By Carl Franco
As we make our way through the holiday season, some festivities are already in full swing and others looming ahead. But whether you are an organized planner or a “fly by the seat of your pants” person, the one common theme is that you’re going to need wine and spirits. If you’re hosting, you’ll need a little party-planning advice. If you’re attending, you’ll need a proper hostess gift. And if you’re swearing off gatherings entirely and channeling your inner Scrooge, well, you can still enjoy a bottle by the fire while you wait for Jacob Marley to materialize.
As you plan your big celebration, holiday dinner, quiet night, or gift list, it all starts with the advice I’ve offered before: find a wine shop that works within your comfort zone. Once you have that, everything else becomes much easier. And as you explore the recommendations below, keep in mind that many of these wines are available to taste during at our Weekly Wine Tasting we host every Friday and Saturday afternoon in our store, and a perfect opportunity to discover your next favorite bottle.
The Big Party
If you’re throwing a big Gatsby-style open-house bash with 100-plus guests, the inevitable question becomes, “How much booze do I need?” If there are X glasses of wine in a case and your headcount is Y, but Y represents the guests who prefer spirits, it can start to feel like one of those grade-school math problems with trains leaving Chicago and New York at different speeds. This is exactly where your wine expert steps in to do the heavy lifting.
While there are plenty of variables, some predictable and others not, when it comes to what guests will drink and how much, the right wine shop will help you navigate all of that. They’ll build in a little cushion into your order so you don’t find yourself running out mid-party. And most reputable shops will gladly take back any unopened, saleable bottles, making it easy to order with confidence and ensure you have just a bit more than you think you’ll need. Also, any well-stocked shop will have price points at several different levels and will help you keep things in budget.
Holiday Gift Giving
Gift Giving is another category that can stress people out, especially if your wine knowledge tops out at “red or white.” Once again, the key is guidance. Simple gift-giving is always appreciated, and it never hurts to keep a case of wine on hand for last-minute needs. It might be your dedicated mail carrier, the delivery driver who reliably brings your packages, or the refuse crew hauling away those empty boxes. A thoughtful gesture goes a long way, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can always find a variety of value-driven wines like the Aquamarine Sauvignon Blanc or the Masciarelli Montepulciano at Francos.
Heading to a holiday party or buying for someone who isn’t a serious collector but still enjoys a good bottle? The $25–$35 range will offer plenty of strong options at a quality wine shop. This is where stores that work with small producers really shine. These wineries often deliver the best value, with confident craftsmanship and sustainable, organic, or low-intervention practices in both the vineyard and the cellar. Don’t get lured in by the big commercial brands stacked in every store when your wine merchant can guide you to something far better. Stop into my shop and you’ll see choices like Domaine Schaller Chablis, Monte Real Rioja Reserva, and Podere Casanova Rosso di Montepulciano.
If you’ve got a serious collector on your list, trusted guidance becomes even more important. When you’re considering a $500 to $5,000 gift, you want to be sure the bottle truly aligns with the recipient’s taste and style. This is not the moment to walk into a shop eager to push its priciest labels. You should leave feeling confident that you’ve chosen the right wine for the right person.
At Francos this season, those searching for wines with real bottle age will find Anselma Barolo in the 2011, 2016, and 1999 vintages. If there’s a Sauternes lover on your list, the 2005 Château d’Yquem is an undeniably extraordinary gift. And if you’re looking to make a truly lasting impression, our exclusive three- and six-bottle cases are the pinnacle of collector indulgence. Offer something remarkable with selections like the 2016 Château L’Evangile or 2016 Château Angélus, each presented in its classic six-bottle wooden case, or explore California through the 2016 BOND Estate three-bottle sets, sourced from distinguished vineyard sites and also housed in elegant wooden boxes. These are just a few of the standout choices available to collectors this season.
It’s a Wonderful Dinner
Holiday menus can run the full gamut. Some of us stick with the tried-and-true ham or turkey dinners, while others get ambitious with a Feast of the Seven Fishes or an always-impressive Beef Wellington. And then there are those who harken back to merry old England and roast a goose. Whatever your menu, your trusted wine shop will have the right pairing for the occasion.
For seafood-focused meals, consider the 2024 Il Bergo Gavi or the 2024 Casa D’Ambra Leninfe. Beef lovers may gravitate toward bolder selections like the 2019 Château Gloria, 2019 Château Pédesclaux, or the 2022 The Conspirator Cabernet, or head over to Italy with the 2023 Sassalloro. Ham and turkey pair beautifully with options such as the 2022 Trimbach Pinot Blanc, 2024 Nicolas Delfaud Mâcon-Verzé, or the 2021 Résonance Chardonnay. However your menu evolves, there are always wines that will not only complement and elevate the meal but also add a touch of elegance while accommodating everything from budget to personal taste.
The Other Side of the Bar
Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt Scotch, Tequila are all popular spirits. But if you decide to stray from the run of the mill choices everyone is always looking for, you can discover some truly interesting options. If a shop offers nothing beyond the predictable lineup, keep in mind there’s always somewhere you can discover something exceptional.
Cynar, Chartreuse, Velvet Falernum, Amaro, Crème de Violette, all those obscure liqueurs that you may have never seen or heard of but now you need them for a signature cocktail? Well they are always available at Francos.
Keeping Kosher
Keeping kosher during the holidays is never a problem. There are a wide variety of wines, not just “kosher wines,” but good wines that happen to be kosher. Producers today are making some truly impressive bottles, from crisp whites to bold reds. Whether you’re setting the holiday table, bringing a host gift, or just stocking up for the season, you’ll find plenty of options that meet kosher guidelines without asking you to compromise on flavor, quality, or style. And if you’re not sure where to start, the right shop will point you in the right direction.
Non-Alc? Non problème
It can’t be ignored, the Non-Alcoholic movement has made its mark and is here to stay. The good news is that the offerings have improved immensely. I’ll admit, I still haven’t found a NA spirit I like enough to carry, but there are some out there. However, the wines, pre-mixed cocktails, sparklers, and spritzes I have found have much to offer these days. So as you plan your party or gathering, keep in mind that some guests may not drink, or may not be drinking that night and it’s always nice to have a selection of offerings to make them feel included.
The Final Pour
At the end of the day, whether you’re planning a party, navigating a gift list, or finding wines for your holiday table, wine and spirits shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. The right shop with the right person behind the counter can make all the difference. Building a relationship with a knowledgeable wine merchant ensures every gift, dinner party, and celebration is a success. This season, give yourself the gift of confidence and let your wine merchant guide your sleigh tonight.
Carl Franco is the proprietor of Francos Wine Merchants
