It’s the most wine-derful time of the year. The tinsel and fairy lights are strung with care, chocolate mint crinkle cookies are baking in the oven, and Michael Bublé’s Christmas album is setting the vibes of the season. Before the holiday chaos fully sets in, you’re so ready to curl up by the fireplace with your hot date: a mug of mulled wine. Between each sip, you’re making a holiday bucket list, and checking it twice. (Buddy the Elf would be so proud.) You may very well be more organized than Santa’s helpers, but the only thing you’re stuck on is what wine to buy for your upcoming festivities. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle just yet, because the best holiday wines at Whole Foods 2018 (for those who are 21 or over) are here to spread some holiday cheer.
Whole Foods is kicking off the season with a gift just for you: their annual "Sommelier Best in Class Holiday Wines" list. Master Sommelier Devon Broglie and the global beverage buying team selected 21 fine wines that'll make your season especially merry and bright. If you're either nervous to branch away from your go-to brand, or don't really have a clue where to begin when choosing a great cabernet, Whole Foods has you covered. Rolling up to your bestie's party with any of these bottles will make you look (and feel) like a true wine expert.
In addition to hooking up your crew with an extremely impressive bottle of wine, your wallet will cry the happiest tears, because none of these bottles will set you back too much. (Keep in mind that some of the listed prices below can vary substantially from market to market.) According to a recent Whole Foods press release, these wines will be on sale for a limited time during the winter holidays at Whole Foods locations that carry alcohol. Here are six that are about to sleigh the season.
According to its press release, Whole Foods recommends saving a spot on your Thanksgiving dinner table for this refreshing bottle of New Zealand rosé. (Speaking from experience as a self-proclaimed rosé queen myself, this is my new favorite.) For a sweet price tag of $13.99 - $14.99, what's not to love?
What's the holiday season without some bubbles and sparkle? Another Marlborough, New Zealand wine, Grace Hale's sparkling sauvignon blanc ($18.99 - $22.99) is an exceptional, refreshing pick if you're feeling those bubbly vibes. (Honestly, I'm about to book a plane ticket to New Zealand for the holidays to treat myself to these wines straight from the source!)
This pinot noir is one key player that won't be benched come Thanksgiving Day — it'll be seeing a ton of action next to the turkey and cranberry sauce. Get your trendy wine goblets ready, because this Sonoma Coast wine ($19.99) goes down effortlessly smooth.
If you're looking for wine to pair with your cheese platter on Friendsgiving (Necessary.), this bourbon barrel aged cab ($19.99) is the perfect choice. It will be a solid hit amongst your friends. The bottle is so rustic chic, you can even use it as a vase afterwards. (I'd say that's a win-win.)
Transport your friends to Italy for the holidays — no passports required — with a bottle of Spirito d'Italia pinot grigio ($7.99 - $8.99). The least expensive option on this list, your wallet will be rocking around the Christmas tree with joy, and you'll have a fine wine to pair with apps while you're doing your gift swap with the girls.
Last but not least, Presto prosecco ($10.99) is here to get the party started — because no holiday bash would be complete without a sparkling wine toast with the people you love most. Break out that glittery top, round up your mains, and cheers to another epic year for the books.
