There is an art to drinking wine, especially according to seasonality. As much as wining and dining alfresco is fun when it’s warm outside, there’s something epicurean about drinking a heady wine while nestled in front of a crackling fireplace. We naturally gravitate toward eating heartier meals when winter comes, and sipping wine is no different. To match the foods on our plate (or vice versa), cold-weather wines become bolder and bigger. While deep reds are a staple, full-flavored whites have their place too. Also, there is no holiday table complete without a festive sparkling wine — or a few!
Here are some opulent Pacific Northwest wines to warm up the chilliest of evenings.
History 2019 Red Blend | Columbia Valley
A bit spicy, a bit smoky and a whole lot delicious. A storied vineyard owned by founder and winemaker Melissa Burr’s mother-in-law inspired her to create a collection of small-batch wine, called History. This deep, dark red blend leads with Cabernet Sauvignon and is a bold sipper during chilly nights. Spicy undertones of dried plums, white pepper and clove are balanced with lush tannins. Pair with a hearty pot roast.
14.5% ABV | $45
Telaya Wine Co 2019 Turas | Snake River Valley
Intense and earthy, this bottling smells like a gust of fresh fall air. Bright red berries, white pepper, nutmeg and coffee mingle together in a frenzy of aromas and flavors. Sip this special wine as you hunker down with some beef (or mushroom) bourguignon. So cozy!
14.2% ABV | $36
Sokol Blosser 2020 Bluebird Cuvée Brut Sparkling | Willamette Valley
This delightful semi-dry sparkler has just a touch of sweetness, bright apple and pear flavors, mineral accents, and a zesty finish. Whip this special bottle out for a sparkling brunch soiree. It is perfect for a bagel brunch board filled with the yummiest fixings — mini toasted bagels, smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, honey butter and fresh berries.
12% ABV | $36
Terra Vina 2020 Trio | Columbia Valley
Rich and dense with a soft roundness; blackberries, raspberries and olives dominate the nose. The theme continues with dark berries and bell pepper on the palate, and a lengthy gratifying finish. Relish this voluptuous red with some steaming chicken cacciatore and crusty bread. A fine wine to drink now and great for cellaring as well.
14.9% ABV | $40
Red Electric “TGV” 2018 Pinot Noir | Armstrong Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge AVA
An iconic Oregonian Pinot Noir if there was any — this cherry-hued wine is perfect for sweater weather. At Red Electric, they bottle the TGV only in exceptional years and the proof is in the tasting. Perfumed floral aromatics, baking spice, herb flavors and layered, soft tannins make this a Pinot to remember. Complete the experience with a butternut squash risotto, with oodles of freshly shaved parmesan.
13.9% ABV | $70
Mcmenamins 2019 Ferryman’s Choice Petit Verdot | Yakima Valley
The first thing you’d notice about this wine is its striking purple color. Bing cherries mingle with dark chocolate and heady violet notes — with supple tannins and bright acidity. Pairing this bold and beautiful sipper with marinated portabella mushrooms, or a rich steak meal, will make it an earthy, happy marriage.
14.7% | $34
Williamson Vineyards 2021 AlbariÑo | Snake River Valley
Mouthwatering aromas of stone fruit lead to kiwi and bright jasmine flavor; this incredibly fruity wine comes with a rich texture and full-bodied heftiness. This zesty Albarino was made for fresh Pacific Northwest seafood — parmesan-crusted scallops, brothy clams with pancetta, creamy fish pie, you can’t go wrong with any of it!
13.1% ABV | $28
Andrew Januik 2019 Stone Cairn | Red Mountain
Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading lady in this rustic red blend. Bold cocoa aromatics, textured spice flavors, and fine tannins pay a nod to the magnificent Red Mountain terroir. This is an exemplary winter wine that would go splendidly with a delicious, bubbling lasagna fresh out of the oven. Very enjoyable now, but can also be cellared for up to two decades.
14.6% ABV | $45
Forgeron Cellars 2020 Anvil by Forgeron Chardonnay | Yakima Valley
The deep-rooted old Chardonnay vines of French Creek Vineyard bring consistently rich and compelling flavor. Aromas bring white peach and grapefruit leading to vanilla and brioche flavors. Oak aging brings a toasty toffee finish. Baked brie with honey and rosemary will make a gorgeous appetizer for this buttery Chard.
14.1% ABV | $48
Gran Moraine 2019 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay | Yamhill-Carlton
This charming, nutty Chardonnay from Gran Moraine makes a strong case for white wine in winter. It features hazelnut and butterscotch aromas, juicy peaches and cream flavors, punchy minerality, and lovely oily texture. Pair this bright gold stunner with a succulent halibut bake.
12.7% ABV | $45
Hyland Estates 2021 Old Vine Gewurztraminer | McMinnville
Circa the early 1970s, Gewurztraminer vines were sourced from Alsace by Charles Coury and planted in the McMinnville foothills. This floral dry white comes from Hyland’s own-rooted blocks back in the day. The wine is laden with tropical fruit, cinnamon and jasmine. Sea-salt-like minerality and a luscious mouthfeel make it feel indulgent, and a great pair with butter chicken or even a meaty biryani.
14.2% ABV | $28
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2018 Indian Wells Merlot | Columbia Valley
This delightful, carefully aged Merlot from Chateau Ste. Michelle is a great bang for your buck. This lush fruit-focussed wine is laden with plums and blackberries, flecked with spice, and leads to a satisfying, herby finish. Cheeseburgers or caramelized root vegetables would be an easy, scrumptious pair for this energetic wine.
14.5% ABV | $20
Left Coast 2017 High Acres Pinot Meunier | Willamette Valley
The 2017 High Acres Pinot Meunier is like bottled-up silk. Smooth and sassy, yet deep and musky, it is the ideal transition wine before turning to fierce winter reds. Raspberries and vanilla mesh wonderfully with smoky tea notes. Light-bodied with stony mineral accents, this will be a heavenly match for mac and cheese with bacon, baked to golden-brown perfection.
13.5% ABV | $53
Canoe Ridge 2019 Summit Series Carmenere | Columbia Valley
This wine presents spice and body, but cedar-savory flavors. It is a shining example of Columbia Valley Carmenere. The dark, sinewy wine is shot through with a distinct tartness. A great food pairing? Cozy up with a glass of this garnet goodness with arepas stuffed with carnitas, or mole enchiladas for a flavor bomb!
13% ABV | $46
Adelsheim 2019 Calkins Lane Syrah | Willamette Valley
Dark, brooding and luscious — the Adelsheim Syrah is commanding with a cocoa character. This wine comes from Calkins Lane, the rolling vineyard surrounding Adelsheim’s majestic property. It has cracked pepper and dark chocolate flavors, a spicy nose, fine tannins, and a rich espresso bean finish. Enjoy it with smoky, barbecue meat. It’s wonderfully cellar-worthy, though you’d be hard-pressed to not drink it now.
13% ABV | $55
