‘Tis the season for holiday parties, dinners, and events! Whether you’re a guest or a host, there’s a good chance your schedule is filling up fast — and no one wants to show up empty-handed.

Between white elephant exchanges and holiday dinners, it can be overwhelming to stay on top of knowing what to bring.

Nothing fits the bill like a great bottle of wine. It can go a long way towards fueling the holiday spirit, whether it’s for a gourmet dinner or a gift exchange. (And will make you everyone’s favorite guest!)

But what’s the right bottle for the occasion? When groups of people come together, it's a challenge to find options that will appeal to a crowd while still being unique and delicious. It's a tall order, but our experts have you covered.

Whether you’re looking for great holiday bottles that are high-quality, budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, or gift-worthy, we’ve narrowed down Wally’s premium selections to provide an easy guide for you.

Once you’re done, you’ll be a pro at picking out the perfect bottles for every holiday party this season.

Holiday Wines For a Dinner Party

With the abundance of parties and dinners during this season, it’s a great idea to have a few holiday wines in your back pocket. High-quality, food-friendly bottles make a great addition to festive meals or gatherings.

We recommend having a few of these options on hand so you can always contribute something that pairs with a variety of foods and can be enjoyed by a large group.

Cabernet Sauvignon: With notes of black currant, cherry, and spice, Cabernet Sauvignon has perfect tasting notes that can be enjoyed alongside holiday meals. It’s also a well-known variety that many people around the table will recognize and enjoy. Try a popular favorite from the area: 2018 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon ($75).

GSM Blend: This style of red blend originates in the Rhone Valley of France and includes three key varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Together, they create a wine packed with flavor and spices. One great option we recommend comes from Paso Robles: 2017 Booker 'Oublie' Paso Robles ($80). It’s packed with rich fruity notes, spice, and herbal notes, making it ideal for holiday roasts.

Cabernet Franc: Known for notes of herbs and bell pepper, Cabernet Franc can be a wonderful wine for roasted dishes seasoned with herbs. This variety plays a large role in Chinon, in the Loire Valley of France, where elegant Cabernet Franc reds are the specialty. We recommend a wine from one of the best producers in the region: 2012 Olga Raffault Chinon La Singuliere ($40). At over 10 years old, this wine has aged to perfection and developed lovely earthy notes that will be delicious with a holiday roast.

Chardonnay: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a bottle of Chardonnay for the table. Chardonnay is a popular white wine that most people at the party will likely know and be familiar with. A fruity, high-acid bottle from Chablis or Sonoma can be a perfect complement for cutting through rich dishes at holiday meals. One delicious option is: 2021 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($50).

Great Wines For Gifting

If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for someone on your list, a great bottle of wine is always a good option (if they’re over 21, that is!). For these occasions, you can’t go wrong with a bottle from a fantastic producer in one of the great regions of the world.

We recommend starting with one of these well-known regions, then narrowing it down from there. While there are many other regions that offer great wine, your recipient may appreciate getting a bottle from a region they already recognize and love.

Some popular and fantastic regions to consider include: Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Piedmont. Of course, these are not the ONLY fantastic regions to choose from! But, they offer high-quality wine that many recipients will know and appreciate.

Bordeaux: This region is “home to a plethora of the world’s best known wine estates,” and serves as “the bedrock of the fine wine market,” according to Decanter. While there are many great options and price points to choose from, here are a few key bottles you can start with.

2014 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan ($85) comes from a Chateau ranked among the Crus Classés and offers “a powerful wine, made to age for a long time... Complex tannins and dark fruits both make their presence felt,” according to Wine Enthusiast.

From the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, 2014 Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac ($125) is a beautiful wine with “lovely purity and depth with a silky texture that caresses the palate,” says Decanter.

2014 Chateau Cos D'Estournel, Saint-Estephe ($160) comes from one of the leading producers in the Medoc region of Bordeaux. This beautiful bottle has notes of “blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential,” according to Wine Enthusiast.

Burgundy: Known throughout the world for its famous bottles, “Burgundy represents wines that span the full spectrum from everyday luxury to the holy grail,” says Food & Wine. Here are some great places to start when shopping for the perfect holiday gift.

From a classic producer in Burgundy, 2019 Pierre Girardin Vosne Romanee ($100) has all the elegance and silkiness the winery is known for.

Another great option is 2019 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos Des Mouches Rouge ($150), which Wine Advocate says is “sumptuous and vibrant, with powdery structuring tannins, bright acids and a broad, expansive finish.”

For an incredible white wine, 2020 Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Valmur ($190) offers “a racy, electric profile and a searingly saline, intensely penetrating finish of striking persistence,” according to Wine Advocate.

