A few years ago I purchased some bottles of bubbly from Stacy Ricks at WineShop at Home and have been pleasantly surprised with the high quality of my selections. I like that I can shop from home for wine without being overwhelmed with the selection at the big box liquor stores. Stacy knows first-hand how her selections taste. You can even take a “Find your Vinotype”quiz on their website by answering just a few questions to narrow down the types of wine your palette prefers (I am a hypersensitive vinotype which means my wine preferences run toward more delicate, dry wines with lower alcohol levels. Reds have to be especially rich and SMOOTH for my highly sensitive sensory perception).
I reached out to Stacy to get her input on wines for Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining. Here are her suggestions…
Thanksgiving Dinner
Red: Dusk Lambrusco pairs well with savory turkey and gravy, and mashed potatoes.
White: Somersville Cellars White Meritage creamy side dishes, casseroles and veggies.
And for desserts like pumpkin and pecan pie try Cadeau Rose Sparkling wine.
Tip: For an in depth list of pairings with other holiday foods, her website has a winemakers journal with really great entertaining tips. Click here for more pairings.
Bubbly BeginningsOne of my favorite entertaining tricks is a welcome cocktail. It makes it easy for me because I don’t have to make a custom drink for each person affording me the chance to finish up last minute details in the kitchen.
Guests can visit and sip until the full bar is open. Bubbly is the perfect drink for this because it says “let’s get the party started” and makes guests feel special. Set up glasses and a wine bucket filled with ice by the front entrance and guests can help themselves or you can pre-pour each glass and have it waiting on a festive tray with fun cocktail napkins.
Cheese Boards
All of WineShop wines come with a nicely formatted, heavy stock card with information about the wines, including things like vintage, alcohol content, ageing potential and most importantly, cheeses and foods to pair with that particular wine. Additionally, there is a recipe on the flip-side of the card for a suggested food pairing. Stacy recommends three different cheeses, something sweet, and something salty. The sweet could be fig preserves or chocolates or other dessert type treat. The salty could be anything from popcorn or kettle chips, to salami or nuts. Crackers with a bit of sea salt are always a great addition!
Here’s a yummy recipe for
Sweet & Spicy Nuts that pairs perfectly with Joy Cellars Riesling. This would be a great gift for Christmas — fill a Mason jar with these nuts and add the wine!
Family Brunch
You know how I love brunch — I get that from Mother (see Mrs. Twist’s Guide to Thanksgiving: Breakfast Ideas
here). Stacy recommends Adagio 2013 Merlot and The Fact Blush. Look at
this recipe for Grilled Peach Spiced Melba that pairs perfectly with it!
Hostess GiftsPersonalized wine! Design your own unique wine label by adding an image and personal message to one of their six different label templates. Select your favorite image from their extensive image library, or upload your own photo or logo for a truly personal touch. It’s a winning gift idea that makes for great impact and a lasting impression.
Hopefully, this helps you to start thinking about getting into the Thanksgiving “spirit!” Be sure to reach out to Stacy at [email protected] or through her website for questions or to place an order. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by November 15.
Note: I was not compensated for this post. I’m just a fan of good wine.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
