The 3-Bite Holiday Menu

The holidays always remind me that good evenings do not need much. A few thoughtful bites, wines you are excited to share, and the right people around the table can turn an ordinary night into something special. I wanted to put together a small pairing menu that feels easy for any home cook, but still festive and full of flavor. These are the kinds of bites I like to serve at home when I want things to feel a little more elevated without spending all day in the kitchen.

Everything here comes together quickly. Nothing is fussy. And each pairing brings out something different in the wines.

1. Crispy Prosciutto with Whipped Ricotta and Lemon Zest

Wine Pairing: 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

This feels like something from a wine bar but takes only a few minutes. The salty prosciutto and creamy ricotta brighten up with a little lemon zest, which plays perfectly with the citrus and minerality of the Sauvignon Blanc.

How to make it:
Bake prosciutto until crisp. Stir ricotta with a splash of olive oil, salt, and lemon zest. Break the prosciutto into pieces and top each one with a small spoonful of whipped ricotta.

2. Warm Spiced Nuts with Rosemary, Orange Peel, and Sea Salt

Wine pairing: 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Aromatic and cozy, this version offers layers that complement the cherry, rose petal, and baking spice in the Pinot. The orange peel lifts the flavors, and rosemary adds a savory note that feels very holiday.

How to make it:
Warm nuts with butter, cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne, and brown sugar. Add chopped rosemary and fresh orange zest at the end. Finish with flaky sea salt.

3. Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Dried Cherries, and Crushed Peppercorns

Wine pairing: Old River Red Cuvée IV

This takes classic chocolate bark and turns the dial up. Pistachios add richness, dried cherries echo the fruit notes in the wine, and a tiny pinch of crushed peppercorn gives it a surprising finish that pairs beautifully with a full bodied red.

How to make it:
Melt dark chocolate. Fold in chopped pistachios and dried cherries. Spread on a sheet pan and finish with a light sprinkle of crushed black pepper. Let set and break into shards.

A Holiday Table That Feels Effortless

Three bites. Three wines. A table full of people you enjoy. That is really all you need this time of year. I hope these pairings bring a little comfort and a little celebration to your holiday season. If you try any of them, I would love to hear how they turned out.

Explore Wines for your Holiday Celebrations