Pride Journeys Holiday Wine Guide: The Reds – 31 Must Have Red Wines

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious meals, and savor a glass of exceptional red wine. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, or looking for the perfect gift for a wine lover, the right bottle of red can elevate any festive occasion. From rich and velvety Cabernets to warm and spicy Syrahs, there’s a world of red wines to explore that pair beautifully with holiday feasts and celebrations. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best red wines to complement your holiday season, ensuring every sip adds a touch of warmth and joy to your festivities.

Résonance 2021 Founder's Blocks Pinot Noir - This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir isn't just a wine; it's a tale of two vineyards reunited, a harmonious blend that speaks to the collaborative spirit between Oregon and Burgundy. With its complex nose of blackberry, lilac, and forest floor, it's sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering. Founder’s Blocks reunites these properties that were once part of a singular estate, blending select blocks from Résonance vineyard with the special plantings from Jolis Monts. This wine expresses the history of the land, the inspiration of the founders and the collaborative energy between Oregon and Burgundy as reflected in two reunited vineyards. The wine has a bright color with nice reflections. The nose is complex, with blackberry, lilac, black pepper, tobacco leaf, forest floor and noble wood fragrance. The palate reveals a complex balance of ripe tannins, black fruits, vibrant minerality and long finale.

Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - Indulge your Cab-loving crew with this exquisite Napa Valley blend. Boasting aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm hints of vanilla and caramelized black fruit, this wine is a true Napa Valley gem. Sequoia Grove’s Cabernets emphasize finesse and balance, and they’re intentionally crafted to pair with a wide variety of foods, from Vegetarian appetizers to hearty ham dishes. The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from the finest vineyard sites in the best appellations of Napa Valley, including the Sequoia Grove Estate and Tonella Estate Vineyards in Rutherford, as well as select parcels from top growers, including Morisoli and Beckstoffer in Rutherford, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux in the Oak Knoll District and Healy in St. Helena. All fruit is hand sorted before undergoing a cold soak followed by inoculation with French yeast strains. Individual wines are fermented in small batches with daily pump-overs. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and is further aged in oak before bottling. Aged for 18 months in French oak, it offers the perfect balance of richness and complexity that Cab aficionados crave.

Résonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 - For your newly minted Francophile friend, offer a taste of French savoir-faire with an American twist. This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is crafted by Guillaume Large, who brought his Burgundian expertise to Oregon. Their Willamette Valley Pinot noir represents a blend of the finest vineyards in the Willamette Valley and includes grapes from the winery’s own estate vineyards, Résonance and Découverte. Résonance work with like-minded wine growers throughout the area who share their commitment to cultivating terroir-driven Pinot noir. The result is a cuvée that offers an authentic representation of the Willamette Valley AVA. With its expressive aromas of blueberry, raspberry, and lavender, this wine bridges the gap between Old World elegance and New World terroir – perfect for those who've embraced that je ne sais quoi.

PassioneSentimento Romeo & Juliet Rosso Veneto IGT 2021 - Inspired by the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet, this vibrant red wine channels the romance of Verona’s most famous sweethearts, making it the ideal companion for romantic occasions during the autumn "cuffing season." Its smooth, fruity character pairs beautifully with intimate dinners, cheese boards, or casual charcuterie spreads. Whether celebrating at a cozy bonfire or enjoying a quiet evening with a loved one, this wine’s heartfelt inspiration adds passion to every moment.

Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé Tre Venezie IGT 2023 - Pasqua’s 11 Minutes is a unique rosé blend of four distinctive grape varieties, Corvina, Trebbiano, Syrah and Carmenère, which beautifully conveys the minerality and freshness of the Lake Garda terroir. The wine's name refers to the duration of skin contact in the winemaking process—and also hints at how quickly the bottle tends to disappear! With its sleek, elegant bottle, 11 Minutes is a sophisticated choice for any holiday table, perfect for festive entertaining.

Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella 2015 - Mai Dire Mai Amarone has a vertical and incisive personality and is a wine coming from a specific area which challenges time and craftsmanship. All grapes are hand-picked and undergo the traditional drying process for three months, becoming more concentrated and losing about 25-30% of their weight. This is a complex wine with great structure, elegance and strength. Still young but with a great personality. The nose reveals intense aromas of underbrush, morello cherry, cedar wood, cocoa and hints of leather. The palate is warm and rich, enveloping and complex, with notes of ripe black fruit, cloves, dark chocolate and mocha. A highly complex and fresh-tasting wine owing to its notable acidity. The tannins are decisive yet elegant with a charming and lingering finish.

