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As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a great winter wine. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party, cozying up by the fire, or simply enjoying a quiet evening indoors, choosing the right wine can elevate any winter moment. From crisp whites that pair perfectly with hearty winter salads to robust reds that complement rich, slow-cooked stews, winter offers an opportunity to explore a wide variety of wines that suit the season.
Here’s a curated selection of winter wines, both white and red, that are sure to impress this season.
White Winter Wines
Yalumba Y Series Viognier
Region: South Australia
Tasting Notes:
Viognier is known for its aromatic qualities, and Yalumba’s version does not disappoint. With floral notes of honeysuckle and apricot, this wine is a delight for those who appreciate a rich and luscious white. Although typically associated with warmer months, Viognier’s fuller body makes it a fantastic choice for winter. Its creaminess pairs beautifully with roast chicken, creamy pastas, and buttery seafood dishes, offering a comforting warmth without overpowering the palate.
What sets Yalumba’s Viognier apart is its balance—while it carries the expected richness, it remains vibrant with a refreshing acidity. This wine’s bright citrus undertones will complement winter dishes with rich, savory flavors, such as butternut squash risotto or roasted root vegetables.
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The Goose Chenin Blanc
Region: South Africa
Tasting Notes:
Chenin Blanc might not be the first wine that comes to mind when thinking of winter, but The Goose offers a wonderfully versatile option. It has notes of green apple, pear, and honey that balance well with a lively acidity, making it an ideal wine to accompany lighter winter fare such as roasted chicken or even grilled vegetables.
This South African beauty is full of energy and can cut through the richer dishes of the season. It’s an excellent pairing with creamy soups, turkey pot pie, or even roasted turkey with all the trimmings. With a light to medium body, it offers an elegant option for those seeking a white wine that stands up to the heartier meals of winter.
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St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Tasting Notes:
A crisp Pinot Grigio may feel more like a summer wine, but St. Michael Eppan brings a level of complexity that’s fitting for the colder months. From the Alto Adige region in Northern Italy, this wine displays lively acidity and minerality, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and white peach.
Pinot Grigio’s lightness may seem contrary to what’s expected in a winter wine, but when paired with a decadent seafood dish or a winter salad featuring roasted squash and nuts, it truly shines. Its freshness and fruit-forward nature are perfect for cutting through heavier winter dishes while still offering enough body to hold its own in the cold.
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Petit Connétable Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Val de Loire, France
Tasting Notes:
For those who prefer a more classic and crisp white wine, Petit Connétable’s Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley delivers the refreshing minerality and green apple flavors that this region is known for. Bright and zesty, this Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect palate cleanser, making it ideal for pairing with rich foods like creamy sauces, hearty seafood dishes, or soft cheeses.
Winter white wines often need to balance rich flavors and textures, and this Sauvignon Blanc accomplishes that with grace. Its sharp acidity and citrusy notes bring a brightness that can contrast beautifully with savory winter staples like roast pork, baked brie, or even a mushroom risotto.
Add to cartRed Winter Wines
Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Tasting Notes:
A winter wine list wouldn’t be complete without a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, and Charles Krug’s Napa Valley offering is an excellent choice. Rich, full-bodied, and packed with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and mocha, this wine is a fantastic partner for hearty winter dishes. Think braised short ribs, beef stew, or a classic roast with root vegetables.
The tannic structure and bold flavors of this Cabernet are perfect for cutting through the richness of winter’s heavier dishes, while the wine’s silky finish makes it an enjoyable sipper on its own.
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Layer Cake Shiraz
Region: South Australia
Tasting Notes:
A rich, spicy Shiraz like Layer Cake’s offering from South Australia is the epitome of a winter wine. Bursting with flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice, this Shiraz is a crowd-pleaser during the colder months. The wine’s boldness pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a rich, dark chocolate dessert.
Shiraz is known for its ability to stand up to the heartiest of dishes, and this one delivers in spades. Its peppery undertones and complex fruit profile make it an excellent match for everything from lamb shanks to a spicy winter chili.
