Your Holiday Pairing Playbook

We asked winemakers across Santa Barbara Wine Country to share the dishes they love most during the holidays and the wines they reach for to pair with them. The result? A festive, flavorful guide designed to help you host with confidence, discover new wines, and enjoy the season’s best moments.

Whether you’re hosting a festive feast, planning a cozy dinner, or searching for the perfect bottle to gift, these winemaker-inspired pairings invite you to savor the flavors, stories, and spirit of Santa Barbara Wine Country.

Holus Bolus

Amy Christine – Master of Wine & Owner

Holus Bolus Santa Barbara County Syrah 2023

Perfect Pairing: Lentil tomato stew

- This bright, savory Syrah layered with blackberry, cracked pepper, violets, and smoked herbs enhances the earthy, aromatic warmth of a slow-simmered lentil tomato stew. It’s comforting, nourishing, and perfect for chilly holiday evenings. This dish began as a post-harvest ritual and has become a favorite for seasonal gatherings!
- Toast Tip: Best served slightly chilled, around 62°F, with a loaf of crusty bread and lighthearted holiday movies.

Sandhi Wines

Claire Wilson – Winemaker & Assistant Brand Manager

2023 Sandhi White Buffalo Land Trust Pinot Noir

Perfect Pairing: Braised beef short ribs

- Rich, slow-braised beef meets its match in this vibrant, red-fruited Pinot Noir. Soft earthiness in the wine complements the dish beautifully, making it a perfect centerpiece for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner.
- Toast Tip: Start the evening with Sandhi’s 2019 Blanc de Noir — a festive glass of bubbles sets the tone.

Sea Smoke

Matt Steel – GM, Viticulture & Winemaking

2020 ‘Sea Spray’ Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine

Perfect Pairing: Thanksgiving turkey & all the trimmings

- With notes of grapefruit, nectarine, rose petal, and brioche, this elegant sparkling wine complements everything from buttery mashed potatoes to sweet yams and pork sausage stuffing. And don’t forget to save a glass for fruit pie or cobbler, it’s magic.
- Toast Tip: Best enjoyed at 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped glass to reveal its full bouquet.

Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer – Owner & Winemaker

2023 Mourvèdre Rosé

Perfect Pairing: Cheese plates, charcuterie & holiday salads

- More textured than your average rosé, this earthy-tropical Mourvèdre Rosé is a festive match for starters – from creamy cheeses to bright greens with candied walnuts and gorgonzola.
- Toast Tip: Serve at cellar temperature for peak expression.

2021 The Outlier

Perfect Pairing: Curried butternut squash soup

- A longtime family tradition, this aromatic, lightly off-dry Gewürztraminer shines beside cozy seasonal soups. Floral aromatics and balancing acidity elevate the sweet-savory harmony of curried squash.

2023 Nouveau Mourvèdre

Perfect Pairing: Holiday mains

- Fresh, fruity, and delightfully light, this carbonic-style Mourvèdre is made to be chilled and enjoyed with the entire holiday plate. As it warms, its texture deepens for even more versatility.

Tyler Winery

Gabe Fabela – Director of Hospitality & Private Client Sales

Tyler Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2022

Perfect Pairing: Roasted quail with caramelized Mission figs & thyme jus

- This beautifully balanced Pinot Noir lifted with red Nordic berry, citrus, crushed stone, and subtle savory spice pairs effortlessly with the richness of quail and the sweetness of locally grown figs. It’s a dish and wine deeply rooted in the coastal character of the Sta. Rita Hills.
- Toast Tip: Serve at 55–58°F in a Burgundy stem; give it a 30-minute splash in a carafe.