Kwanzaa is just around the corner and we are ready to celebrate the bounty of the year! It’s time to light the kinara, gather around the table, and load up a plate. Whether you are hosting or guesting, we have amazing wines to enjoy with all of your favorites.

For catfish, collards, and mac and cheese, try a bright, zesty white. Banyan Gewurztraminer or Arcese Bianco stand up perfectly to the mix of acidity, richness, and creaminess of this classic combo.

If you like something on the spicier side, like jerk chicken or a decadent gumbo, a light, high acid red is the bottle for you. One of our all-time favorites is the bright fruit of Bojo Do Luar deu Bode, this Portuguese stunner is wonderful with spice and even better lightly chilled. Another great pairing is sparkling red, try Lambrusca Rosso or Explosivo for a wine that will make those spicy, savory dishes pop.

When it comes to dessert, (our favorite part of the feast), we have some lovely dessert wines. For the rich sweetness of pecan or sweet potato pie, try this Riesling Ice Wine made in small batches upstate. Apple pie is a perfect partner for [Sauternes](, one of the world’s most famous dessert wines. Chateau la Clotte-Cazalis is a delicious example made by women winemakers.

And anyone with a sweet tooth will love this Amaretto Cinnamon Sour. It pairs perfectly with spiced gingerbread or molasses cookies.

Amaretto Cinnamon Sour

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Caffo Amaretto
1 oz Verino Cinnamon Liqueur
1 oz lemon juice
2-3 dashes of bitters (we used the Bitter Truth Original)
1 oz dry cider (such as Eve’s Autumn Gold)
cinnamon stick (optional)

Direction:
Combine first four ingredients in a shaker with ice
Shake until chilled and strain into a glass with ice
Top with sparkling cider
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Tipsy is a woman-owned wine and spirits shop in New York City. We offer more than 200 varietals for every palate and budget, as well as artisanal gifts and glassware. In addition to our retail presence, we produce educational wine tastings for law firms, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Our team of women sommeliers is also available to lead wine tastings for private events, engagement parties and bridal showers. To book a tasting or order client gifts, email events@shoptipsy.com.