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Taylor Wine Company Port
Region: New York, USA
Tasting Notes:
When the chill really sets in, few things are as comforting as a glass of port. Taylor Wine Company’s Port is a sweet and fortified wine that delivers warmth and richness in every sip. With flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and spice, it’s perfect for ending a meal on a cozy note.
This port is best enjoyed alongside rich desserts like chocolate cake, fruit tarts, or even on its own as a decadent after-dinner treat. Its sweetness and full body offer a delightful contrast to the winter cold, making it a wine you’ll want to sip slowly by the fire.
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Meiomi Pinot Noir
Region: California
Tasting Notes:
Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile reds, and Meiomi’s rendition is a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Known for its smooth, silky texture and rich fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, this Pinot Noir is a great winter companion. It’s light enough to enjoy with roasted poultry or salmon but has enough depth to pair with heartier dishes like duck, mushroom pasta, or even roasted root vegetables.
What sets Meiomi apart is its balance of fruit, oak, and earthy notes, making it a wine that transitions easily from dinner table to fireplace without missing a beat.
Add to cartWinter is the perfect time to explore wines that offer comfort, warmth, and richness. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp, refreshing white or a bold, full-bodied red, there’s a wine on this list to suit every palate and occasion. From the elegance of a Sauvignon Blanc to the depth of a Shiraz, these wines are versatile enough to accompany any winter meal and warm enough to enjoy on their own.
So this winter, stock up on a few of these delicious bottles, and savor the season with the perfect wine in hand. Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table or nestled by the fire, the right wine can make all the difference. Cheers to a cozy, delicious winter!
Winter Wine FAQ
A good winter wine is typically rich, full-bodied, and warming, with flavors like dark fruit, spices, and oak. Wines with higher alcohol content or a velvety texture are particularly comforting in colder months.
Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel are ideal for winter. Their robust flavors and structure pair well with hearty winter dishes and provide a cozy, warming experience.
Yes, fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay, Viognier, or an oaked Sauvignon Blanc are great winter options. These wines have richer textures and flavors, making them suitable for pairing with winter meals.
Winter dishes like stews, roasts, and casseroles pair well with robust reds such as Merlot or Shiraz. Creamy or cheesy dishes can complement rich whites like Chardonnay, while holiday meals pair beautifully with Pinot Noir or sparkling wines.
Mulled wine is a warm, spiced beverage made by simmering red wine with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange, and a touch of sugar. It’s a festive and aromatic drink, perfect for cold evenings or holiday gatherings.
Winter wines tend to be fuller-bodied, with flavors of spice, oak, and dark fruit, and often have higher alcohol content. In contrast, summer and spring wines are usually lighter, with crisp acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
Elegant reds like Bordeaux or Barolo, sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco, and dessert wines like Port or Ice Wine make excellent holiday gifts. Look for wines with festive packaging or limited-edition releases for an extra touch.
Dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, or Madeira pair wonderfully with holiday treats like pies, chocolate desserts, or fruitcake. They enhance the sweetness without overpowering the dessert.
Yes, richer sparkling wines like vintage Champagne, Crémant, or sparkling Shiraz are great for winter. Their depth and toasty flavors make them perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.
A velvety red like Merlot, a bold Zinfandel, or a fortified wine like Port is ideal for sipping by the fireplace. These wines are smooth and warming, perfect for a relaxing winter evening.
Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Madeira are excellent winter choices. Their higher alcohol content and intense flavors make them perfect for warming up on cold nights.
Serve reds slightly warmer than usual to bring out their full flavors, around 60–65°F. Whites can be served slightly less chilled than in summer, around 50–55°F. Decanting fuller-bodied wines can enhance their aroma and flavor.
Full-bodied reds like Syrah, Barolo, or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked dishes like braised meats or stews.
Wines with spice or earthiness, such as Grenache, Rhône blends, or Tempranillo, pair well with spiced dishes and hearty winter flavors.
Yes, regions like Bordeaux, Rhône, Napa Valley, and Barossa Valley are known for producing bold and complex wines that are perfect for winter. Their reds and robust whites are ideal for colder weather and hearty meals.
