I don’t know about you, but when winter descends, I tap into my Scandinavian roots and go full hygge. I retreat to the couch, fire blazing, swaddled in a blanket with a glass of wine in hand—but not just any wine. No, no. It’s often a bottle from a region I’m plotting to visit in the New Year—a little liquid preview of my hypothetical itinerary. There’s something transporting about sipping an Amarone from Italy, a Pinot Noir from the craggy Sonoma Coast, or an Assyrtiko from the iconic vineyards of Santorini while scheming the next grand adventure (and maybe Googling “flights to somewhere warm” under said blanket). Wine isn’t just escapism—it’s a ticket to comfort and daydreaming, two essential ingredients for the coziest hygge evenings. As we reflect on what 2025 might bring, perhaps among our resolutions, we’ll resolve to be more adventurous—not just in life, but in our wine choices. Explore new regions. Try unfamiliar varietals. Maybe even plan a trip (or two) to a wine region, local or afar. Until the day we’re boarding that plane, we can sit back and contemplate the world in the glass before us.
This is where sommeliers come in. Think of us as wine librarians or that well-read independent bookstore employee who always seems to know exactly what you’ll love next. We think in laterals: if you like this wine, perhaps you’ll love that one. If Grenache is your happy place, let me introduce you to Mencía—the brooding, Heathcliff-like poet cousin of Grenache. Hailing from Spain’s Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra regions, Mencía exudes red berries, violets, and slatey minerality, with just the right amount of intensity. It’s wild, romantic, and utterly captivating—the kind of wine you’d drink while staring dramatically out a rain-streaked window overlooking the moors. Pinot Noir fans, take note: you’ll adore it too. Pair it with roasted vegetables, lamb, or a fireside rereading of Wuthering Heights.
If you lean toward Sauvignon Blanc, let me suggest Albariño from Spain or Vermentino from Italy—varietals that balance bright acidity with stone fruit and a touch of seaside salinity. For Chardonnay lovers, especially those drawn to a riper fruit profile with little to no oak, consider a Viognier from Condrieu. Viognier thrives in this small appellation in the Northern Rhône, yielding lush, aromatic wines with notes of stone fruit, honeysuckle, and a kiss of minerality. While rounder and richer than some expressions of Chardonnay, it remains fresh and elegant, with layers that unfold as the wine warms in the glass. Pair it with roasted chicken, creamy risotto, or buttery seafood dishes. It’s the kind of wine that intrigues with dynamic aromatics and a complex, evolving palate.
Winter is also the perfect time to revisit your favorite grapes with fresh eyes. Grapes, like people, evolve depending on where they’ve been. Syrah transforms from the smoky, peppery elegance of the Northern Rhône to the bold, fruit-forward exuberance of Australian Shiraz. Chardonnay, too, has a dual nature: lush and buttery in California, yet lean and citrus-driven in Chablis. Tempranillo, Spain’s old soul, changes dramatically between regions. In Rioja, it’s sophisticated, nuanced, and polished. But in Ribera del Duero, it bursts with bold, juicy energy—often a more flamboyant expression. Meanwhile, in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, Tempranillo takes on rich, sun-soaked notes that practically beg for a hearty winter stew. Same grape, different spectrum of flavor, and new terroir to explore —it’s these regional differences and sense of place that make wine endlessly surprising.
Of course, wine inspires more than just what’s in your glass—it fuels daydreams, travel plans, and gatherings with loved ones. This winter, why not let wine guide your imagination? Pour yourself a Nerello Mascalese from Etna’s dramatic slopes and picture its volcanic vineyards rising above the clouds. Or sip a sparkling Crémant from the Loire Valley and imagine strolling past fairytale castles. Let a glass of Malbec whisk you away to Argentina’s sun-drenched Andes, or indulge in a classic Chianti while planning your perfect Tuscan escape. Every bottle tells a story, and sometimes, it’s the nudge (after a glass or two) that you need to turn that story into a plane ticket.
Here’s to winter and the wines that make it magical. Whether you’re trying a new varietal, rediscovering old favorites, or plotting your next adventure with a glass in hand, let wine bring both warmth and wonder to the season. Light a candle, pour something special, and toast to the simple pleasures that keep us cozy when the world outside feels a little too cold. After all, every glass is a journey—and this winter, the only limit is your imagination. You will find me on my couch, plotting my trip to Catalonia (somewhere warm). . .
Here’s to a season of warmth, wonder, and discovery. Cheers to 2025!
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