As the holiday season starts to kick in and we rush to plan menus and buy food and wine for these special gatherings, our time seems to get shorter and shorter towards the end. The last thing we want to do is spend more time in the stores waiting in line. Finding that right wine to pair with so many different flavors and foods is sometimes overwhelming. This season you can just sit back and leave the work to us. This newsletter will give you some excellent picks of all around food friendly wines that will marry with the many holiday foods put on your table. The wines I pick for these occasions have ripe fruit, mouthwatering acidity, little to no oak and are medium to full- bodied in style. For whites I really enjoy the Pinot Gris from our own Pacific Northwest. This is the same grape as the Pinot Grigio from Italy but is fuller bodied. Both Oregon and Washington Sate are producing fabulous examples of this grape in a succulent and rich but clean style. The wines from Alsace France are also superb for the many cuisine’s served during the holidays. Check out the Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and the blends from this area. Another great white that works well with an array of foods is the Viognier grape. Its full-bodied without all the oak and butter like a Chardonnay. For reds I look for lighter styled wines with fresh fruit, lower tannins and wines with little oak. Some great choices are Pinot Noir, Beaujolais or lighter styled Tempranillo’s from Spain. These wines will be able to marry with the chicken or turkey and also stand up to ham or beef. This list of producers makes wines of the highest quality and are sure to please the most discerning palates in the room. Have a joyous and safe holiday season and enjoy these gems with friends and relatives!

Domaine Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Fleur 2002 – this producer owns the most grand cru vineyards in Alsace and produces world class wine. If you love the Gewurztraminer grape this is a must try and the 2002 vintage is showing well now. Aromas of rose and litchee with flavors of succulent apricot and peach. Great with ham or turkey. $24.99

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006 – Oregon is producing outstanding Pinot Gris and this is a personnel favorite of mine. If you’re serving salmon for the holidays this is the wine for you. Its also fab with the traditional turkey or ham. Gorgeous aromas of melon and honey with fresh flavors of pear, spice and more melon on the palate. Pair with all holiday fare. $16.99

Bonterra Vineyards Viognier 2006 – the Viognier grape is famous in the Rhone of France but is now being grown in California with great success. The grapes are all organically grown and come from Mendocino and Lake counties. Two cooler climate areas in the state. The wine displays heady aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle and nectarines. Flavors of apricot, peach and a touch of vanilla fill the palate. A must try for all wine lovers. Great with fish, turkey, ham or Asian foods. $21.99

Pierre Sparr One 2005 – here’s a wine that’s sure to please everyone in the crowd. The wine is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris and is coming from Alsace. Aromas of peach, citrus and apple with flavors of pear and more ripe peach and apricot. Great as an aperitif or will pair with the traditional ham or turkey. Also a good choice for spicy cuisine. $10.99

Cuvee Anne – Laure Riesling 2005 – here is an outstanding Riesling from Alsace at a price you can’t beaat. Golden yellow in color with aromas of citrus with flavors of melon and peach. A top value from Wine Spectator magazine. Pair with traditional holiday foods. $9.99.