You know the holiday spirit starts in the bottle

The holidays are upon us: turkey’s brining, the pecan pie’s on standby, and you’ll need the perfect bottle of Texas vino to keep the mood merry and the conversations flowing. At Cellar Rat Wine Tours, we believe in local flavor for local gatherings so we’re spotlighting home-grown Texas wines that will impress even the most discerning holiday company.

Why Texas wine deserves the spotlight

Before we dive into pairings, a quick reminder: Texas wine country is more than BBQ and wide hats. The Texas Hill Country AVA and other AVAs are producing stellar varietals and food-friendly ones at that. (Wikipedia)

Plus, when the dinner table is loaded with everything from sweet potatoes to cranberry relish, you’ll want wines that can flex and believe it or not, Texas flexes.

Holiday Feast Pairing Cheat Sheet

Here are some go-to suggestions, tailored for those big spreads:

• Roast Turkey & Stuffing
  Go for a white with enough acidity to cut the richness, or a medium-body red that won’t overshadow the bird. A Texas Viognier or even a dry Roussanne shines.
  Recipe link: Try this Herb-Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy that’s savory, classic and wine-friendly.

• Cranberry Sauce / Relishes
  The bright tartness of cranberry needs a wine with liveliness like a Texas Tempranillo or a Rhône-style blend.
  Recipe link: Here’s a Cranberry-Orange Relish that brings zing and color.

• Ham or Sweet-Glazed Meats
  When the meat is glazed and sweet (hello, honey-maple ham), reach for a rosé or a light-medium red from Texas.
  Recipe link: Check out this Brown Sugar & Maple Glazed Ham that plays sweet-but-sophisticated.

• Mashed Potatoes / Creamed Corn / Rich Sides
  Creamy textures + fat = you’ll want a wine with either good acid (whites) or moderate tannins (reds). A Texas Bordeaux-style blend or a fuller white can do the trick.
  Recipe link: Try Garlic & Cream Mashed Potatoes to capture comfort side-dish heaven.

• Pumpkin Pie (or other sweet/spiced desserts)
  Don’t be afraid of a dessert wine or a wine with a touch of sweetness. A Texas-grown sweet white or late-harvest style can be your secret weapon.
  Recipe link: This Classic Pumpkin Pie hits the sweet-spice mark.

• Bonus: Appetizers & Nibbles
  Starting with cheese, nuts, a charcuterie board? Grab a Texas dry rosé or even a sparkling Texas wine to get things party-ready.
  Recipe link: Holiday Cheese & Charcuterie Board Ideas for the “before dinner” grazing.

Pro Tip: If your recipe calls for wine, only use wine you like so you can just drink the rest while you’re working hard preparing.

Texas wineries worth shopping

Here are five standout Texas Hill Country wineries that cover a range of styles and budgets so you can find the perfect blend for your guests and gathering.

• William Chris Vineyards (Hye, TX) – Popular TX winery you might even find in your HEB or local restaurant. Founded in 2008, they use Old-World techniques to express Texas terroir.
• Lost Draw Cellars (Johnson City, TX) – Known for some crisp Texas rosès and tasty Texas reds.
• Lewis Wines (Johnson City, TX) – Great for budget-conscious buyers. Founded in 2010, producing world-class wines using only Texas grapes.
• Calais Winery (Hye, TX) – A real palate treat. Boutique, premium wines from Texas grapes, with French winemaker roots.
• Pebble Rock Cellars (Johnson City, TX) – A small winery run by husband and wife, Rob & Lydia Nida, with big flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which wines will pair perfectly with your specific culinary plans and menu, reach out to the winery you’re interested ordering from. They can give you their expert advice and help walk you through which wines fit in best.

What to Bring If You’re Not Cooking 

Let’s say you’re the guest-with-taste, not the host-in-oven. Here’s your playbook:

• Aim for two bottles: one white or rosé for earlier in the evening (appetizers, small talk, avoiding the “I’ll only have water” trap), and one red for the main meal or afterward when the more serious eating begins.
• If you’re unsure what’s being served: go safe with something versatile: a Texas Tempranillo or a dry Texas rosé will play nicely with mixed dishes and unpredictable menus.
• Don’t forget to ask: does the host have enough glasses? It’s easier to bring an extra wine opener or decanter than to generate awkwardness.
• Presentation counts: pop it in a reusable wine bag or wrap it in a holiday tag saying “From the Hill Country to your holiday table.”

Pro Tip: Got a bottle of bubbles? Instead of using the regular old wine bottle opener, grab your bottle and a knife (with the upmost safety, of course). Go outside and SABER IT! It creates a celebratory mood that we all need.

Taste Before you Buy

The best way to know which wines to buy is to do a wine tasting. If you have time, let Cellar Rat be your holiday wine buying guide. Our all-inclusive wine tours give you the opportunity to explore the pour without any stress.

Final Toasts

Whether you’re carving the turkey or simply showing up to raise a glass, Texas wine brings a local twist to the festivities. You’ll impress yourself, your friends, and (let’s be honest) you’ll probably get repeat invites.

Here’s to holiday gatherings where the wine doesn’t just fill the glass, it fills the moment. Cheers, y’all!