When the temperature drops and winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a glass of wine that warms you from the inside out. Winter is the perfect season to explore richer, bolder wines that complement hearty meals and cold-weather comfort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, these wine selections will help you embrace the season in style.
Why Winter Wines Are Different
Winter wines tend to be fuller-bodied, more robust, and often higher in alcohol content than their summer counterparts. These characteristics create a warming sensation that’s particularly satisfying when it’s cold outside. Red wines dominate the winter wine scene, though some fuller-bodied whites and fortified wines also deserve a place at your winter table.
The key to winter wine selection is looking for bottles with depth, complexity, and the ability to stand up to rich, hearty foods. Think stews, roasts, aged cheeses, and chocolate desserts. These wines should have enough structure and flavor intensity to complement bold winter flavors without being overshadowed.
Top Winter Wine Selections
1. Cabernet Sauvignon: The Winter Classic
No winter wine list would be complete without Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold red wine features deep flavors of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and often hints of tobacco and cedar. Its substantial tannins and full body make it perfect for pairing with red meat and rich sauces.
The 2023 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is a great value option, often found for around $23. It has received a 92-point rating from Wine Advocate and is intended to be drunk young.
2. Syrah/Shiraz: Bold and Spicy
Syrah (or Shiraz, as it’s called in Australia) is a powerhouse winter wine with peppery spice notes and dark fruit flavors. These wines often have a meaty, savory quality that makes them perfect partners for game, lamb, or barbecued meats.
The 2022 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz from South Australia is a stellar choice, showcasing ripe blackberry and plum flavors with characteristic pepper spice and a long, warming finish. It’s widely available and typically priced around $34.
For a French take on Syrah, seek out the 2021 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône. This Northern Rhône-style wine offers black olive, dark fruit, and herbal notes with a sophisticated earthiness that elevates winter meals. It is generally available for around $17.99.
3. Malbec: Smooth and Satisfying
Malbec has become increasingly popular for its approachable style and fruit-forward character. These wines from Argentina offer plush texture and flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate.
The 2023 Catena Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, is widely available and consistently excellent. It features ripe dark fruit, subtle oak influence, and velvety tannins that make it incredibly food-friendly. You can find it for around $19.99. Pair it with grilled meats, empanadas, or hearty pasta dishes.
4. Zinfandel: Jammy and Warming
California Zinfandel is known for its high alcohol content and jammy fruit flavors, making it an ideal winter warmer. These wines often feature notes of blackberry jam, black pepper, and sweet spice.
Look for the 2022 Ridge Geyserville from Sonoma County. This Zinfandel-based blend offers complexity and balance with layers of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of bramble. It’s a wine that rewards contemplation while warming you thoroughly.
The 2023 Seghesio Family Vineyards Sonoma Zinfandel is another outstanding choice. With concentrated raspberry and blackberry flavors, hints of vanilla, and a full-bodied structure, it’s perfect for barbecue or pizza nights. It is widely available for around $20.99.
5. Amarone: Italian Luxury
For special occasions, Amarone della Valpolicella from Italy’s Veneto region is hard to beat. Made from partially dried grapes, these wines are incredibly concentrated with flavors of dried cherry, fig, chocolate, and spice.
The 2020 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is accessible and beautifully crafted. This wine offers rich, complex flavors with a velvety texture and long finish. It’s perfect with aged cheeses, roasted meats, or rich chocolate desserts.
Affordable alternative: While true Amarone is generally a splurge, Valpolicella Ripasso wines offer a similar flavor profile with a more approachable price point. Look for a Valpolicella Ripasso from a reputable producer, often available for under $30.
6. Port: The Ultimate Winter Sipper
Fortified wines like Port are traditional winter favorites, perfect for sipping by the fire or serving with dessert. These sweet, high-alcohol wines from Portugal’s Douro Valley offer incredible depth and warmth.
The Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a beautiful introduction to this style. With nutty, caramel notes and dried fruit flavors, it’s excellent with blue cheese, nuts, or chocolate. It is widely available and typically priced around $25-$35.
For a richer experience, try the Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port. This luxurious wine offers complex flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, and dried fruits with a silky texture and endless finish. It is available for around $57-$69.99.
Full-Bodied White: Winter Whites Worth Trying
While red wines dominate winter, some white wines have the body and richness to work beautifully in cold weather.
The 2022 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay from Carneros, California, is a buttery, full-bodied white with tropical fruit flavors and creamy oak influence. It pairs wonderfully with lobster, creamy pasta dishes, or roasted chicken. It is widely available for around $38-$45.
For a more elegant take on winter white wine, the 2024 Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet from Burgundy offers a mineral backbone, citrus notes, and subtle oak. It’s perfect for lighter winter dishes like roasted fish or mushroom risotto. This wine is typically priced significantly higher, often starting around $125.
Pairing Winter Wines with Seasonal Foods
Winter is the season for comfort food, and these wines shine when paired with appropriate dishes.
Red Meats and Game
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are your go-to choices for beef, venison, and lamb. The tannins in these wines cut through the richness of the meat while complementing its savory flavors.
Stews and Braises
Malbec and Zinfandel work beautifully with slow-cooked dishes. Their fruit-forward character complements the deep, developed flavors of braised meats and vegetables.
Aged Cheeses
Port and Amarone are exceptional with strong, aged cheeses. The wine’s sweetness balances the salt and intensity of aged cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese.
Chocolate Desserts
For chocolate-based desserts, reach for Zinfandel, Port, or Amarone. The dark fruit and sweet notes in these wines create harmonious pairings with chocolate’s richness.
Serving Winter Wines at the Right Temperature
Temperature matters significantly when serving winter wines. Red wines should be served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the flavors to express themselves fully without the alcohol becoming overpowering.
If your dining room is particularly warm, consider slightly chilling your red wines for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. Conversely, if your wine has been stored in a cool place, let it warm up slightly before opening.
Port should be served at cool room temperature, around 60 degrees. Full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay are best at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing Winter Wines
Many winter wines benefit from proper storage and can age beautifully. Cabernet Sauvignon, Amarone, and vintage Port can develop additional complexity over years or even decades.
Store wines in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature. If you’re planning to age wines, invest in proper storage or a wine refrigerator. Even if you’re drinking wines within a few months, proper storage prevents premature oxidation and preserves the wine’s intended character.
Budget-Friendly Winter Wine Options
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent winter wines. Many regions produce outstanding wines at reasonable prices.
- Spanish Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero offers excellent value with full-bodied character and complex flavors. Look for wines in the 15-25 dollar range for impressive quality.
- Portuguese red wines from the Douro Valley provide rich, full-bodied options at friendly prices. These wines offer similar characteristics to more expensive options from other regions.
- Argentine Malbec consistently delivers quality at every price point. Even bottles under 15 dollars can provide satisfying winter drinking.
Conclusion
Winter is the perfect season to explore bold, warming wines that complement cold weather and hearty foods. From classic Cabernet Sauvignon to luxurious Amarone, these wines offer comfort and sophistication throughout the season.
Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings, enjoying quiet evenings at home, or celebrating special occasions, the right wine enhances every winter moment. Stock your cellar with these selections, experiment with food pairings, and embrace the cozy pleasures of winter wine drinking.
As we move through winter, take advantage of the excellent vintages currently available and discover new favorites that will make this winter season memorable. Cheers to finding warmth and pleasure in every glass!
