Celebrate the Holidays with Wine and These Helpful Tips

The holidays are a time for gathering, giving thanks, and for many of us, sharing special bottles of wine with family and friends. Sometimes those bottles have been quietly tucked away in a cellar for years, waiting for the right moment. Other times you’re cracking open a new vintage to toast with like the 2022 Blanc de Blancs. Either way, the season is the perfect excuse to enjoy wine with care, thoughtfulness, and a little know-how.

Below are some helpful guides from us to make sure your holiday wine game is on point.

Before You Pour: Know Your Wine’s Age & Storage History

Chardonnay Ageability
Not all wines are meant for long aging, but some, like certain Chardonnays, can gain nuance over time when stored properly. If you're planning to share a main or Reserve Chardonnay and wondering how it will age, we share a few thoughts about how they develop over the years.

Cabernet Ageability
In comparison, our Cabernet can easily age well for 15 to 20 years from the vintage date. In fact, we are sharing a Library Collection of 2006, 2013 and 2020 for the Holidays. (Browse all Library options here.) Learn more about how our Cabernet ages and changes over time. 

Wine Storage and Serving Tips
There are a few important things when considering storage and serving. Proper temperature, humidity, and positioning can make or break how a bottle develops. This post walks you through smart practices to preserve your wines, perfect for those old vintages you discover just before the holidays.

Opening, Serving & Saving Wine

How to Open Wine
The right opening technique makes for an elegant start to any celebration. Whether you’re using a classic corkscrew or a modern opener, this guide helps you avoid mishaps and preserve the integrity of the wine. Watch this video by Matt who worked for decades in the restaurant industry.

When to Use a Decanter
A decanter isn’t just for show. Certain wines, typically younger full-bodied ones, benefit from breathing before you serve. Contrary to popular belief, older wines should not be decanted because it exposes them to Oxygen, speeding up the aging process. The only time we decant an older wine is when it is a large format, making it easier to pour around a large table. Dive deep into all things about decanting.

How to Store Open Wine
Not all bottles are finished in one evening. If you end up with leftovers, this post gives straightforward advice on how to preserve them properly, so you can enjoy the last glass tomorrow just as much.

Whether you’re opening a dusty cellar find, or enjoying a newly purchased holiday bottle, a bit of attention to storage, serving, and technique can go a long way. These resources can help you avoid common pitfalls and bring out the best in every glass, making your holiday wine moments even more special.

Here’s to good wine, good company, and a festive season worth savoring.

If you're wondering about a specific vintage, you can find our recent Tasting Notes here. Select the wine and then vintage you're curious about. We look forward to hearing about the wines you share this Holiday Season.