Looking to celebrate the upcoming three-day holiday? One of the keys to selecting your bottles for the weekend is to think about the reason and the season. Leslie Sbrocco, author of “The Simple and Savvy Wine Guide,” shares several smart wines for the long weekend, whether you’re celebrating the NFL playoffs or watching the Golden Globe Awards.
Charity and green focus
Paso Robles, California, $13 A rough-and-ready blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah that will please any lover of big reds. There is a softer side to the wine, too. With each case sold, a buck is donated to the breast cancer awareness organization Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Tip: If you like to do good with each sip, go to vinofina.com, a new Web site dedicated to selling wine with a portion of each sale going to charity.
Casablanca Valley, Chile, $12 Chile is one of the wine world’s leaders when it comes to a focus on “green” grape growing. Emiliana ranks at the top of the list of producers making high-quality, yet affordable, organically grown and biodynamic wine. This lusciously crisp white is ideal for those who enjoy freshness and fleshiness.
Football food fest and glamorous Golden Globes
Mudgee, Australia, $15 Watching football this weekend and think you’re too manly to drink pink? Think again. This juicy, dry rose from a classic Aussie winery is counted among the best in the pink category. If spicy chicken wings are on your gridiron menu, grab a glass of this beauty.
Napa Valley, California, $25
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a world-class cabernet. This stunner from Napa Valley’s Conn Creek has a dash of cabernet franc and merlot. It’s supple and smooth, making it an ideal match with grilled steaks, beefy burgers or platter of cold cuts.
Sonoma County, California, $22
A new sparkler from the famous California bubbly house with Spanish roots, Gloria Ferrer. The name Va di Vi means “It’s all about the wine!” — and once you take a sip of this succulent sparkler made with pinot noir, chardonnay and a touch of muscat, you’ll be saying “Bring me more!”
Tip: Toast your favorite Golden Globe with fizz in these fancy Jubilee Pearl Toasting flutes from Lenox we found at Macy's. They’re just $58 for a set of two.
Champagne, France, $75Nothing beats high-end champagne for a holiday-weekend splurge. So while you’re watching the Golden Globes, toast your favorite with this elegant, stylish pink sparkler. It’s a world-class wine.
For an instant party bucket, order up this unique, Toulouse-Lautrec Le Can-Can from one of the country’s top wine shops, Sherry-Lehmann. Packed with six hand-selected wines, you can celebrate any weekend win, whether it’s on the football field or movie screen.