C.L. Butaud 2021 Tempranillo - Winemaker Randy Hester, who learned his craft in the Napa Valley before starting his own winery in Texas, uses grapes grown by the sustainably farmed Farmhouse vineyard in the High Plains appellation. Hester calls the wine elegant, sexy and sophisticated, with irresistible aromas of plums and dark cherries and alluring hints of wet tobacco. It has wonderful richness and is well structured with a smooth finish.

Stinson Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Franc, Monticello, Virginia - From a family-owned winery in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this captivating Cabernet Franc was inspired by the great wines of the Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux. It’s a graceful, seductive wine with notable black cherry and floral aromas, followed by bright, round textures with hints of baking spice and tea. French oak barrel aging complements the complex fruit character.

Ceretto - Vignaioli di Santo Stefano Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2023 - Bruno and Marcello Ceretto, along with Giancarlo Scavino and five friends, founded I Vignaioli di Santo Stefano in 1976 to elevate Moscato d'Asti. Today, only the Ceretto and Scavino families continue the tradition, farming over 74 acres of Moscato and leasing the 37-acre San Maurizio Estate. This lively, aromatic 2023 Moscato d'Asti offers fragrances of peaches, apricots, and white flowers. The refined bubbles enhance the wine’s delicate aromas and flavors, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Low in alcohol, it’s ideal as an aperitif or dessert wine when served chilled.

Tenuta Regaleali Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2021 - One of the first wines produced at the estate and made for the 65 consecutive vintages, the Regaleali red is a great introduction to the beauty of this indigenous variety. Bright red in color and fresh on the palate, this wine is the perfect blend of austerity and elegance, a classic interpretation of a much beloved native Sicilian varietal. Its deep, complex profile, characterized by bold fruit-driven flavors offers a luxurious sip, pairing beautifully with hearty dishes, as well as lighter cheese bites or enriching conversations.

Famiglia Cotarella Sodale Merlot Lazio IGT 2020 - In Ancient Rome 'Sodale' means 'member of a partnership'. The same concept of fraternity is common to all generations of the Cotarella family, strongly linked to the Lazio region, where this wine is born. The color is intense red with purple reflections. The smell comes with notes of red fruit and sweet spices that blend in a perfect balance with vanilla wood notes. The taste is round, harmonious, pleasant with endurance of good persistence and with sweet tannins.

San Polo Montalcino Rubio Toscana IGT 2021 - Rubio has a brilliant ruby red color with purple hues. Intensely fruity aromas, with notes of cherry, violet, and black currant, followed by spicy notes. Well-structured and balanced, with pleasant tannins and great aromatic persistence. The sensations of berries and cherries, typical of the variety, give it great drinkability, in addition to considerable intensity and elegance. Sangiovese, Montalcino’s most important grape variety, is fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, giving life to a wine with great freshness and versatility. Deep ruby red in color, Rubio is modern and elegant and conveys the lively fragrances and colors of an untouched natural environment.

2020 The Paring Red Blend - Born out of The Hilt and JONATA winemaker Matt Dees' desire for experimentation, these wines blend grapes from the most renowned vineyards in Santa Barbara. The Paring is made from vineyard blocks at Radian, Bentrock, JONATA and other sites around Santa Ynez, Sta Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, which are farmed at the highest standards. The grapes are blended and aged together, creating high-quality, balanced wines. This vintage comprises 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot from slightly cooler vineyard sites. The resulting wine is beautifully structured with a focused, fruit forward profile.

Selvapiana Vigneto Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva - This Chianti Rùfina is the pillar of Selvapiana's esteemed wine production, crafted from a blend of primarily Sangiovese with a small amount of Canaiolo. It is vinified in thermo-regulated stainless-steel tanks at a fermentation temperature of 82° F. It then spends time in steel tanks (30%), sessile oak casks (50%) and barriques (20%). After blending, the wine is refined in French oak casks for two to three months. This wine is an excellent example of the finesse and crispness the Rùfina subzone of Chianti delivers.

