18 California Wines for the Holiday Season
By Alison Bailin Batz | Published on December 17, 2025 | Food & Drink, Wine
As December arrives, it’s the perfect time to stock up on some of California’s most exquisite wines. Whether you’re celebrating special occasions this month or preparing for cozy winter nights ahead, these 18 festive California selections offer something for every palate and gathering.
Cabernet Sauvignon Selections
Jordan Vineyard & Winery 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)
This graceful and beautifully structured Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of dark fruit, cocoa nib, clove, and subtle earth. Its poise and elegance make it a polished choice for slow-roasted meats or intimate dinner parties.
Beringer 2014 Vogt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($170)
Hailing from Howell Mountain, this Cabernet boasts black currant, cedar, and cherry layered with espresso and licorice. Plush and velvety, it’s designed for cool evenings and rich seasonal dishes.
2022 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($130)
An elegant perfume of mixed berries, baking spice, dried lavender, and thyme opens onto a full palate layered with expansive berry, black tea, toasted oak, and spice flavors.
Vermeil Wines 2022 Pickett Road Block ($165)
Hints of leather, tobacco, and cassis dominate, balanced with touches of sage and vanilla, creating a smooth and festive pour for the holiday season.
2022 Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford ($140)
Concentrated red raspberry and cherry blend with subtle notes of clove, baking spice, and Rutherford’s signature dust for a beautifully balanced wine.
Sterling Vineyards 2019 Petersen Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($140)
Blackberry, cassis, toasted vanilla, and warm spice create a deeply layered palate, supported by firm tannins and a long, silky finish—ideal for seasonal braises or hearty stews.
Charles Krug 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)
Silky and medium-bodied, this wine offers notes of dark cherry, cassis, vanilla, and baking chocolate, pairing well with grazing boards, caramelized vegetables, and chocolate-forward desserts.
Pine Ridge Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
Blackberry, plum, cedar, and warm baking spice form a rich, layered palate with silky tannins and lingering aromatics—perfect for fireside evenings and holiday feasts.
Mount Veeder Winery 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($150)
Brooding red fruit, fig, cedar, and baking spice deliver a beautifully layered pour, making it an excellent choice for any winter table or as a host gift.
Priest Ranch 2021 Snake Oil Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
This full-bodied and richly textured Cabernet showcases plum, cassis, cedar, and tobacco spice, all culminating in a refined finish.
Pinot Noir Favorites
2020 ONEHOPE Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($40)
Bright cherry and cranberry wrapped in light tannin and gentle spice embody December’s balance of brightness and comfort. Notably, 10 percent of proceeds benefit charity.
2023 Chamisal Vineyards SLO County Pinot Noir ($24)
This lively Pinot Noir mingles vibrant cherry and cranberry with rose petal, forest floor, and gentle spice.
Eleven Eleven 2022 Calesa Pinot Noir ($85)
Ripe cherry, vanilla, and black tea unfold with elegant restraint, making this wine a refined companion for seasonal gatherings and long, lingering dinners.
Other Red Varietals and Blends
Ehlers Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc ($75)
Black cherry, cocoa powder, violet, and bergamot tea create a polished wine with striking finesse.
Le Vigne 2021 Estate Nikiara ($54)
This Bordeaux-style blend evokes cherry, goji berry, chocolate, and earth in a complex, elegant weave.
Double Diamond 2022 Proprietary Red Wine ($90)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc provides power and plushness, delivering ripe black fruits, espresso, and warm spice.
White and Sparkling Wines
Bella Union Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley ($50)
Aromas of white pear, lemon blossom, and green apple rise like the first notes of a celebratory toast. Lively bubbles bring Meyer lemon and yellow plum flavors, balanced by fresh brioche and crisp acidity, ending with a graceful mineral edge.
Robert Mondavi Winery 2022 Reserve Oakville Fumé Blanc ($95)
Perfect for cool-weather dining, this vintage features citrus, tropical fruit, peach, jasmine, and lemon zest.
With these 18 California wines, your holiday season is sure to be filled with warmth, flavor, and memorable toasts. Enjoy exploring these festive favorites throughout winter’s celebrations and cozy nights in.