Wine and holiday parties go together like hipsters and ironically-ugly Christmas sweaters (that is to say, like gangbusters)! This year, hit your guests with a one-two punch of festive flavor they’ll be talking about well into the New Year. So, put away that crummy old Chex mix and polish your finest glasses—even if they don’t match in the least. This year, the sweetest gift of all comes courtesy of Paso Robles Wineries’ Holiday Wine Pairings. Re-gift? We think not!
1. Smoked Salmon Roses with Cass Winery Roussanne
These cool, tangy smoked salmon delights are bolstered by cream cheese’s luscious texture. A squeeze of lemon on top adds a dash of bright acidity that pairs amazingly with Cass Winery’s 2014 Roussanne. With rich flavors of honey butter, golden apple, and lemon meringue, this luxurious treat isn’t just refreshing-yet-decadent—it’s the easiest thing to accomplish on your holiday to-do list. Simply twist pieces of pretty smoked salmon onto cheese-smeared toast, and get ready for Santa-approved cheer.
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Get Directions to Cass Winery
2. Mushroom Puff Pastry with Arroyo Robles Petit Syrah
Like that red velvet holiday dress you’ve been waiting to wear all year, this combination is worth anticipating day and night. Dark, structured wine shines alongside warm, earthy mushroom and sweet-smoky caramelized onion—your new winter BFF. Arroyo Robles’ 2007 Petit Syrah provides a wallop of dark fruit flavor that caresses each bite of flaky puff pastry, yet stands on its own beautifully. Just try to keep these little delicacies in stock! These holiday wine pairings are known to go as quick as the last Tickle-me-Elmo on Christmas Eve.
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Get Directions to Arroyo Robles
3. Bacon-wrapped Fig with Dubost Ranch Homestead Red Blend
Bacon is king of all holiday party apps! When wrapped lovingly around sticky, sweet figs, it becomes absolutely irresistible—and why should you resist? This, after all, is the season for caloric celebration.
Pair with Dubost Ranch’s 2010 Malbec, a San Francisco International Wine Gold Medal winner, and roll out the red carpet for rich caramel, vanilla, and sugar cookie goodness. Hard to believe, but these holiday wine pairings might be more alluring than your sweetheart hovering under the mistletoe.
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Get Directions to Dubost Ranch
4. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies with Clavo Dessert Zinfandel
You can watch your figure next year…or at least next month. Now is the time to indulge in dark chocolate, perky peppermint, and a balanced dessert wine that registers the perfect level of sweet, fruity flavor. Clavo Cellars’ 2007 Zinfandel Dessert Wine is perfectly lush, boasting black cherry and plum jam jubilation all tied up in one seriously velvety bow. Feeling daring? Leave these holiday wine pairings out for old St. Nick, and see what happens. If you’re lucky, you might just get a new bearded admirer.
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Get Directions to Clavo Cellars
5. Sausage Bites with Cherries and Goat Cheese with Cayucos Cellars Rustic One Blend
Could there be anything more festive than this unexpected combo of sausage, cherries, and goat cheese? Creamy, salty, savory, and sweet collide to create a red-and-white showstopper guaranteed to illicit an enthusiastic, “Dibs on leftovers!” from even your most Scrooge-like holiday guest.
Go on, and give ‘em what they want. Just be sure you pair this flavor bomb with Cayucos Cellars’ 2004 Rustic One, boasting candied walnut, cocoa, and an entire sleigh of bright cherry flavor. And to all a good night!
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Get Directions to Cayucos Cellars
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This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.