After completing the Fine Vintage WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, I couldn’t wait to dive deeper. So this winter, I’m officially beginning my WSET Level 2 Award in Wines with Fine Vintage — the next big step on my path to one day becoming a Master of Wine.
The world of wine is endless, complex, and incredibly fun to explore, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to discover. Wine isn’t just something we drink at celebrations — it’s history, science, geography, art, and culture all poured into a single glass.
And what better time to level up your wine knowledge than during the holiday season? Whether you’re hosting friends, attending gatherings, or planning a New Year’s Eve celebration, the right bottles can truly elevate the experience.
So today, I’m sharing:
- why I’m continuing with Fine Vintage for Level 2,
- five incredible wines I’m tasting and loving this holiday season,
- and a few course recommendations if you’d like to learn more about wine alongside me.
Let’s pour into it.
Why I’m Taking WSET Level 2 With Fine Vintage
Fine Vintage is one of North America’s premier wine education companies, founded by James Cluer, Master of Wine. Their courses blend deep expertise with an approachable, engaging style — exactly what someone needs when moving from beginner to intermediate wine study.
WSET Level 2 expands into:
- classic wine regions and grape varieties
- how climate, soil, and winemaking styles influence flavour
- reading labels and understanding quality indicators
- deeper tasting structure using the WSET Systematic Approach
- pairing wine with food on a more advanced level
It’s the sweet spot for anyone who wants to understand why wines taste the way they do — and how to identify and describe them confidently.
After an amazing experience in Level 1 (shoutout again to Dan, who is as patient as he is brilliant), I’m excited to keep building my palate and knowledge base — and to share everything I learn in upcoming features on YEG Thrive and on Instagram.
Holiday Wines I’m Exploring & Loving This Season
Finding the right wine for winter gatherings is part personal taste, part adventure, and part understanding the unique styles that shine in colder months. These bottles offer incredible value, versatility, and crowd-pleasing character — whether you’re cooking at home, toasting with friends, or ringing in the New Year.
Here are six standouts I’m enjoying (and highly recommending!) for the holiday season.
1. Amélie & Charles Sparr Cerisier en Fleur
Region: Alsace, France
Style: Aromatic, elegant white
Perfect for: Holiday appetizers, seafood, winter brunch, festive gatherings
This beautiful bottle was generously donated by Color de Vino on Whyte Avenue — we asked them to share one of their favourite seasonal wines, and Cerisier en Fleur was their top pick. And after tasting it, I can absolutely see why.
This wine is graceful, floral, and bursting with character — the kind of bottle that turns heads at a holiday party without being overly intense or complicated.
Expect:
- delicate white blossoms
- orchard fruits
- citrus notes
- fresh minerality
- a soft, lifted finish
“Cerisier en Fleur” translates to “cherry blossom,” and the wine reflects that name beautifully — elegant, aromatic, and subtly expressive. It’s the perfect pairing for smoked salmon canapés, winter salads, shellfish, lighter appetizers, or even holiday brunch spreads.
About Color de Vino
Color de Vino is one of Edmonton’s most beloved boutique wine shops — locally owned, deeply passionate, and known for their carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and spirits. Their team searches the world for unique, ethical, small-production bottles that offer incredible value and unforgettable flavour.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday sipper, a rare gem, or the perfect bottle for a holiday dinner, their staff will happily guide you to something that suits your taste and budget.
If you’re shopping for wine this season, especially for gifts or parties, visit Color de Vino on Whyte Avenue — they’re warm, knowledgeable, and always excited to help people discover something new and delicious.
2. Les Volcans Puy de Dome Pinot Noir
Region: Auvergne, France
Style: Light to medium-bodied red
Perfect for: Holiday dinners, turkey, charcuterie, cozy nights in
This French Pinot Noir comes from volcanic soils — yes, literal ancient lava — which give the wine a unique minerality and vibrant freshness.
Expect:
- red cherry
- cranberry
- subtle spice
- earthy undertones
It’s elegant, expressive, and incredibly food-friendly. Perfect with roast chicken, turkey, or mushroom-based dishes. If you want a red that won’t overpower your meal (or your guests), this is a fantastic pick.
3. Jo Landron Atmosphères
Region: Loire Valley, France
Style: Traditional-method sparkling
Perfect for: New Year’s Eve, brunch, celebrations
This organic sparkling wine is everything you want for the holidays — refined bubbles, beautiful craftsmanship, and a price point that’s far more accessible than Champagne.
Expect:
- delicate citrus
- white flowers
- brioche notes
- refreshing minerality
It’s crisp, elegant, and perfect for toasting to the end of 2024 and the start of something new. If you’re hosting New Year’s, this bottle will impress without being overly formal.
4. Andreas Bender “I Love Mosel” Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany
Style: Off-dry white
Perfect for: Spicy food, cheese boards, ham dinners, holiday snacking
This is one of those wines that turns people into Riesling lovers. It’s lively, beautifully aromatic, and balanced with just a touch of sweetness that works brilliantly with holiday flavours.
Expect:
- ripe peach
- apple
- floral aromatics
- bright acidity
This wine is fun — easy to drink, perfect for gatherings, and incredibly versatile with food. If you’re attending multiple holiday parties, bring this one. It disappears fast.
5. Tiraki Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Style: Crisp, aromatic white
Perfect for: Appetizers, seafood, cheese fondue, lighter holiday fare
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is always a crowd pleaser, and Tiraki is a standout. It bursts with freshness and aromatic intensity, exactly what brightens up winter meals.
Expect:
- passionfruit
- citrus
- herbal notes
- mouthwatering acidity
If you want something refreshing that cuts through richer holiday foods, this is your go-to.
