Best Winter Wines to Warm Your Heart and Soul

Nothing says warming up during winter than hearty red wines. The experts at Bottle Barn, the best wine store California, have an expertly curated collection of winter-appropriate red wines. We chose a selection to help you experience winter in a new celebratory fashion, at home by the fire with a great book, with friends, or at winter events indoors and out. 

What Are Winter Wines? 

We include winter wines marked by their warmth, richness, and depth, embodying a warming weight perfect for the cold season. Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec stand out, offering lush textures and high tannins that balance well with hearty winter fare, from slow-roasted meats to aged cheeses. Consider the 2020 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Terre Rouge Les Cotes de L'ouest Syrah, or the 2021 Catena Zapata High Mountain Vines Malbec.

These wines showcase dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, often paired with earthy or spicy undertones like tobacco, leather, and clove that add layers of complexity. With slightly elevated alcohol levels, these wines provide a warming sensation, enhancing the sense of coziness that pairs beautifully with cold-weather meals.

Adding to their appeal, winter wines will boast balanced acidity, ensuring they don’t feel too heavy alongside the rich foods that go with winter appetites. Wines like Barbera or Northern Rhône Syrah bring refreshing lift, cutting through the richness of winter dishes and enlivening the palate. Amarone della Valpolicella and Tempranillo from Rioja, with their concentrated flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, are also popular choices for the season. For that indulgent Tempranillo, check out the 2017 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva Rioja.

For those seeking a touch of classic indulgence, fortified wines like Port or Sherry offer warm, caramelized notes and elevated alcohol, making them perfect for sipping by the fire. These characteristics make winter wines versatile and robust, capturing the heart of the season’s flavors and atmosphere. Think of the 2018 Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port the next time you buy wine online.

Sonoma and Napa Winter Wines 

Many Sonoma and Napa red wines are exceptional choices for winter thanks to their depth, richness, and warmth. These local wines—Bottle Barn’s neighbors—go well with the hearty, comforting nature of the season. Napa’s signature Cabernet Sauvignons are generally bold and structured, with intense dark fruit flavors like blackberry, plum, and cassis, often balanced by hints of cedar, mocha, or leather. Try the 2018 Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon when you order wine online.

The complexity and full body typical to Sonoma provide an ideal match for the season’s rich, savory dishes. Even Sonoma’s cool-climate reds, such as Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, offer layered characteristics, with notes of dark cherry, spice, and earthy undertones, which make them versatile enough to pair with both robust winter dishes and lighter, seasonal fare. Check out the 2021 Pedroncelli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, for example.

Other varietals from these regions—such as Napa’s Merlot and Sonoma’s Zinfandel—shine in colder weather. Merlot from Napa Valley often has lush plum, chocolate, and blackberry flavors, enhanced by supple tannins that add warmth without overwhelming the palate. Meanwhile, Sonoma Zinfandel brings bold, spicy flavors of black pepper and dark fruit, making it a favorite for pairing with winter classics like stews or grilled meats. You can’t go wrong with the 2021 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel.

Both regions’ red blends, which often feature a mix of Cabernet, Merlot, and other grapes, can also capture the cozy, complex flavors ideal for the winter season, making Napa and Sonoma reds highly versatile for both meals and fireside sipping.

We hope you enjoyed these thoughts about winter wines! Never hesitate to contact Bottle Barn for additional suggestions and tips. And please leave us a comment below!