If you’re looking for the perfect wine or spirit to surprise your friends at this year’s White Elephant or Secret Santa, you’re in the right place! I attended Cornucopia 2024 in Whistler, exploring its renowned drink seminars and tastings to find selections that combine quality, uniqueness, and value. From Tyler Dawson’s Top Value Wines class to Patrick Ellis’s Legacy to Luxe: Journey Through the World of Premium Japanese Sake, I gathered recommendations that will make memorable, crowd-pleasing gifts. Here’s the ultimate list of top wines and spirits, ideal for adding a little extra cheer to any holiday gathering!
Rigour and Whimsy 2023 Gamay Noir – $33
Gamay Noir Kaleden, OK Falls
What I loved: The sommelier called it a pork chop in a glass, and also mentioned that this is the type of wine to make in the face of climate change. It is very smooth and easy to drink.
Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake – $33
Graceful and elegant, this sake offers notes of ripe melons and apples. Enjoy this sake chilled, paired with sushi and sashimi or with fruits and cheeses.
What I loved: It is a well-balanced sake, with a light sweetness and vibrant acidity on the palate with a clean, dry finish.
Brewmasters Choice Premium Honjozo Sake – $24.99
Rice polished down to 65%. The name tells everything about this sake. This is the sake that sake brewmasters want to drink on regular basis themselves. Crafted using local “Gohyaku-man-goku” sake rice, this can be enjoyed chilled or heated.
What I loved: It is smooth with a clean finish.
Chapoutier Bila Haut Côtes du Roussillon – $23
Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Macabeu
What I loved: This is such a crowd pleaser. It is fruity, floral, luscious and mellow.
Earthling 2022 Sauvignon Blanc – $23
What I loved: It can be challenging to find a wine that pairs well with a salad that has an acidic dressing, but this wine pairs beautifully with that! Green beans, salad, goat cheese–this is your wine pairing!
Finca Sophenia Altosur – $18.40
50% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
What I loved: This was by the best value for the flavour of this wine, made with uko fruit. Pair it with steak!
Uko Cabernet Sauvignon – $18.99
This was not featured this year, but at a previous year at Cornucopia. Uko is similar wine as Finca, where it is a good value for its taste. You can crush this wine with a cheeseburger if you’re feeling stressed out, and you won’t feel guilty for consuming this reasonable priced wine in one sitting!
So, whether you’re looking to impress with a unique bottle or simply add a touch of festive cheer, these picks are sure to elevate any holiday gathering. Enjoy the season, and may your gift exchanges be filled with joy, laughter, and memorable sips!
