We know it is a few months away, but you can never be too early when it comes to planning wine for the Holiday season. By making your wines soon, they will have some time to age - ensuring they are perfect for your holiday entertaining and gift giving.

Which wines to have on-hand during the Holidays is a question that comes up often. Selecting the best wine to serve can be simple, if armed with a bit of knowledge.

Chances are, you will have turkey and/or beef planned for your holiday meals. If beef, is going to be served, consider one of Carafe’s rich and complex Cabernet Sauvignons or a fruit-forward Merlot.

To please guests who normally prefer white wines, you may want to select one of our lighter red wines. For example, Pinot Noir doesn’t have the tannins found in hearty reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and it is often served slightly chilled. This makes Pinot Noir a good transition wine.

When it comes to serving turkey, ask yourself these simple questions: “Do you prefer red or white wines? Do you prefer dry or off-dry wines? If you prefer dry white wines, Chardonnay is a natural choice for turkey, or perhaps a crisp and refreshing Riesling. If you like your white wine off-dry, we recommend a Gewurztraminer. It is a fruity, slightly sweet white with complex notes of spice and honey. If red wines are your preference, again, consider serving Carafe’s Pinot Noir with your turkey.

And, last but not least, let’s not forget about one of the best parts of a holiday feast – dessert! At Carafe Wine Brantford you can make delicious Ice Wine style at a very reasonable price. Why not pamper your guests this year by serving Ice Wine with your dessert course? Sweet and intensely fruity, it makes a memorable finish to a great meal. So, come see us soon, to select your wines to enjoy throughout the Holiday season!