Three Ways to Celebrate the Holidays California Wine Country Style

New Online Guide Inspires the Holiday Spirit with Festive Wine Country Events, Gift Offers and Recipes

SAN FRANCISCO — Nothing pairs better with the holidays than celebrating them California wine country style. Whether your plans include a trip to your favorite wine region or bringing the Golden State’s wine country cheer into your home, there are many ways to connect over wine and get in the holiday spirit.

California Wines’ new online guide, Celebrate the Holidays California Wine Country Style, shares three inspiring ways to help you embrace the spirit of the season, from wine events and special gift offers to festive recipes for seasonal dishes paired with California wine and wine cocktails.

Visit California Wine Country for Holiday Events
There’s always something special about visiting the place where your favorite California wines are grown and made, and the experience kicks up a notch when wineries are decked out in holiday splendor. From the North Coast down to Southern California, the Golden State’s easily accessible wineries are hosting special events, such as tree lighting ceremonies, wine festivals and elevated tastings and pairings, along with opportunities to stock up for holiday parties. To top off your holiday visit, be sure to experience all that California wine country’s acclaimed local restaurants have to offer.

Shop Local Winery Gifts and Special Offers 
Supply chain challenges make shopping local even more appealing this holiday season. Instead of giving a gift card, visit a favorite California winery where onsite shopping can yield fun and creative gifts including a curated and personalized holiday wine bundle, crafts from local artisans at holiday events and unique pairing sets like estate wines with fudge made by Trappist monks. You can also take advantage of special holiday offers, such as free shipping or discounted gift packs, offered by many California wineries.

Bring California Wine Country Home with Festive Recipes for Different Holiday Gatherings 
If you’re looking for creative ways to gather this holiday season with Golden State wine and fresh California grown ingredients, look no further. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve or Epiphany, every holiday deserves a festive and tasty dinner. Those hosting holiday gatherings will love the delicious, easy wine country seasonal recipes with suggested pairings that are sure to be a hit, such as Roasted Turkey with Wild Rice and Kale Stuffing, paired with a California Chardonnay or Zinfandel. A vegetarian side is Focaccia Bread Pudding with Wild Mushrooms and Goat Cheese, paired with a California Pinot or Chardonnay.

If you’re looking to elevate your game day, but you’re not exactly a whiz in the kitchen, try something different than burgers and nachos and assemble foolproof appetizers such as deviled eggs, which are always a holiday favorite and pairs brilliantly with a California rosé or sparkling wine. Or try another easy, satisfying dish, such as Fresh Mozzarella with Honey Bacon Vinaigrette on mixed greens with hazelnuts, which goes well with a California Pinot Noir or white blend.

Craft cocktails are a big trend for holiday gatherings and beyond, and both still and sparkling wines can be a part of that experience. Not only does wine provide a lighter alternative to spirits, but it also pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cocktail components. California wines are also particularly fitting for the state’s bounty of local, sustainably grown produce and fresh herbs. Check out our free California Wine Cocktails for the Holidays e-book, featuring recipes for deliciously creative seasonal drinks such as the California Gold Rush — a blend of California Chardonnay, fresh lemon juice and lemon-thyme honey — and the Cranberry Rosé, made with California dry rosé wine, cranberry juice and orange bitters.

Looking for More Ideas? 
For more ideas on holiday events, gifts, special offers and recipes, visit the free online guide at California Wines.

For additional holiday dishes to pair with California wines and wine-based cocktails, pick up a copy of Wine Country Table book featuring recipes inspired by the state’s sustainably grown food and wines. The book is available at many bookstores and through Amazon.

About Wine Institute  
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.