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Holiday Wine Picks 2025: Denver Post's Seasonal Guide

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/18 .. ine-picks-2025-denver-post-s-seasonal-guide.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 9:40 GMT by The Denver Post

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Holiday Wine Picks According to the Denver Post – A 2025 Seasonal Guide

The December of 2025 was no ordinary holiday season for wine lovers. In a feature published on the Denver Post’s “Holiday Wine Suggestions” page (November 18 2025), editors compiled a year‑long list of the best bottles to stock for feasts, gift‑giving, and cozy nights in front of a fire. The piece does more than just name a handful of vintages – it walks readers through the selection criteria, offers practical buying tips, and links out to local Colorado wineries for deeper dives. Below is a concise but comprehensive summary of the article’s content, the wines it recommends, and the contextual resources it provides.

1. Setting the Stage: Why the Holiday Wine List Matters

The article opens with a brief note on how the holiday season turns the kitchen into a “mini‑winery” and how choosing the right bottle can elevate a meal from ordinary to memorable. The editor stresses that a good holiday wine isn’t just about taste; it should also be a conversation piece, a thoughtful gift, and, when possible, a showcase of Colorado’s burgeoning wine industry.

The piece outlines its guiding principles for the recommendations:

1. Seasonal Compatibility – Wines that pair well with common holiday fare (turkey, ham, root‑vegetables, and chocolate desserts).
2. Local Flavor – Preference for Colorado‑grown grapes, whenever available, to support regional producers.
3. Affordability – Suggestions span from under $25 to $75, ensuring there’s a bottle for every budget.
4. Availability – Bottles that can be pre‑ordered or expected to be in stock by early December.

2. The Six Core Categories

The post breaks the list down into six categories, each with two standout bottles. For every recommendation, the article offers tasting notes, food‑pairing advice, and an approximate price point.

Note: Prices reflect the Denver Post’s retail estimate at the time of writing; some bottles were available for pre‑order through the article’s links.

3. Highlighted Local Wineries

A key component of the article is its emphasis on Colorado’s wine scene. Readers were given direct links to several wineries featured in the recommendations:

• St. Vrain Estate – The article linked to the winery’s tasting room page (https://www.stvrainwinery.com) and highlighted their “Brut 2024” sparkling as the best holiday sparkle.
• Colorado Ridge Estate – A link to the vineyard’s story page (https://www.coloradoridge.com) explained their unique micro‑climate and how it yields a bright, mineral‑rich rosé.
• Rocky Mount Vineyards – A short blog post about the vineyard’s transition to sustainable practices (https://rockymountvineyards.com/sustainability) was cited as evidence for why the Pinot Noir is a must‑try.

The Denver Post editorial team used these links not only to give readers direct access to purchase options but also to deepen the narrative around each wine’s terroir.

4. Practical Buying & Storage Tips

The article’s “How to Make the Most of Your Holiday Wine” section covered:

• Buying Early – Advice to secure pre‑orders by late October, especially for limited‑edition bottles.
• Storing – The piece reminds readers that reds should be stored at 55–60 °F while sparkling and rosé are best kept at 45–50 °F.
• Serving – Guidance on decanting reds and the ideal glassware for each category.
• Gift‑Wrapping – The article offered a short DIY tutorial for wrapping bottles in burlap and adding a handwritten note.

These practical pointers helped readers feel confident in both the acquisition and enjoyment of the wines.

5. Complementary Resources

In keeping with the Denver Post’s habit of providing readers with a broader context, the article featured several outbound links:

• Denver Post’s “Best Colorado Wineries 2025” – A broader guide listing top vineyards, their unique varietals, and regional tours.
• Holiday Cocktail Recipes – A separate post that paired wine-based cocktails with holiday dishes.
• Sustainable Wine Production in Colorado – An investigative piece linking to environmental studies of Colorado’s wineries.

By interlinking these resources, the Denver Post not only offered a static list of wines but created a network of related content for readers to explore.

6. Bottom Line

The Denver Post’s holiday wine guide is a thoughtfully curated, budget‑friendly, and regionally‑focused resource that makes the season’s beverage planning both exciting and accessible. With six distinct categories, twelve standout bottles, and practical advice, the article equips readers to host memorable feasts, give thoughtful wine gifts, and, most importantly, celebrate the local Colorado wine industry. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a holiday host in need of guidance, this guide has a bottle for every occasion—and a link to help you get it.