This
seems to be the busiest time of year. You have a house to decorate, gifts to
buy, parties to attend, meals to plan and not enough hours in the day to make
it all work seamlessly. But you don’t have to sacrifice enjoying a decent meal
paired with a complimentary wine during the rush. Here are ten suggestions to
help make your holiday season a little less stressed and a bit jollier.
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| Beef Stew |
1)
Soups and stews are the staples of a winter meal and the heavier the better
when it’s cold. For beef stew or chili consider pouring a substantial red like
Cabernet or Syraz. For a creamy chicken or seafood chowder, a bottle of lightly
oaked Chardonnay will do nicely. Serving more of a broth-based soup like
Chicken Noodle or French Onion? Go with a glass of Pinot Noir.
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| Spaghetti & Meatballs |
2)
Busy nights call for simple meals and what’s simpler than spaghetti and
meatballs. Mix up your favorite tomato sauce, pour over the pasta, sprinkle
some Parmesan cheese on top, toast some Italian bread and pour a glass of
Chianti. The acidity in the wine works with the tomatoes and the fruit-forward flavors
will make the meal taste special.
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| Take Out |
3)
Sometimes it just has to be takeout! If you’re ordering a spicy Mexican meal,
reach for a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. Opting for Italian? Grab a bottle of Sangiovese
or a Zinfandel. For an Indian meal, uncork a dry Traminette or Vidal.
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| Appetizers |
4)
Party appetizers can run the gamut from savory to sweet and include everything
from finger foods to tapas. Best to start the evening with a glass of Traminette
or a sparkling wine: both have broad appeal and go with a multitude of flavors.
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| Fish Dinner |
5)
For a meaty Salmon or Tuna dinner serve a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. If you are having
a more flaky fish like Tilapia or Flounder, a nicely chilled Sauvignon Blanc will
enhance the meal.
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| Chicken Dinner |
6)
Having a GNO (Girl’s Night Out) for the holidays? Opt for a roast or grilled
chicken meal and savor a glass of Pinot Noir or a nicely oaked Chardonnay. If
you’re more of a wing girl, pass on the beer and try an off-dry Riesling or
even a Malbec to put out the fire.
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| Steak and Potatoes |
7)
Having dinner out with the in-laws or your kid’s latest flame? Time for some
major yet classy comfort food; think steak and potatoes served with a big bold
wine like a Cabernet or red Zinfandel. By the end of the meal you’ll feel
mellow, regardless of the dinner conversation.
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| Venison |
8)
For those who serve wild game during the holidays, go for a wine with
an earthy taste. Cabernet Sauvignon is excellent with venison and a Barbera or
Zinfandel will enhance the flavors of wild boar, goose and duck.
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| Cheese tray |
9)
Ah, the holiday cheese tray. You never know what flavors you’ll encounter on
one of these little forays so be prepared for anything with a glass of dry
sparkling wine. If you are a die-hard red drinker, opt for Pinot Noir’s
friendly approach to most cheeses.
 |
| Dessert Tray |
10)
Since it’s the holidays, you must have dessert. (Trust me.) Revel in those tiny
bubbles with tarts, fruit crisps and trifles, be it a sparkling Moscato or demi-sec
champagne. For a more caramel-chocolate based dessert enjoy a classic Port.
 |
| Chips |
And
if you’re suddenly craving a sweet/salty fix get out the potato chips and savor
them with a dessert wine. Seriously! Sherry, Port or Madeira all work well with
salty foods.
The
holidays are here: Go out and enjoy the festivities!
~
Joy
New
Year’s is one of the most popular times to give a toast. But, don't try too hard; a toast doesn’t have to be a long, rambling, or memorized performance; it
can be as simple as raising your glass toward someone, or to an event, saying a
few words and drinking. 
1) In
the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, and
never in want. 
4)
Then sing, young hearts that are full of
cheer, With never a thought of sorrow; The old goes out, but the glad young
year Comes merrily in tomorrow." – Emily Miller
6)
Here’s to your health this New Year’s
night. Wishing your future is wealthy and bright. 
8)
Another fresh new year is here, another
year to live! To banish worry, doubt and fear, to love and laugh and give! –
William Arthur Ward