6. Château de la Grave Les Choses à l’Envers
Region: Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux
Style: Medium-bodied red
Perfect for: Beef dishes, winter stews, festive gatherings
This Bordeaux blend delivers serious value. It offers structure, depth, and character without the high price tag of more famous Left Bank wines.
Expect:
- dark fruit
- soft tannins
- subtle oak
- smooth finish
It’s comforting, warming, and ideal for winter. Think board games by the fire, holiday dinners, or gifting to your wine-loving friend.
Want to Learn More About Wine? Fine Vintage Has Courses for Everyone
Whether you’re brand-new to wine or already have experience, Fine Vintage offers a range of courses across Canada and the U.S., including:
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Perfect for beginners who want a solid foundation and a fun, guided tasting experience.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
The course I’m currently taking — ideal for anyone who wants to understand wine styles, regions, and quality on a deeper level.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
A challenging, advanced program for those wanting professional-level knowledge.
Wine & Food Pairing Course
A practical class for anyone who wants to master pairing at home or at work.
Fine Vintage Wine Tours
Travel with experts to world-class wine regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa, Burgundy, and Spain. These are premium, insider-access tours that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting wine right where it’s made — this is your chance.
Want to Join Me on This Wine Journey?
I’ll be sharing updates from my WSET Level 2 experience, tasting notes, wine picks, and travel-inspired education on YEG Thrive and our Instagram page.
If you’d like to explore wine education yourself, you can register for upcoming Fine Vintage courses here.
Pick your city, choose a date, and say yes to learning something new and delicious. You might even end up in my class — and we can taste our way through Level 2 and Level 3 together.
Final Thoughts
Wine brings people together — especially during the holidays. Whether you’re savouring a glass with family, giving a bottle as a gift, or popping something bubbly for New Year’s, wine has a way of elevating the moment.
This season, I hope you explore new bottles, try new styles, and maybe even take the leap into wine education. The world of wine is big, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating — and I’m excited to keep learning and sharing it with you.
Here’s to good wine, good company, and new adventures. Cheers to the holiday season!
FAQ: How to Choose the Best Wines for the Holidays
1. What are the best wines to serve at holiday dinners?
Great holiday wines tend to be crowd-pleasers that pair well with rich or festive foods. Top choices include:
- Pinot Noir (great with turkey, stuffing, and lighter meats)
- Riesling (amazing with appetizers, salty snacks, and ham)
- Sparkling wine (pairs with almost everything)
- Chardonnay (rich, warm, and perfect for winter meals)
- Bordeaux blends (for heartier holiday dishes)
These wines balance acidity, flavor, and versatility — perfect for sharing.
2. What is a good wine to bring to a holiday party?
Safe, universally loved options include:
- Prosecco or Traditional-Method Sparkling Wine
- Pinot Noir (light-bodied red = crowd-friendly)
- Sauvignon Blanc (always a hit)
If you’re not sure what food is being served, sparkling wine is the ultimate “golden retriever” of holiday wines — it gets along with everyone.
3. What wines pair best with turkey or holiday meals?
Two styles shine with traditional holiday dishes:
- Pinot Noir — bright acidity + red fruit = perfect turkey pairing
- Riesling — refreshing, aromatic, balances salty holiday sides
If your holiday meal is more robust (roasts, beef, or lamb), Chardonnay or medium-bodied reds like Bordeaux or Rioja are excellent choices.
4. What’s a good wine for people who don’t usually drink wine?
Choose something fruity, smooth, and low in tannins:
- Off-dry Riesling
- Light Pinot Noir
- Sparkling rosé
- Gamay (Beaujolais)
These styles are easy-drinking and approachable, especially for beginners.
5. What’s the best sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve?
Top picks for every budget:
- Jo Landron Atmospheres (traditional-method, elegant, incredible value)
- Cava (great quality for the price)
- Crémant (French sparkling without Champagne pricing)
- Champagne (for when you’re celebrating big)
Traditional-method sparkling wines are always a hit — they’re crisp, toasty, and perfect for toasting.
6. What affordable wines are great for holiday gift-giving?
Great choices under $30–$40 include:
- Moscato d’Asti (light, festive, great for dessert)
- New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Portuguese reds
- Riesling from Germany or the Okanagan
- Sparkling wines from Loire or BC
Tip: If gifting to a wine lover, pick a bottle with a story — small producers, volcanic wines, or organic/sustainable wineries are excellent conversation starters.
7. What are the best winter wines for cold weather?
Winter is the season for cozy, rich, and aromatic wines like:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah/Shiraz
- Barolo or Nebbiolo
- Chardonnay (oaked)
- Spicy or aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer
Think comfort, warmth, and depth — perfect for winter nights.
8. How do I choose wine for people with different tastes?
When in doubt, pick something in the middle:
- Medium-bodied red (Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône)
- Crisp aromatic white (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc)
- Sparkling wine (the universal pleaser)
Or bring one red and one white to cover all preferences.
9. What’s the best wine to pair with holiday desserts?
Top dessert-friendly choices:
- Riesling Spätlese
- Icewine (especially Canadian!)
- Late-harvest wines
- Moscato d’Asti
- Port (for chocolate desserts)
Rule of thumb: The wine should be sweeter than the dessert.
10. Where can I buy great holiday wines in Edmonton?
Edmonton has some excellent boutique wine shops with curated selections perfect for the holidays:
- Color de Vino (Whyte Ave) – known for unique small producers
- Wine & Beyond – large selection + holiday deals
- DeVine Wines (downtown) – great for European imports
Local shops often carry the exact wines you recommend — including some of your featured bottles.