2021 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir - The 2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay showcases Chris Kajani’s–president and winemaker of Bouchaine Vineyards–adept ability to complement the naturally bright characteristics of the variety with the strategic use of 50% malolactic fermentation alongside 18% French new oak. The extreme diurnal shifts in the vineyard, which can range from 40°F on chilly nights to 85°F on sunny days, hold acidity and create structure that Kajani captures to bring vibrancy and texture to the wine. The result is a refreshing minerality coupled with complex flavors and depth for a food-friendly and distinctive wine.

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello 2019 - A Classic from Italy - Situated in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, the historic 5,000-acre Castiglion del Bosco estate produces some of Tuscany’s most singular Brunellos. Benefiting from superb exposition and natural isolation northwest of Montalcino, the renovated winery boasts 152 acres of certified organic vineyards composed of rocky soils ideal for crafting elegant and complex wines. The 2019 Brunello is a great expression of a balanced vintage. The color is clear and vibrant to the eye. The intense nose plays on floral and herbal hints. In the mouth the tannins are balanced and well integrated, making a pleasant wine with enjoyable peaks of freshness. On the finish a clean and harmonious aftertaste. 

Brassfield, Perspective Syrah 2017 - 2017 is the most fruit forward of the Perspectives Syrah vintages with aromas of ripe Bing cherry and blueberry which carry through to the palate. This is a real winner, with freshness and brightness delivering balance to a wine that is built to showcase the ridges above the winery. Cocoa like, silky tannins invite you to enjoy this opulent gem today. These sophisticated tones prove even more delicious paired with the tart acidity of the palate adding depth through to the finish.

Bodega DiamAndes Perlita Malbec 2020 - Recently named one of the World's 50 Best Vineyards, DiamAndes is owned and operated by the same esteemed family behind Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere in Bordeaux. This wine is an original blend of two magnificent grape varieties: Malbec and Syrah. The typicality of the Argentine Malbec combined with the smoothness of the Syrah results in a pleasant, full and rich wine. The palate develops beautiful ripe fruit and very soft but intense tannins with a silky, velvety finish.

Primocolle Villa Cerna Chianti Classico DOCG 2020 - Pirmocolle, a Chianti Classico wine made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, is aged for 9 months in barriques. Hailing from Villa Cerna in Castellina, its ideal sun exposure and diverse soils clay, limestone, sand, and marine fossils provide a balanced profile of acidity and tannins.

Varvaglione 12 e Mezz - “12 e Mezzo” means twelve and a half in Italian, referring to its lower ABV compared to most Pugliese wines. It features a bright straw-yellow color, with a soft body and fresh acidity, offering a slight sourness without the oak notes typical of other Chardonnays. Made with organic grapes, Varvaglione combines elegance with modern winemaking, making this Chardonnay from Italy’s heel a great choice for those who prefer a drier style.

The Federalist’s Cabernet Sauvignon -Cabernet Sauvignon: A rich, full-bodied wine with hints of black cherry and cassis. The Federalist’s Cabernet Sauvignon recently received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Vinat's Tasting Trio - Featuring three wines: Skinny Dip Prosecco, Cha Cha Cha, and Out of Office, this trio is perfect for holiday gifting. Vinat is a sister-founded wine brand known for its thoughtfully crafted European wines, adorned with fun and cheeky labels, along with easy pairing suggestions. Each wine has a customized Spotify playlist and bingeable show pairings. 

2022 La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon - Having just been named American Winery of the Year, La Crema is known for producing high quality, sustainably-made wines and this newest addition to its portfolio is no exception. The La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit-forward, elegant and approachable, the perfect wine for gifting to friends and family this holiday season. And on top of that, La Crema is a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, as a long term partner of Equality California and a sponsor of pride events across the country including Aspen Gay Ski Week, Miami Pride, Palm Springs Pride, Capital Pride and Gay Wine Weekend, among others. 

The Silver Oak Two-Bottle Holiday Gift is a delicious gift for the wine lover on your list, with this two-bottle gift including (1) bottle each of Silver Oak’s famously American oaked 2020 Alexander Valley and 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Packaged in the brand’s classic holiday gift box, these wines are luxurious favorites to add to a collection or enjoy this festive season. 

