What one wine you would serve to guests during the holiday season, either as a stand-alone wine or one that goes with dinner? Here are several suggestions by consumers:
2014 King Family Vineyards Viognier: From Virginia; aromas of pears and peaches; crisp approach with good balance and smooth finish; excellent alone or with a seafood meal, especially white fish, such as corvina or halibut; 13.5 percent alcohol. ($26.95 at the winery) — Mildred Bell, Midlothian
2014 Vincent Dampt Petit Chablis: From Burgundy, France; unoaked light chardonnay with bright lemon and mineral flavors; perfect for sipping in this warmer holiday weather and a good value; 12 percent alcohol. ($17.99 at Barrel Thief) — Elaine Ryan, Richmond
2013 Barboursville Vintage Rosé: Hints of cherry and plum on the nose lead to flavors of stone fruits and pineapple; serve chilled and pair with Smithfield ham slices or biscuits. The saltiness and sweetness of the ham are balanced by the fruit and acid of the wine. 13.1 percent alcohol. ($14.99 online or at the vineyard) — Wat Hughes, Glen Allen
2014 Meiomi Pinot Noir: From California’s coastal regions (Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara); evocative wine expressing flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, dark cherry, juicy strawberry and toasty mocha; deliciously complex with integrated oak seldom experienced in pinot noir; its supple tannins and silky texture invite you to pour a glass in front of the fire or to accompany a variety of foods, such as turkey or grilled lamb; 13.7 percent alcohol. ($19.99 at Kroger) — Phyllis Herriges, Goochland
2013 King Family Meritage: Our favorite wine to serve during the holiday season — or any other for that matter — is from Crozet; this red blend of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec is one of our favorite wines. We serve this wine frequently at parties as it is an exceptionally smooth wine and versatile enough to pair with appetizers and cheeses as well as with rib-eye steak or salmon. 13.4 percent alcohol and available at several locations in the Richmond area. (winery price $30.95) — Bill Shewey, Henrico
2010 Lake Anna Winery Tannat: Wonderfully crafted by winemaker Graham Bell, this 100 percent tannat has aged well in the bottle. Tannins have smoothed out, and dark fruit bursts through; 13.5 percent alcohol. ($23 at winery) — Jack Berninger, Henrico
2013 Annefield Vineyards Cabernet Franc: Winemaker Michael Shaps has done it again for this Saxe-based winery. Dark-berry flavors, notes of coffee and great balance make this a food-friendly wine to be drunk now or for the next seven to nine years; 12.5 percent alcohol ($26 at the winery) — Jack Berninger, Henrico
