“In this series we bring you our #FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions
which we personally recommend”
For all you hosts and hostesses charged with not only making the list, shopping, cooking, baking, gift wrapping, invitations … relax, when it comes to the wine pairing we have you covered.
First up what to serve with turkey? Although for years I was always white meat, white wine, I have since learned the errors of my ways and repented now having learned the truth, there are red wines that go great with turkey. Yes, and here is my personal recommendation for wine with turkey this year (note you may also enjoy this wine selection with baked ham). I paired this wine with turkey at Thanksgiving and it was a winner! It paired not only with the turkey but it stood up to the dressing, roasted brussel sprouts and candied yams. Talk about putting this wine through it’s paces.
Here are my holiday wine recommendations:
Haywire Gamay 2022
Varietal: 100% Gamay Noir
Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley BC VQA
100% Gamay fermented in small open top tanks and Nico Velo concrete with twice daily punchdowns for four weeks. 50% whole cluster for increased mid palate weight. A lovely, delectable herbaceousness and a silky finish that only Okanagan Gamay can deliver. Textbook. Pair with gourmet pizzas or charcuterie
Available online $33.99 or also available at WineClub.ca by subscription.
Appearance: A rich and deep ruby red
Nose: Enticing aromas of dark fruits, blackberries with a hint of cranberry. As it sits it continues to develop leading to some tobacco scents and rich goodness.
Palate: This wine delights with richness that follows the nose. A medium body that promises balance with mellow notes. Light tannins that fold into the flavours of the wine. This wine is a chameleon that pairs well with many dishes. The ripe, dark fruit predominates without being heavy. Lingering with some interesting spicy notes to finish.
Food Pairings: I really put this wine through its paces. Although the wine is richer and riper than a Pinot Noir it was easily on a par for pairing with turkey. It was also so versatile as to pair nicely with an array of dishes; baked acorn squash, balsamic Brussel sprouts with a crispy, buttery topping, baked bread stuffing, turkey and of course mashed potatoes and copious amounts of turkey gravy.
I have to say I was surprised by this wine. Although Gamay is not overly heavy I find it more hardy than a Pinot Noir. I love a rich wine, and this one with its oh so light tannins, overwhelmed me as a paring with turkey. It was definitely the favoured wine of the four adults at the table.
Decanting: 2 hours or more including chilling to 18-19 degrees celsius
Then there is that time between the prep and the mad rush to come. That’s when I like to sit down and relax with a cool glass of Haywire Pinot Gris. Take a load off, let someone else set the table, you deserve a break.
Haywire 2023 Pinot Gris
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Switchback Vineyard
Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley BC VQA
Pinot Gris from our estate Switchback Organic Vineyard was whole cluster pressed, fermented naturally and aged in concrete tanks and large foudre. 11 months on lees with constant stirring delivered a complex wine with fine structure, minerality and texture. An iconic Okanagan Pinot Gris that will reward careful cellaring. Pair with creamy cheeses, roast poultry, or other light meats.
Available online $29.99 or also available at WineClub.ca by subscription.
Appearance: A nice clear straw that gives the wine a refreshing and welcome appearance
Nose: Tingly with interesting stone fruit and floral notes with an underlying base of Bartlett pear that’s firm and freshly cut. It peaks the curiosity about what is to come and what the scents promise about the wine.
Palate: A perfect balance between lightish and medium that forges its own path to the mouth. Quite delicious as the nose notes follow to the palate with increased interest and ripe fruit with just a teasing of spice to finish. For those of us who are looking the acidity hits the mark.
Food Pairings: This is a wine that begs to be paired with a stinky cheese and a slice of baguette but would be just as at home with a slice of plum torte. Very versatile it would lend itself to poultry dishes or white fish. I’d try it with a mild curry just to see how it might perform.
Definitely the wine would lend itself to most light dishes or as a stand alone aperitif on a Sunday afternoon.
My caution would be not to over chill this wine but let its wonderful flavours be enticed to show themselves when the wine no longer fogs the glass. It should be appreciated for its balance and lingering finish.
Decanting: In my opinion most whites don’t necessarily benefit from decanting and my pour was straight from the bottle, tasted right away, and again after the first chill subsided when it really showed its paces.
My suggestion, let everyone else do the clean-up while you relax with a well deserved glass of bubbly, you might even want to share with the elves.
Haywire The Bub 2018
Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley BC VQA
Varietal: 64% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Summerland and Oliver
The Bub, named for our daughter Alison, known as The Bub, Bubster or Alibubba in her early years, is made from 64% Chardonnay and 36% Pinot Noir which were harvested the first week of September from vineyards in Oliver and Summerland. Primary fermentation took place in concrete tanks before bottling for secondary fermentation. The wine was left to age en tirage for
30 months.
Dry and intensely lifted aromas of toasty yeast notes and fresh lively citrus. The pallet is weighty with a delicate and very fine mousse which compliments the length and excellent finish. Pair with oysters, shellfish, soft cheese, salty appetizers or pop corn.
Available online $34.99 or also available at WineClub.ca by subscription.
Appearance: Beautiful, light and clear with hints of gold that in certain light has a rose gold hue
Nose: Light and tingly effervescence on the nose, subtle and intriguing with delicate white peach and a passing note of jasmine in the background making this a hint of what is to come.
Palate: This could be the perfect bubbly. It is delicate in its flavour palate with a hint of brioche and apricot mixed with white peaches that linger in your mouth in the most delicious way. Finishing with just a touch of white grapefruit. Everything about this wine denotes sophistication. It is subtle as it coaxes you to have always one more sip.
Food Pairings: This delicate wine is so versatile it would lend itself to the more likely pairings such as oysters on the half shell or Coquille Saint Jacques but also to fun combinations like waffles with maple syrup and whip cream.
I was first introduced to The Bub in 2014 when it made its inaugural debut at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, specifically on the eve of the opening at Joey’s Wine Bar. It created a lot of excitement and it has been a favourite of mine ever since.
The Bub is consistently a quality sparkling wine that suits any occasion, or makes any time you open a bottle of The Bub an occasion itself.
The Bub, named for Haywire winery owner’s daughter, Alison, known as The Bub in her early years.
Decanting: not necessary, just pop open and enjoy!
Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, located in Summerland, BC, is a pioneering force in Canadian winemaking and a leader in sustainable, organic viticulture. Founded by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, the winery is home to a state-of-the-art facility where innovation meets nature, and where wines are crafted with minimal intervention to express the true character of the Okanagan terroir.
Under the guidance of winemaker Matt Dumayne, Okanagan Crush Pad produces a diverse portfolio of wines—from vibrant, textural whites and structured reds to wild-fermented, amphora-aged bottlings—each made with native yeasts and aged in concrete or clay vessels. Grapes are sourced from the winery’s certified organic estate vineyards and select growers across the region, ensuring purity, precision, and a deep sense of place.
Each bottle is a reflection of the winery’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and the future of Canadian wine—where thoughtful farming and fearless experimentation go hand in hand.
Wine notes courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics). I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature and monetary compensation for reviewing for WineCanada.ca.