Michael SatterfieldThis is the fifth year of The Gentleman Racer’s holiday wine guide because the holiday table deserves something special. Whether you’re carving turkey, standing around the garage with friends checking out your latest project, or raising a glass as the year closes, the selections here deliver both tradition and a bit of flair. Consider this your “go‐to” list to help you face the feast with confidence (and maybe impress your supper guests just a little).
I have arranged this list based on wines we have purchased, received, or had at some of our favorite wine-pairing dinners. All of the wines that made the list are here not because they are expensive, trending, or because they have paid to make this annual list; they are here simply because they are the best.
2025 The Gentleman Racer Holiday Wine Guide
2024 Peltier Estate Native Zinfandel
This is a fresher vintage with less cellar time but plenty of personality. Zinfandel brings bold fruit, spice, and maybe a hint of pepper. It is extraordinary for that slightly more relaxed holiday gathering when you want fun without sacrificing quality.
$26 – Shop Here
2021 Peltier Estate Signature Triomphe – Premium Red Blend
This premium red blend steps up the game, a mix of varietals bringing complexity and depth. It’s ideal for guests who might balk at a straight cab and appreciate a layered wine with flair. It’s your “small upgrade” without committing to spending on ultra‐luxury labels.
$40 – Shop Here
2022 The Gala – Brut Nature – Sparkling
Sparkling wines deserve their place on the holiday wine guide. Brut Nature means zero or very low added sugar, so it cleanses the palate beautifully and lifts the mood. It is excellent for pre-dinner toasts, dessert pairing, or simply signaling the season’s cheer.
$45 – Shop Here
2020 Schatz Family Reserve Teroldego
Teroldego is a less familiar varietal, and that’s part of the appeal, something to stir conversation and curiosity. Expect brambly dark berries, savoury undertones, and a food-friendly structure. Perfect for carving out some wine discovery time at the holiday table.
$50 – Shop Here
2024 Gamble Estate Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp white to balance the heavier reds, ideal for pre-dinner sipping, lighter hors d’oeuvres, or for guests who prefer white wine. Think bright citrus, clean finish, and a palette refresher before the heavier mains. It is one of our favorite white wines
$60 – Shop Here
2020 Xander Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara Pinot has a bit more California sunshine energy—ripe fruits, some spice, still elegant. A good choice when you’re serving poultry, turkey or vegetarian mains and want something lighter but serious.
$75 – Shop Here
2019 St Supery Elu Napa Valley
A Napa landmark that makes refined, layered wines, the ELU is often a blend that is elegant and structured. Ideal for those moments when you bring out the “special” bottle and want conversation to pause while people sip.
$92 – Shop Here
2019 Xander Soren Private Selection Pinot Noir Olivet Lane
Pinot Noir from Russian River brings a refined, lighter red, bright cherry, subtle earth, and silky texture. Perfect for holiday dishes that lean lighter or for guests who shy away from big tannic reds.
$95 – More Info
2019 St Supery Dollarhide Cabernet Sauvignon
The top tier of the group; if you’re celebrating big, this is the bottle. Rich plums, cassis, mocha, long finish. Best served decanted and enjoyed slowly while the table lingers. St Supery has made it on our list three years in a row for a reason.
$125 – Shop Here
2019 St Supéry Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Classic Rutherford character with ripe blackberry, cassis, cocoa powder tannins, and a long polished finish. Decant for an hour and pour with prime rib or a post-turkey beef tenderloin. A confident anchor bottle for a holiday table that has made our list again and again.
$135 – Shop Here
2020 Xander Soren Private Selection Ludeon Central Coast
Central Coast red from this producer offers nuanced richness, black and red fruit mix with layered aromatics. A slightly different direction if you’re looking to stray from pure varietals and present a thoughtful bottle.
$195 – Shop Here
2021 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
For the serious red-wine lover at your gathering, this Napa Cabernet delivers. It’s big, rich, and layered, with blackcurrant, cedar, and refined tannins. It’s ideal for legume-and-lasagna nights or beef roast evenings where you want a wine that stands tall.
$225 – Shop Here
2022 Seven Apart Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon
(Release November 2025) Another Napa Cab that makes a statement, structured, rich, with long finish. Use it when you’re serving prime rib, or want to send guests home remembering your table for more than just the pie.
Est. $200-$250 – More Info
2022 Caldwell Vineyard Brion Cabernet Sauvignon
Caldwell brings hillside charm and sophistication: Boutique, precise, elegant. This is your “class act” bottle when you want to elevate the evening beyond the expected. A nod to tradition with finesse, this one we expect to make on the holiday wine guide in future years.
$225 – More Info
2019 Palmaz Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
From an estate known for innovation and depth, this Napa Cabernet is upscale, refined, and makes for an impressive choice. Use it as the premium bottle for your dinner when you want the wine moment to stand out.
$225 – Shop Here
Just remember the best wine is the wine you like…
Mix and match based on your guest list, the meal, and how much you want to stretch beyond the familiar. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to luxe Napa Cabernet, this guide covers approachable to aspirational. The holiday season is about coming together, these wines help the gathering feel intentional, enjoyable, and a little elevated. And yes, all of these are great host gifts, so keep a couple of extra bottles on hand for when you get invited over in the new year.
