I have recently been asked by so many people, “should I bring a bottle of wine even if the host has said not to?” The answer is YES. Christmas parties are a whole lot of work and while good hosts will insist you bring nothing, they will love you for not listening. That said, if you are not familiar with various grapes and wine regions, what KIND of wine do you bring? Being somewhat of a wine aficionado myself (or rather daily drinker), I have broken down some types of Christmas parties you may be invited to but stumped about what kind of wine to bring.
Casual Holiday Gathering with Friends
The holiday parties leading up to Christmas Eve and Day tend to be more on the casual side. Many will even bring what they want to drink that night – everything from rum to vodka to scotch whiskey is brought to casual shindigs with tons of people. In terms of wine, the same applies – bring a wine that you enjoy but that is not overpriced as you never know what the others will bring
Christmas Eve Italian Seafood Feast
If you’re Italian, you know that Dec. 24th is all about the seafood – and lots of it! I am French and have often been invited to Italian friends’ homes to experience this amazing feast of seafood, sauce and lots of delicious bread. I’m salivating just writing this! So what wine to bring? Your host will appreciate your presence even more if you can find a delicious white Italian wine. Regular LCBO locations may lack options, so I do suggest visiting the Summerhill location, where most of us (me in particular) can get lost in wine heaven.
Christmas Day with the In-Laws
This occasion definitely depends on the in-laws’ “cool factor”. At my house, the rents are cool but also major wine snobs, so my better half does struggle with picking out wines to bring over. Thank God he’s got me – ha! That said, buying wine for my dad is nerve wrecking so what we’ve often done is bring a good bottle of sparkling or go for a big red wine that they can choose to drink that evening or just add to their wine cellar.
Holiday Brunch
Throwing brunch parties seems to be a new trend emerging – but do you still bring wine? Hell ya! Day drinking is the best – especially over the holidays. Given that brunch is usually on the lighter side than a full-fledged dinner, go with a nice Chardonnay from California – buttery and rich and perfect to pair with egg based creations.