Zodiac Vertical - From the Donum Estate, this wine curates a vertical of the brand’s flagship wine, Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, curated in honor of Ai Weiwei's "Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads" that grace the Estate and wine labels. The labels within this collection feature the Year of the Rat (2020), the Ox (2021), and the Tiger (2022, new release). The bundle includes 3 (750 mL) bottles of wine and a gift box with customizable greeting card.

Sonoma Classics - Sonoma Coast Duo - From the succulent layers of zesty citrus, stone fruit, and shortbread that make our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay so dynamic and sophisticated to the generous plum, red berry, and rose petal flavors of our Sonoma Coast Pinot, this delightful duo makes a perfect holiday gift. For more than 35 years, MacRostie has been exploring the beauty and bounty of Sonoma Coast winemaking. Along the way, we have formed relationships with the region’s finest winegrowers. Made from a who’s who of iconic Sonoma Coast vineyards, and from our own acclaimed Thale’s and Nightwing estate vineyards, our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have become benchmarks for the region. This gift set includes two stunning wines, a beautiful gift box, a personalized gift note, and an Estate House Signature tasting certificate for two. 

French Blue Bordeaux Rouge - Experience the charm of our Bordeaux Rouge! This gem dazzles with a deep ruby-red color and irresistible juicy black currants and cherries aromas. Cabernet brings the backbone, while Merlot shows off with its lush fruitiness and a hint of spice, all wrapped up with a sweet kiss of vanilla from oak barrel aging. Take a sip, and you'll fall for its rich, smooth flavors and soft, lingering finish.  It's perfectly balanced and pure pleasure in a glass. Perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or anytime you want to add a touch of elegance to your day. Here’s to rich flavors and unforgettable moments!

St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate Elu - The Elegant Blends collection includes one bottle each of St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate Virtu and St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate Elu in a custom gift box. Elu has flavors of dried black plum and blackberry are complimented with a hint of black licorice, while Virtu has flavors of citrus including lemon and key lime, and dried peaches are focused and encouraged with creamy, toasted oak. Both wines are versatile, food friendly options with distinctive labels to delight your friends and family. St. Supéry, a CHANEL owned winery, is one of the rare 100% estate-grown Napa Valley wineries. Founded in 1982, St. Supéry is Certified Napa Green Winery and Vineyards and located in the renowned Rutherford growing region in the heart of Napa Valley. The winery specializes in sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and red Bordeaux varietals.

2019 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards is a local family-owned and operated winery in the Rutherford Appellation of Napa Valley, dedicated to growing and making premium, world-class wines while providing excellent hospitality with Napa Green certified and sustainable practices. The Leonardini family has built a multi-generational legacy at Whitehall Lane, which Tom Leonardini Sr. purchased in 1993. Today, Tom Jr., and his sister Katie manage day-to-day operations along with Winemaker Jason Moulton mentoring the third generation in sustainability, quality, and community.

Kopke Fine Ruby - A deep ruby color, with a garnet rim. A classic bouquet, on which the liveliness of young fruit produces a delicate balance. Firm and powerful in the mouth, it shows flavors of fresh fruit and delivers a long and harmonious finish.

Kopke Fine Tawny - A vivid orangey-brown color. On the nose, it reveals aromas of ripe and honeyed fruit combined with fragrant notes of vanilla. A smooth and round palate, full of rich and enveloping flavors.

Must Have Accessory

Dune Jewelry Ocean Gradient Wine Stopper - Elevate your favorite bottle with this artisan-crafted wine stopper, perfect for wine, olive oil, or sparkling beverages. Personalize it with your choice of sand, earth, or element for a truly unique gift, ideal for hosts or holiday celebrations. Made with durable stainless steel, this stopper can be engraved with up to three lines of text. Handcrafted in the USA with natural turquoise, mother of pearl, and your chosen sand or element, it’s a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind keepsake, made with love. Dune Jewelry is a woman-owned small business that specializes in custom, handcrafted jewelry and accessories designed to capture personal memories. Each piece incorporates sand and earth elements from thousands of locations around the world, creating unique treasures that celebrate cherished moments and inspire wanderlust. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and giving back, Dune Jewelry donates a portion of proceeds to meaningful causes.