Piedmont: This is the home of the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, which are made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape. According to Food & Wine, “Barolo is one of the most prestigious, age-worthy, and collectible wines in the world,” — so it’s a generous holiday gifting option.

2016 Mauro Veglio Barolo ($30) is a beautiful, balanced, and classic expression at a great price point.

2017 Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera ($115) is a stunning and high-scoring option, with notes of wild berries, spice, and cedar.

For the profound notes of an excellent Barolo, 2019 Vietti 'Lazzarito' Barolo ($275) offers intense power and intensity. 

Napa Valley: It’s “one of the world’s premier wine destinations and boasts more than 400 wineries,” so you can’t go wrong with a gifted bottle from this region. For a fantastic, high-quality option, we recommend 2008 Cain 'Five' Red Blend, Napa Valley ($140). It’s an iconic red blend composed of the five Bordeaux grapes which inspired the ‘Five’ in the name. This bottle also already has 15 years of age on it, making it perfectly ready to drink right now.

Ready-to-Go Holiday Gift Baskets

Want to give a gift that’s all wrapped up and ready to go? A curated gift basket is the perfect option for someone with great taste. Whether they love bubbles or bourbon, Wally’s has the best holiday gift baskets for everyone on your list.

The Dalmore Basket ($200): High-end decadence finds new meaning in this one-of-a-kind selection featuring The Dalmore 14. This extraordinary spirit is joined by bespoke glasses and indulgent truffles for a truly memorable gift.

The Icon Gift Basket ($300): If you ask connoisseurs to name the best Champagne, there’s a good chance the legendary Dom Pérignon will be at the top of their list. Paired with treats both sweet and salty, this is a heartfelt gift for those who appreciate the best of the best.

Brilliant Bordeaux ($80): Chateau Reignac makes one of the most enjoyable reds from Bordeaux, ripe with fruit and supple tannins the region is celebrated for. The depth and flavor find a perfect match with an array of savory snacks to enjoy on the side.

Italia Basket ($190): For the fun and vibrant person in your life, give their palate a private flight to Italy with this sensation of flavors and treats. The selection features three distinctive bottles—a must for every Italian wine lover to experience—plus perfect handcrafted Italian foods.

Think Pink ($170): For the lover of all things delicious and bubbly, this selection delivers timeless elegance and modern taste. With the delicate flavors of Ruinart Rosé, paired with sweet and savory delicacies, it’s a gift fit for celebrating life’s most special moments.

NV Veuve Clicquot Refrigerator Gift Box ($90): In celebration of the 250^th anniversary of Veuve Clicquot, the brand partnered with Smeg to offer iconic gifts for the ultimate Champagne lover. This reusable mini-fridge Smeg gift box comes with a bottle of Brut Yellow Label and keeps a bottle chilled for two hours.

Holiday Sparkling Wine For Toasts and Beyond

Need a good champagne for New Year’s Eve? Or a bottle everyone at the holiday dinner party will enjoy? We’ve got you covered with a selection of the best sparkling wine options for every occasion.

Best Value Bubbles: Ferrari Brut ($24). This sparkling Italian wine offers a great value alternative to Champagne. It’s made in the same method as French Champagne, producing a dryer, richer flavor than Prosecco, at an appealing price if you’re pouring for a big group. We recommend this great holiday bubbly for toasts or for adding fizz to cocktails.

Best Non-Vintage Blend: NV Louis Roederer Collection 243 ($65). This elegant and refined Champagne is from the same house that makes the famous Cristal label. It’s a modern blend of great vintages, designed to express the unique terroir. With beautiful floral and citrus notes, it’s a great option to sip alone or with decadent appetizers.

Best Toasting Rosé: NV Billecart Salmon Brut Rose ($98). From a renowned Champagne house, this delicate Brut Rosé is lively and zesty. The balanced and drinkable bubbly has delicious notes of strawberry, grapefruit, and peach that everyone at the party will love. 

Best All-Around Vintage Champagne: 2008 Henriot Vintage Brut ($100). From one of the most notable Champagne houses, this brilliant bubbly has powerful citrus notes, minerality, and elegance. With lots of freshness and character, it’s a reliable vintage Champagne for all your holiday gatherings.

Best Iconic Bottle: Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 Paola Paronetto Gift Box ($225). For extra special celebrations, this incredible vintage from Veuve Clicquot represents the history and legend of the historic Champagne house. The extraordinary bottle comes in a special gift box, making it a beautiful gift, too.

Best Luxury Rosé: NV Krug Rose 25th Edition Brut ($400). When only the best of the best will do, bring one of the top Champagne expressions available. Known for high quality and a signature style, Krug represents the ultimate in elegance and prestige.

Still looking for something special?

Just stop by your local Wally’s location, or contact our Customer Service Team to get a personalized recommendation for any holiday occasion!