Winter has been long and cold, and with Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of it, you need something to lift your spirits. While winter is a season for cozy nights in, that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. So, curl up by the fireplace, pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, and chase away the winter blues. To help you through the chilliest months, we’ve rounded up our must-have winter wines—perfect for keeping you warm all season long.
Bold Reds for Cold Nights
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the ultimate winter wine, offering bold flavors, rich textures, and a warming depth that makes it perfect for chilly nights. Known for its full body, firm tannins, and dark fruit notes of blackberry, cassis, and plum, this powerhouse red provides the kind of structure and intensity that pairs beautifully with hearty winter meals like braised short ribs, roasted lamb, or a cozy bowl of stew. Aged in oak, many Cabernets also develop complex layers of vanilla, spice, and cedar, adding to their comforting appeal. Whether you’re unwinding by the fireplace or hosting a winter dinner party, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the perfect balance of warmth, richness, and elegance to get you through the coldest months.
Syrah
Syrah is a fantastic winter wine, offering deep flavors and a bold, velvety texture that feels like a warm embrace on a cold night. Known for its dark fruit notes of blackberry, plum, and blueberry, Syrah also brings layers of pepper, smoke, and earthy spice that add to its complexity and richness. This full-bodied red thrives in cooler weather, pairing beautifully with winter comfort foods like slow-braised meats, roasted game, and hearty stews. Whether it’s a classic Northern Rhône Syrah with its smoky, savory flavor or a lush, fruit-forward version from Chile’s warm valleys or New Zealand’s cooler climates, this wine has the depth and intensity to keep you cozy all winter long.
Cozy & Complex Whites
Oaked Chardonnay
Oaked Chardonnay is the perfect white wine for winter, offering a rich, creamy texture and layered complexity that make it as cozy as your favorite knit blanket. Aged in oak barrels, this Chardonnay develops warm notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and baking spices that beautifully complement its ripe fruit flavors of baked apple, pear, and caramelized citrus. Its fuller body and buttery mouthfeel give it a luxurious depth that stands up to heartier winter dishes like roasted chicken, creamy pastas, and butternut squash soup. Whether you’re unwinding by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, a well-crafted oaked Chardonnay brings warmth, elegance, and a comforting richness to any winter evening.
Viognier
Viognier is a wonderfully cozy and complex white wine that shines in the winter months, offering a rich, aromatic profile with a lush, full-bodied texture. Known for its inviting notes of honeysuckle, ripe peach, apricot, and spice, Viognier delivers warmth and depth that make it a perfect alternative to heavier reds on a chilly evening. Many versions, especially those aged in oak, develop additional layers of vanilla and cream, enhancing their luxurious feel. Its weight and complexity allow it to pair beautifully with winter dishes like roasted poultry, creamy pastas, and spiced curries. Viognier brings a comforting richness that makes it a perfect white wine for winter.
Warming & Festive Spirits
Port
Port is the ultimate winter indulgence, offering rich, velvety sweetness and warming complexity that make it perfect for sipping on a cold night. This fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley is known for its deep flavors of dark berries, dried fruit, caramel, and spice, often with hints of chocolate and nutty undertones. With a higher alcohol content and luscious mouthfeel, Port delivers a cozy, lingering warmth that pairs beautifully with winter desserts like dark chocolate, blue cheese, or roasted nuts. Whether you prefer a youthful Ruby Port bursting with ripe fruit or an aged Tawny with layers of toffee and spice, this luxurious wine is the perfect fireside companion for the colder months.
Winter may be long and cold, but the right wine can turn even the chilliest nights into a cozy retreat. Whether you’re sipping a bold Cabernet by the fire, enjoying the layered richness of an oaked Chardonnay, or indulging in a glass of Port for a touch of warmth, these winter wines are here to keep you comforted all season long. Cheers to enjoying the rest of the winter months!
