November has long been here and Thanksgiving and many more holidays are just around the corner. While you are planning your food menu it’s time to start thinking about your wine menu, too. What wines to serve at these holidays gatherings can be daunting. Sure, you can go the traditional route and grab a bottle of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but why not break the rules and try something different and new?

Last year, Jules Taylor Gruner Veltliner was my biggest selling white wine for holiday meals. This New Zealand wine is super affordable and pairs perfectly with literally all foods. It has a delicately perfumed nose with peach and floral notes. Stone fruit is carried through on the palate with the addition of mandarin, ending with a hint of white pepper on the finish. This wine will not over power any food and is so easy drinking, it is sure to please.

My second go to is Zinck Pinot Blanc from Alsace. This beautifully crafted, medium bodied wine has firm acidity of lemon peel, pear and earth notes. It is slightly spicy with a lingering, lightly floral finish. This will complement the variety of herbs and spices on any holiday menu.

Let’s not forget the red. Are you ready for it? Quackenbush Zinfandel 2007 from Lake County, CA. This amazing smooth wine is perfectly aged and ready to drink now. It opens with aromas of raspberry and cinnamon. On the palate, dark berry and earthy tones complement the long velvety finish. The fruit and spices of this wine with be a perfect pairing to the eclectic food items on so many of our holiday tables.

So, the next time you’re in your local ABC store picking out wines for holiday dinners and parties, look for one of these wines or ask the wine consultant for a unique recommendation. The choices are endless. Try something new. Both you and your guests will be glad you did!

Happy holidays!

Bill Knowles, ABCFWS Wine Consultant at 6998 N Federal Hwy in Boca Raton

Follow me on Twitter @abcwineBillK