Pinot Noir is the Perfect Wine for Holiday Hosting and Here's Why

Pinot noir is a versatile and delicious red wine that's perfect for the holiday season. With its complex flavors and elegant structure, pinot noir can pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any celebration.

A Versatile Wine for Every Occasion

One of the reasons pinot noir is such a popular choice for the holidays is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings or a Christmas party with a mix of appetizers and main courses, pinot noir can complement a variety of dishes. Its moderate tannins and acidity make it a good match for everything from turkey and stuffing to roasted vegetables and cheese plates.

The Elegance of Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is known for its elegance and complexity. It often exhibits notes of red berries, such as strawberry and cherry, along with hints of oak, spice, and earthiness. The specific flavors and aromas can vary depending on the region where the grapes are grown.

• California Pinot Noir is known for its bright fruit flavors, like strawberry and cherry, with notes of spice and oak.
• Oregon Pinot Noir is generally known for its delicate flavors with bright, red fruits like cherry and raspberries, along with high acidity.
• French Pinot Noir varies depending on region, but also has high acidity and tends to have with more earthy notes of spice and oak alongside vibrant fruit flavors.

A Crowd-Pleaser for the Holidays

Pinot noir's versatility and approachability make it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday celebration. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or a small dinner party, pouring pinot noir is sure to impress your guests.

Stocking up for the holidays or shopping for a host gift? Try our top picks for pinot noir:

• Louis Jadot Pinot Noir Burgundy is a food-friendly French staple — the definition of Old World value.
  
  
• Bezel San Luis Obispo Pinot Noir is bright, tart and fruit-forward, a great value from the makers of Cakebread.
  
  
• For the balanced, smooth and silky elegance we love about Willamette Valley, try Oregon’s darling Argyle Pinot Noir.
  
  
• Etude Pinot Noir Carneros delivers the best of California — floral and refined, perfect for a mid-budget bottle.

• Old World grace with New World fruit in Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, which is crafted by a legendary French family in Oregon.
  
  
• Want a bold, powerhouse California Pinot that over-delivers for the price? Grab the highly rated Paul Hobbs Crossbarn.
  
  
• Wow your dinner guests with the rich, chef-friendly Four Graces Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, which delivers complex notes of baking spice and dark cherry.
  
  
• Ready to explore serious, structured Burgundy complexity without the Grand Cru price tag? Try Louis Latour Marsannay.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, pinot noir is a delicious and versatile wine that's perfect for the holiday season. So raise a glass of pinot noir and toast to a happy and healthy holiday season!