Typically this time of year, I have fully made the switch to red wine. I just love a heavy glass of cab or malbec when the temperatures drop. But since moving to Phoenix, I have changed up my seasonal drinking to just match the mood of the day. And this oftentimes depends on the weather. This year, it’s warm. It’s cooler than summer, but it is still very very warm. I can’t bring myself to completely switch over.
But with us nearing the holidays, I don’t have it in me to drink like it’s summer… even though we are very much experiencing summer temperatures (not Phoenix summer temperatures, but general summer temperatures). So I’ve really been experimenting with heftier-drinking whites and I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying them.
If you’re just not in the mood for red, or for some strange reason you don’t like reds, or the most unfortunate — you’re allergic to red wine, winter whites might be for you!
My very first choice on a snowy vacation is Champagne. There is just something opulent about sipping my favorite bubbles around a fire and holding a champagne flute (although I typically don’t use flutes anymore for certain champagnes, but that’s a topic for another blog) in grandma’s leather gloves and a vintage cashmere scarf. You know the vibe. It feels good and refreshing. Pearls of carbon dioxide pair well with fresh, cool, oxygen.
Another favorite and one that I love to pair with lighter winter fare, is Viognier. It’s always a shock to guests when you serve a still white wine with dinner in the cooler months. But the pairings are delightful. Most people think of bold reds when the temperature drops, but sometimes those overpower a winter dish. One of my favorite dishes in the winter is a mushroom soup, and it typically pairs perfectly with a Viognier or dare I say it, a big and bold buttery California Chardonnay.
And one of my very favorite winter wine pairings is an off-dry Riesling. Riesling is an easy wine for me. It pairs with almost everything I serve. It’s truly become one of my most favorite wines!
For dessert, I reach for a Sauternes or Tokaji. These are typically the perfect match for sweeter fare and will sure please any palate when served!
Winter is a great time to order wine online because there is less of a chance of spoiling. And while I always want you to focus on shopping for wine locally, some of these varietals are impossible to find for all my readers. I know some are overwhelmed in the wine aisle, or think buying wine online is for experts — but that’s not true!! You can find and ship wine to your door for what you would pay for most bottles in a grocery store. So while I do not work for this online resource for wine, I do have a referral link if you want to get $30 off your first order.
Search for the varietals listed above and make purchases based on your budget. This is how you learn what YOU like and not just what I like!
HERE IS THE LINK - We both get $30!
OUTFIT
Invest in a pair of leather pants and have them your whole life! I like the uniqueness of the jogger style of these~ I sized down to XS. LINK
I wear different variations of men’s Ralph Lauren button-downs literally everywhere. LINK
Chloe flats. So good. LINK
Rectangle sunglasses, all the range. Great for my face shape. LINK
And a classic YSL bag from the archives. LINK
