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Holiday-Themed Tastings and Tours: From Napa's Winter Reserve to Washington's 12 Days of Christmas

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 11:52 GMT by Food & Wine

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Holiday Season at United States Wineries: A Festive Guide to Tasting, Gifting, and Exploring

As the calendar turns toward the holidays, the country’s most celebrated wine regions turn their doors open for a season of merriment, unique tastings, and special gift offerings. The Food & Wine article “Holiday Season at United States Wineries” paints a vivid picture of how wineries from California’s Napa Valley to Oregon’s Willamette River and Washington’s Columbia Valley are embracing the festive spirit. By blending seasonal experiences with timeless vintages, the wine world offers both seasoned connoisseurs and curious beginners an abundance of holiday‑themed adventures.

1. Holiday‑Themed Tastings and Tours

Most wineries are extending their tasting rooms into winter wonderlands. In Napa, the famous Robert Mondavi Winery hosts a “Christmas in the Vineyards” evening, complete with twinkling lights, hot chocolate, and a guided tour that ends at a private tasting of their new “Winter Reserve” – a limited‑edition Cabernet that blends the depth of a late‑harvest with the bright acidity of a cooler climate.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyards offers a “Festive Flight” featuring their prized Pinot Noirs, each paired with a small chocolate truffle that’s crafted to echo the wine’s nutty undertones. Visitors can also enjoy a holiday-themed walk through the vineyard, where each row is marked with a different season’s motif—reds for winter, golds for spring, etc.

Washington’s Columbia Valley Cellars has introduced a “12 Days of Christmas” tasting series, with a new bottle highlighted each day. These events combine storytelling about the wine’s journey from vine to bottle with a tasting of the winery’s most celebrated sparkling wines, a nod to the celebratory nature of the holiday season.

2. Special Holiday Releases

Wineries are tapping into the gift‑market by releasing limited‑edition bottles that feel truly seasonal. Kendall-Jackson launched a “Holiday Edition Riesling” that comes in a frosted bottle and includes a handcrafted wooden box. Similarly, Phelps and Jordan introduced “Holiday Reserve” editions of their flagship Chardonnays, featuring an embossed ribbon that reads “Happy Holidays.”

For those looking for something more unconventional, the article notes that Rombauer’s “Winter Sparkle” was released in a small bottle (12 oz) with a playful “Merry Sparkle” label. It’s a convenient size for holiday gift baskets or for a quick celebratory toast.

3. Gift‑Giving Ideas and Wine Baskets

Food & Wine highlights that the best way to use a winery’s holiday offerings is in thoughtful gifts. Many wineries now curate “Holiday Gift Baskets” that pair a wine with artisan chocolates, gourmet cheeses, or even seasonal kitchen tools. The E. Guion winery features a “Winter Harvest” basket that includes a bottle of their best “Late‑Harvest Merlot,” a hand‑made chocolate truffle, and a small ceramic dish for serving.

Other wineries, such as Vik, provide “Gift Packages” that include a wine, a personalized engraved glass, and a booklet of holiday pairing suggestions—perfect for guests who love to host dinner parties.

The article also touches on the trend of “Wine Club” memberships that come with holiday perks: a discounted rate on the next vintage and an exclusive holiday tasting invitation. For those who don’t have a favorite winery, joining a local wine club can become a “new” holiday tradition.

4. The Pairing Palate

Because the holiday season is often centered around food, many wineries emphasize pairing. For example, Montalcino recommends pairing their “Holiday Blend” with roasted turkey and cranberries, while Château suggests a light “Rosé” as an aperitif before the meal. Food & Wine’s article goes into detail about these pairings, noting that the warmth of the holiday climate is matched by the depth of the wine’s flavors.

In addition to food pairings, several wineries highlight wine and chocolate pairings—an especially sweet holiday indulgence. The Willamette Valley Vineyards’ tasting room, for example, offers a “Chocolate & Wine Night” featuring a tasting flight of Pinot Noir paired with a selection of dark chocolate truffles. Visitors can learn how the tannins in the wine help cut through the chocolate’s sweetness, creating a balanced sensory experience.

5. Virtual Options and Shipping

Recognizing that not everyone can travel during the holidays, many wineries offer virtual tours and online tastings. These options allow customers to “experience” the vineyard from home and still receive a specially curated holiday tasting kit in the mail. For shipping, wineries typically use insulated boxes with wine‑safe packaging to ensure that the bottles arrive in pristine condition, even during peak holiday delivery periods.

The article also advises potential buyers to check shipping restrictions (e.g., alcohol restrictions in certain states or during certain times of the year) and to plan ahead. By ordering early, they can avoid last‑minute delays and ensure that the wine arrives before the holiday dinner.

6. Special Events and Festivities

Beyond tastings, wineries are hosting a variety of holiday events that transform the wine‑making experience. In Napa, the Yountville Holiday Market features local artisans, craft vendors, and live music, all under the shade of a festive canopy. Some wineries, such as Fisherman’s Harvest in Oregon, have turned their vineyards into a winter light show, with thousands of LED lights strung between the vines and a warm fire pit at the end of the trail.

Food & Wine notes that many of these events are “family‑friendly,” with activities for children that range from “Pinot Noir Paint‑and‑Sip” to “Grape‑Picking for Kids.” They also mention that many wineries provide holiday-themed gift certificates—an easy and flexible option for guests who love to explore multiple wineries.

7. Practical Tips for the Holiday Wine Shopper

The article concludes with practical advice for anyone navigating the holiday wine market:

1. Plan Ahead – Book tastings, tours, and gift baskets at least two months in advance.
2. Consider Seasonal Pairings – Look for wines that complement holiday foods.
3. Use Gift Wrapping Services – Many wineries now offer custom gift wrapping with seasonal ribbons and personalized notes.
4. Explore Shipping Options – Choose wine‑safe boxes, and confirm delivery times.
5. Take Advantage of Virtual Tastings – For those who can’t travel, many wineries offer online tasting experiences with professional guides.

In Summary

The “Holiday Season at United States Wineries” article offers a comprehensive look at how American wineries are infusing their vineyards and tasting rooms with holiday cheer. From festive tours and limited‑edition releases to gift baskets and virtual tasting experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, searching for the perfect wine gift, or simply looking for a cozy winter escape, the U.S. wine country provides an abundance of options that promise both the warmth of the season and the sophisticated elegance of a well‑crafted bottle.