If fall is for slowing down, winter is for sinking in.

It’s the season of long nights, slow meals, and glasses that warm you from the inside out.

And while there’s always room for a crisp white or playful sparkler, winter is the time to stock your shelf with wines that feel like a wool sweater… Rich, textured, and built for comfort.

Start with Full-Bodied Reds

Colder weather calls for wines with depth and presence.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold, structured, and great with roasts or anything herby and hearty.

Syrah/Shiraz – Spicy, dark, and full of character. Pair it with stews, grilled mushrooms, or a fireplace.

Zinfandel – Plush and fruit-forward, with a hint of sweetness that plays nicely with winter spices and glazed meats.

Don’t Forget the Fortifieds

Winter is fortified wine’s time to shine.

Port – Rich and indulgent, perfect with dark chocolate, blue cheese, or just a quiet night in.

Sherry (Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez) – Nutty, caramelly, or decadently sweet, serve it after dinner, or use it to elevate your holiday cooking.

Madeira – Practically indestructible, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sipping slowly.

Other Cozy Companions

Chardonnay with a bit of oak feels like a warm hug, lovely with creamy dishes or roast chicken.

Red blends (especially GSM: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) are crowd-pleasers and versatile with winter menus.

Mulled wine ingredients — keep a bottle of red on hand just for this. Add cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon and let the house smell amazing.

A good winter collection doesn’t mean having a dozen fancy bottles, sometimes it’s just about having 3–5 wines you love that match the season’s mood: slow, soulful, and a little bit indulgent.

So pour something bold, light a candle, and let winter do its thing.