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Pick Perfect Pairings For Seasonal Celebrations

Written By Jean Sexton

Posted 10/21/21

Updated 10/13/23

Wine & Food

It’s that time of year when you want to pick perfect pairings for your seasonal celebrations, and Biltmore’s holiday hospitality experts are ready to help you!

“For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been sharing our expertise in gracious entertaining,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore Winemaker. “Whether you’re planning a holiday happening in your home, traveling to Biltmore for a family getaway, or hosting a virtual visit with faraway friends, we’ll help you pick perfect Biltmore wine pairings for all your gatherings.”


Friendsgiving (Saturday before Thanksgiving)

Perfect pairings include wine and meatballs
Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs

Traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is often a less formal gathering of friends and loved ones, with dishes ranging from traditional to potluck to leftovers.

“If you’re not sure what your host is serving, or if you expect a lot of different dishes, it’s a good idea to have both red and white wines on hand,” Sharon said.

Friendsgiving food-and-wine pairing suggestions:


Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)

Biltmore wines make perfect pairings with your Thanksgiving menu
Our Thanksgiving Wine Trio offers perfect pairing partners for your favorite holiday flavors!

“Thanksgiving is probably the most food-oriented holiday of the year,” said Sharon “and that’s why we created our Thanksgiving Wine Trio featuring three outstanding Biltmore wines to pair with a wide variety of your favorite dishes.”

For a traditional Thanksgiving menu, Sharon suggests these perfect pairings with wines from our Thanksgiving Trio:


Hanukkah (December 7–15, 2023)

Biltmore Grown Beef Brisket with a bottle of The Hunt
Perfect pairings: The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket

Known as the Festival of Lights, this Jewish tradition encompasses eight nights of celebration including stories, music, gifts and a variety of special dishes.

“While Biltmore wines are not certified Kosher, we would like to offer pairings that complement the delicious foods that are such an important part of the Hanukkah festivities,” Sharon noted.


Winter Solstice (December 21, 2023)

Biltmore wine with mulling spices
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!

The winter solstice marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate it in some fashion, although there are no well-established traditions for foods or activities.

“If you’re planning a winter solstice gathering, or just enjoying some star gazing on the longest night of the year, it’s a good time to sip something hearty like our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec,” said Sharon.


Christmas (December 25)

Perfect pairings with Biltmore wines
Celebrate Christmas with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines and your favorite holiday dishes

“There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people who celebrate it,” said Sharon. “Instead of individual of wine-and-food pairings, we suggest choosing one of our convenient Biltmore wine bundles to have on hand for the holidays. That way, you’ll be able to pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal occasions.”


Kwanzaa (December 26, 2023–January 1, 2024)

Perfect pairings: pumpkin pie and Biltmore wine

This week-long celebration of African cultures and principles is usually individualized by families or communities, but often includes singing, dancing storytelling, and a bountiful meal on the final night.

“A Kwanzaa menu can incorporate many different foods, with as much emphasis on the sides and desserts as the main offerings,” said Sharon. “For that reason, we’ve suggested Biltmore wine pairings with a selection of some of the more traditional dishes.”


New Year’s Day (January 1)

Vanderbilt Reserve wines
Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols!

While New Year’s Eve is all about sparkling wine, the traditional menu for New Year’s Day calls for a bit more than bubbles to bring good luck in the coming months:


Valentine’s Day (February 14)

Ventageo Red Dessert Wine with candles
Set a romantic mood with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine

“On this most romantic holiday, there are numerous ways to celebrate, so we’ve listed some wine-and-food suggestions that allow you to pick perfect pairings for your special occasion,” Sharon said.

Pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal celebrations!

Find these Biltmore wines for perfect pairings–plus all your other handcrafted favorites–in estate shops, online, and close to home with our Retail Locator.

For more holiday inspiration, visit our Gift Guide for Holiday Gatherings.