We’ve rounded up a selection of easy-drinking wines designed to lift the spirits and encourage relaxation once the holidays wind down. As always, we recommend enjoying wine in moderation—but we never deny ourselves a well-earned glass now and then.
Whites with Heritage and Sense of Place
The principality of Liechtenstein may be tiny, but its winemaking ambitions are anything but. Near the outskirts of the capital city of Vaduz, Hofkellerei Liechtenstein cultivates its vines on alpine hillsides with sweeping views of the Alps.
Since 2018, the estate—under the supervision of the Princess of Liechtenstein—has focused on terroir-driven wines with AOC authentication, elevating its standing among Europe’s most notable wine estates. The winery’s Chardonnay shines with sun-kissed hues and light honeyed notes, pairing effortlessly with everything from entrée salads to seafood and pasta.
In Argentina, Susana Balbo is nothing short of a legend. The country’s first female winemaker, she has been elected President of Wines of Argentina three times. Her Mendoza-based portfolio includes the Signature Brioso White Blend, a refined combination of Torrontés, Semillón, and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the Valle de Uco. Fresh and balanced, the wine offers expressive notes of white flowers and green apple, finished with an elegant touch of citrus. It is an excellent companion to rice and pasta dishes.
While Spain is often celebrated for its reds, its white wines deserve equal attention. One standout is Viña Monty Viura from Bodegas Montecillo, one of Rioja’s oldest and most respected wineries. Crafted by winemaker Mercedes García Rupérez, this luminous white is sourced from 85-year-old vines in Rioja Alta. Aromatic notes of vanilla and quince emerge alongside a bright lemon-yellow hue, a velvety texture, and a long, graceful finish. Pair it with heartier winter fare such as roast pork or poultry.
Rosé Isn’t Just for Summer
Perhaps wine does taste better when a château is involved. The Pale, a Provençal-style rosé by Sacha Lichine—son of renowned wine writer Alexis Lichine—embodies the essence of an authentic rosé from Provence, with or without Château d’Esclans. Neither overly fruity nor sweet, it works beautifully as an aperitif or alongside food. A blend of Grenache and Rolle delivers balanced acidity with subtle notes of peach and pink grapefruit.
Red Wines That Still Feel Effortless
Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles, California, draws inspiration from Bordeaux, and its 2021 Estate Nikiara captures that influence with a distinctly Californian sense of place. Bright cherry and goji berry aromas lead into dark plum and black cherry on the palate, layered with subtle notes of leather and earth.
Few things impress like a Grand Cru wine from France. If a bottle from Château Angélus—one of Saint-Émilion’s coveted Premier Grand Cru Classé estates—is out of reach, its Tempo d’Angelus offers a compelling alternative. This Merlot-driven Bordeaux (Merlot accounts for roughly 75 percent of Saint-Émilion plantings) is fruit-forward, approachable, and ready to drink. Expect notes of red fruit, spice, and cocoa, supported by smooth, refined tannins that reflect the Angélus family’s terroir and expertise—without the vertiginous price tag. Enjoy it on its own or paired with flavorful appetizers, entrées, or a hearty soup and freshly baked baguette.
As the New Year takes shape, we’ll be reporting on a curated selection of refined white, rosé, and red wines to take you through the rest of 2026.
Images: Brands respectively
