Holiday Meals with Wine Pairings

1. Starter Soup: Butternut Squash Soup & Chardonnay

Kick off your holiday meal with a rich, velvety butternut squash soup. The creaminess of the soup calls for a wine with a bit of acidity to balance the flavors, and a chardonnay from V. Sattui Winery is the perfect match. This chardonnay brings notes of apple, pear, and a hint of vanilla, offering a refreshing yet elegant pairing.

2. Starter Salad: Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad & Rosé

A roasted beet and goat cheese salad with toasted walnuts and a balsamic glaze is a colorful and festive addition to your holiday table. Paired with a Sauvignon Blanc from Quintessa, the wine’s vibrancy and floral notes balanced with weighty yellow apple complement the beets and the creaminess of the goat cheese, while its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. This pairing adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your holiday meal.

3. Main Course:  Turkey with Traditional Fixings & Orange of Gewurztraminer

This Thanksgiving, elevate your turkey and traditional fixings with Orange of Gewurztraminer wine from The Vice. Sourced from the cool climate of Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA, this unique orange wine undergoes very slight skin contact, giving it a vibrant color and complex flavor profile with notes of citrus and spice. The bright acidity balances the richness of the meal, from breaded stuffing to tangy cranberry sauce, enhancing every bite. Gewurztraminer, which translates to “Spice Traminer,” is known for its floral and tropical flavors loaded with spices—a perfect match for the holiday feast. This pairing brings out the best in your meal, keeping your palate refreshed and ready for the next bite.

3. Vegetarian Option: Wild Mushroom Risotto & Pinot Noir

 Wild Mushroom Risotto & Pinot Noir For a vegetarian holiday feast, a wild mushroom risotto paired with the Eulenloch Pinot Noir, a single vineyard Carneros pinot from Belle Glos is a delightful combination. The earthiness of the mushrooms is balanced by the bright cherry and raspberry notes in the wine, creating a satisfying and festive blend.

4. Dessert: Dark Chocolate Tart & Zinfandel

End your meal on a sweet note with a decadent dark chocolate tart. The richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with a Zinfandel from Charles Krug Winery. With bold flavors of blackberry, spice, and a touch of sweetness, this wine enhances the dessert while providing a smooth, luxurious finish to your meal.

The Perfect Gift

A holiday trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train is more than just a meal—it’s an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey with a welcome glass of wine, selected from one of our local partner wineries, setting the tone for a festive and elegant celebration. While the rest of your meal will showcase our gourmet dishes, our expert team will ensure each course complements the flavors of the region.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or loved ones, the Wine Train offers a magical way to enjoy Napa Valley’s breathtaking views, world-class cuisine, and a memorable holiday ambiance. To further elevate your holiday experience, don’t forget to stop by our Wine & Gift Shop during your trip. Explore a curated selection of wines from the vineyards along the Wine Train route, offering you the chance to take home a taste of Napa Valley.

There is much to be thankful for in this perfect pairing season. Cheers to showcasing the best of Napa and delighting your guests this holiday season at your table at home or ours on the Napa Valley Wine Train!