, versatile, and always easy to love.
Tip: Chill it for about 20 minutes before serving. It’s the red that pairs with almost anything and everyone.
What to pair: Roast turkey with cranberry compote, glazed carrots, or baked camembert with rosemary. It’s also brilliant with cold cuts and next-day leftovers.
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Errázuriz Max Carmenère 2022– Aconcagua Valley, Chile
When the pace slows and the conversation deepens, Carmenère finds its moment. Viña Errázuriz, one of Chile’s oldest estates, has been refining this grape for generations — long before it became the country’s calling card. The Max Carmenère opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, black plum, and cocoa, layered with savoury herbs and a trace of green peppercorn.
The palate is plush and polished, showing dark chocolate, cassis, and a gentle earthiness that adds complexity without weight. It finishes smooth and lingering, the kind of wine that draws you back for another slow sip.
Sommelier note: Carmenère lives somewhere between Merlot and Cabernet — generous fruit, soft tannins, and just enough herbal lift to keep it interesting.
Tip: Serve slightly below room temperature to highlight its freshness. It’s perfect beside roasted vegetables, braised beef, or anything layered and savoury.
What to pair: Beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie, or roasted squash lasagna. For dessert, dark-chocolate truffles make an indulgent finish.
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The Black Shiraz– South Eastern Australia
This one walks in like it owns the room. Berton Vineyards’ Black Shiraz is unapologetically bold— a full-bodied red built for big flavours and long nights. It opens with blackberry, plum, and blueberry compote, followed by smoky oak, cracked pepper, and mocha.
The palate is plush and layered, with generous fruit and velvety tannins that coat the mouth in warmth. There’s a touch of spice on the finish that makes it feel like the wine equivalent of a cozy sweater— comforting, confident, and hard to put down.
Sommelier note: Australian Shiraz is all about ripe fruit and texture — a balance of richness and spice that’s made to anchor a table.
Tip: Open it an hour early so the aromas can unfurl. It’s what you pour when the table’s full, the playlist’s good, and no one’s rushing dessert.
What to pair: Chargrilled lamb chops, maple-glazed ham, or roasted sweet potatoes with brown butter and sage. It’s the bottle to bring when comfort and conversation are the main course.
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Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2016– Tuscany, Italy
End on a classic. Founded in 1877, Ruffino is woven into Tuscany’s wine story, and the Riserva Ducale Oro is its crown jewel. The nose is layered with black cherry, dried rose, tobacco, and sweet spice. On the palate, it’s generous and structured. Ripe cherry and plum unfold into cedar, leather, and truffle, with refined tannins that stretch into a long, savoury finish. Every sip feels like a quiet nod to tradition — polished, complex, and deeply satisfying.
Sommelier note: Gran Selezione sits at the top of the Chianti Classico pyramid — estate fruit, long aging, and Sangiovese at its most expressive.
Tip: Decant while you light the candles. By the time the main course hits, it’ll be showing all its grace — ready to linger long after the plates are cleared.
What to pair: Truffle pasta, osso buco, or eggplant parmigiana. It’s also a dream with aged pecorino or after-dinner bites of dark chocolate and cherries.
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The holidays never go exactly as planned — and that’s kind of the point. A great bottle keeps up with the chaos: something to toast with, something to unwind with, and something that makes whatever’s on the table taste better. These are the wines built for all of it.
If you’re looking for more guides on good wine, check out our sommelier-approved recommendations for affordable Italian wines. Read this festive guide to sparkling wines to learn everything you need to know. For the best winter wines, ones worth staying inside for, check out these picks from here in Canada to Italy and Spain. For a region a little further North, read this guide to the six best organic French wines.
