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Local Wine Experts Share Tips for Holiday Pairings and Gifts
The holiday season is a time for connection, celebration and of course; great food and wine. From intimate dinners to lively gatherings, the right bottle can elevate the experience, but choosing one can feel overwhelming.
To help simplify the process, three local wine experts shared their advice and favorite seasonal picks with the Orlando Life: Tim Varan of Tim’s Wine Market, Jeff Nichols of The Good Pour and Jason Maynard of Mayson’s Wine Shop.
Start with What You Enjoy
One of the easiest ways to ease the stress of holiday wine shopping is to begin with what you like. With so many decisions already happening during the season, wine shouldn’t add to the pressure.
"Don’t overthink it," Nichols said. "The holidays are about connection and celebration. Pick wines that you enjoy drinking and that make people feel comfortable around the table. A good bottle doesn’t have to be expensive or from a famous region. It just has to fit the moment."
Maynard said the holidays are an ideal time for creating a relaxed atmosphere. Taking a few minutes to learn about a bottle from a shop owner or sales associate can add a personal touch when sharing it later. Locally owned wine shops often have direct relationships with winemakers, giving customers access to stories and insights they won’t find at big box stores.
Nichols said the holidays aren’t the time for wine snobbery. Choosing familiar flavors can create comfort for both hosts and guests.
Gifting vs Hosting
For some, gifting wine is simply handing over a bottle, but sharing a piece of your taste and personality can mean so much more. When hosting, versatility matters. Many gatherings can be covered with a crisp white, a light red and something sparkling.
Varan recommends starting with your own preferences when selecting a gift. "Give wines that reflect what you enjoy drinking unless the recipient is very specific about what they like," he said. Introducing someone to a new region or varietal can be a memorable experience.
If the recipient consistently drinks one producer or varietal, a store clerk can help find similar options. When you don’t know their preferences at all, clerks can guide you to something reliable and crowd friendly.
For hosting, food pairing becomes part of the equation. Varan noted that big red wines may not shine at casual gatherings centered on appetizers. When in doubt, lighter and more versatile options work best. Rioja wines from Spain are among his top recommendations because they appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Maynard said storytelling adds meaning to a gifted bottle, while hosts benefit from keeping a versatile white on hand. "Consider a zesty Greek wine for a delightful surprise or an acidic Sauvignon Blanc with mild grapefruit notes that will complement a variety of dishes," he said.
Pairing Classics: Turkey and Ham
Wine can enhance traditional holiday dishes, particularly when paired with main proteins and bold sauces.
"We always greet our family and guests with rosé Champagne or sparkling wine," Varan said. For dinner, he serves a dry Riesling, a Cru Beaujolais, a Pinot Noir and a Rhone wine such as Chateauneuf du Pape or a solid Cotes du Rhone. The mix offers something for every course and preference.
Sparkling wines shine with salty dishes. "They’re a perfect match for turkey and stuffing," Maynard said. Their brightness and bubbles cut through rich flavors and refresh the palate. He also suggests pairing Cava with fried chicken as a fun twist.
For ham, lighter reds with juicy fruit notes balance the sweetness of traditional glazes. "For a classic glazed ham, I recommend a wine with bright fruit and a touch of spice, like a juicy Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, a Beaujolais Villages or even a dry rose," Nichols said. Smokier hams pair well with slightly off dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc. The goal is to keep the pairing vibrant and fresh.
Underrated Varietals Worth Exploring
The holidays offer a great excuse to venture beyond familiar bottles. All three experts point to Riesling as one of the most versatile and overlooked wines available. Gamay is another standout, with Varan describing it as "bursting with berry fruit and an undertone of granite minerality."
Maynard echoes the praise for off dry Riesling and suggests Greek whites for their zesty, crowd pleasing qualities.
Varan encourages customers to explore gradually. "When you go to an independent wine shop, let the owner guide you," he said. "Take baby steps. Shift from California Cab to Bordeaux or Oregon Pinot Noir to Beaujolais."
Whether you plan to stick with classics or try something new, the experts agree that wine should be enjoyed rather than overanalyzed. Trusting your palate and leaning on local experts can make the season’s celebrations more meaningful.
After all, the best pairings are between people and the experiences they share.
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Lyssa Hurvitz is the creator of Wishes and Wine and a contributor to the Orlando Life focusing on local wine bars, stores, breweries and special events.
