It’s officially that time of year when social calendars are filling up with friendsgivings, holiday dinners and every get-together in between. One secret to being the best host or guest? (Both roles are important!) Knowing the best wine to satisfy any vino enthusiast and which bottle to bring to truly delight your favorite host with the most. Lucky for you, we chatted with Gretchen Skedsvold, owner of beloved Minneapolis indie wine shop Henry & Son, to find out which wines she’ll be reaching for this festive season. Pro tip: You can secure these picks early if you’re a wine club member!
Photography provided by Henry & Son
What bottles are you personally and currently enjoying?
Now that it’s cooler outside, I’m getting into fuller bodied reds again — the La Petit Rouge de La Côte Ouest is particularly rich and silky. But I always enjoy whites (like this Muscadet), sparkling and rosé any time of year! Gamay is one of my favorite red grapes and November is peak season for probably the most famous wine made from Gamay, Beaujolais.
What cool-climate varietals will you be reaching for this holiday season?
Erin Rasmussen of Wisconsin’s American Wine Project makes great wines from cold-climate varietals, many of which were developed at the University of Minnesota. Song of Myself is a textured and rich white blend of La Crescent, Frontenac gris and Frontenac blanc grapes — and 50% of the fruit was grown right here in Minnesota at Windy Willow Vineyard in Fillmore County! Modern Optimism is made from St Pepin, which is reminiscent of a round, balanced Chenin Blanc with stone and pome fruit flavors, like white peach and Asian pear. If it’’s red wine you prefer, Keepsake Cidery’s Farmhouse Red is a great choice.
Photography provided by American Wine Project/Henry & Son
What is the most versatile wine for festive dinners?
Sparkling wine! It pairs with everything from vegetables to meats and cheeses and is great on its own or as an aperitif. Some of my favorites are this French pet nat (petillant naturel or naturally sparkling), this sparkling from California and, for a splurge, this blanc de noirs (white wine made from the red grape Pinot Noir).
What are your top holiday party vino tips?
Teutonic Rose is great on its own or served with hors d’oeuvres or hard-to-pair foods, like veggies and turkey. Many people like to go with an American-made theme for Thanksgiving, and this wine from Oregon fits that bill. Plus, the label screams fall vibes.
Nat Cool is a lighter bodied red from Portugal that is versatile and comes in a liter bottle so there’s more to share!
Alice Beaufort Le Petit Beaufort Millesime is a delicious sparkler made just a stone’s throw from Champagne.
Also, these fun single-bottle wine bags from Lisa Hackwith make a great hosting gift paired with a bottle!
Photography by Julia Mary/Henry & Son
Can you tell us more about your wine club?
Yes! Our wine club is a great gift for wine lovers or that person who has everything. We offer three options at different price points from frugal picks for the natural wine–curious to funky for those who are a bit more adventurous to fancy for oenophiles who are looking to expand their horizons. We also just started offering nationwide shipping, so you can give the gift of natural wine to your friends and family out of state!
