The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Natural Wines

If you're an avid wine drinker you’ve probably explored the world of natural or biodynamiclly grown the grown wines as they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years. These wines are for the environmentally conscious and health freaks who want to adopt a guiltless drinking lifestyle. Yes, that vegan friend in your life that can’t stop reminding you about their newfound wellness journey.

Natural wines are produced with minimal intervention. From cultivation of the grape to fermentation the entire process is thoughtfully produced with no sulfites or additives. No grapes were harmed in the making of this bottle. Don't be confused when shopping for natural wines because a common misconception is that organic, vegan and natural wines are the same. All natural wines can be organic but not all organic wines are natural. What does this even mean? "Made with organic grapes" wines are organically produced but may contain a minimal amount of sulfites. Certified organic or natural wines are made with organic grapes and contain no sulfur or additives. To make your holiday shopping easier check out part two of the 25 Wines of Christmas gift guide featuring popular natural wines to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

Le Coste Ripazzo Bianco 2019- $29.95 A young Italian white blend of Procanico, Malvasia, and Roscetto which are found in the Lazio region. It reminds me of Trebbiano, a grape that's suitable for Texas soil. It has a lively pear nose with a hint of exotic fruit on the palate rounded out with natural acidity. 12% ALC

Dry Farm Wines- $88 Natural family farmed wines delivered right to your door that are pefect to begin your natural wine journey. This one time order of 3 bottles also includes complimentary shipping. Mix it up and get a variety of natural reds and whites. This is your best attempt to sip carb-free wines since they contain less sugar than most. 12.5% ALC or lower.

Montinore Estate Vivace- $25 A sparkling blended wine from Oregon's infamous Williamette Valley. It's refreshing with a hint of sweetness from the Riesling varietal. Perfect to pop on New Year's Eve. It has a citrus bouquet with ripe green apple and crisp lemon notes on the finish. 12.3% ALC

Occhipinti II Frappato Sicilia 2018- $48.99 Frappato is a red grape varietal that primarily grows in Silcily, Italy, but is typically used in blends. Arianna, a young woman-owned producer intentionally harvest with sustainability in mind. This light bodied red has vibrant red berries on the nose and palate perfect for red wine lovers. This wine is a rare find in your local boutique wine shop or can be purchased online through Astor. Unfortunately, they don’t offer shipping to Texas. 13% ALC

The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Wines Under $20

To make your holiday shopping easier we have compiled a list of 25 of the best wine bottles to gift this holiday season. This list features something for everyone (of drinking age) in your life to enjoy this Christmas or bring in the new year. We've got budget bottles for those last-minute gift ideas, Black-owned, Texas-made and natural wines guaranteed to please almost anyone on your list. Giving the gift of alcohol is always a good idea and why not go beyond the basic bottle of wine and treat yourself or the wine-o in your life to something special after enduring a year like 2020. Whether they enjoy red, white, or sparkling this list has you covered. Check out part one of the 25 Wines of Christmas featuring affordable bottles under $20 to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

Neighborhood Cellar- Dallas, TX

1. A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir $20- This native Oregon wine is produced by a group of wine veterans who have continued to set the standard for vineyards throughout the region. Named best American Pinot Noir under $20 by Food & Wine magazine this Pinot offers great value and stays true to the characteristics of Oregon's favorite grape.

Perfectly Paired: That friend you can call at anytime of the day and they answer.

2. Aria Estate Brut by Segura Viudas $15.99-  Since most affordable bottles of Champagne range from $35-65, I suggest getting the bubbly drinker in your life the next best thing, a bottle of Cava. Cava is a sparkling wine hailing from Spain which offers fine bubbles, fresh citrus and crisp notes typically using Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. Enjoy all the fizz minus the fuss with this bottle of sparkling. 12% ALC

Perfectly Paired: The hostess with the mostess who knows it’s not truly a celebration unless the bubbles are flowing.

3. Crios Torrontes 2018 $15.99- Susana Balboa Wines has been dubbed the "Queen of Torrontes" for crafting a unique white wine which rivals Mendoza, Argentina's most popular varietal. Widely known for producing award winning Malbec's the regions has something else to brag about as this refreshing white rightfully takes its place as star of the show. 13.5% ALC

Perfectly Paired- The sushi or shellfish lover in your life who enjoys a good fish fry or seafood boil.

4. Marchese Di Borgosole Riserva DOC $12.99- Escape to picturesque Southern Italy as this bottle takes red lovers on an adventure exploring spicy fruit notes and aromas of toasted vanilla. The Negromano grape provides soft tannins and an easy drinking wine that is flavorful and not overpowering.

Perfectly Paired- A daring palate and a room with a view.

5. Cardinale Lanata Moscato D'Asti $18.99- Upgrade the wine-o in your life with this sparkling dessert wine that is perfect to pop alongside your favorite holiday baked goods or by itself. This bottle offers just the right amount of sweetness for those who stay within their comfort zone or consume wine on occasion.

Perfectly Paired: Your favorite auntie who can’t stop raving about Stella Rosa wines.

6. Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2016 $19.97-I fell in love with this bold red at a recent tasting and thought it would serve well for wine-o's who enjoy dark berry reds that are complex and smoothly satisfying on the palate. It's the perfect dinner wine to entertain and doesn't break the bank.

Perfectly Paired: Your bougie cousin who reminds everyone you are not married yet at all the family functions.