Ring in the New Year with an At-Home Texas High Plains Wine Tour

Planning a New Year’s Eve party? Rather than relying on various potluck libations, opt instead for making the soiree a memorable one by hosting a wine pairing party featuring local vino. Although champagne is usually the go-to for most New Year’s Eve celebrations, tasting a wide variety of great wines can kick this holiday up a notch. And, with 90% of all Texas wine grapes grown right here on the Texas High Plains, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with these local pours. Read below for our foolproof tips on hosting an unforgettable event, taking your guests on a local wine tasting journey.

When guests arrive, offer them a refreshing white to prep their palates, such as English Newsom Cellars’ Roussanne, a light-bodied wine offering notes of pear and honey, or a glass of McPherson Cellars’ Dry Muscat Canelli. Both options pair wonderfully with a cheese board. We suggest offering a variety of options for your board, like rich triple-cream cheese and flavorful blue cheese that will give you perfect pairing options for every type of wine. Crackers, bread, shortbread cookies, popcorn and charcuterie also pair well with nearly every type of wine, such as the Church House Blush, which offers aromas of passionfruit and kiwi.

For the main course, compliment an herbed chicken dish with Llano Estacado Winery’s Cellar Reserve Chardonnay, or a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc with hints of citrus zest, lemongrass in the mouth and a light mineral finish. Both will pair nicely with the chicken, accompanied with a fresh salad or angel hair pasta tossed in a light cream sauce. If you’re craving a light, flaky fish, pour a glass of Bolen Vineyards’ 2019 Dry Muscat, an elegant and complex white wine with floral and herbal aromatics. 

If you’re opting for red meat for the main course, such as a decadent beef tenderloin or prime rib, we suggest Burklee Hill Vineyards’ 2017 Malbec, a full-bodied red wine that features a rich velvety finish with hints of blackberries and Italian plums. We would also be remiss not to mention Farmhouse Vineyards’ Cultivated, which is a blend of Dolcetto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise and Cinsault. 

For a casual dinner with close friends, serve up a hearty stew and pair with McPherson Cellars’ Les Copains red, which is aged for six months in oak barrels and appears smoky to the nose. Or, toast up a “grown up” grilled cheese made with gouda, soft brie and provolone, and pair with Llano Estacado Winery’s Le Petite Blanc, which is a blend of Viognier and Chenin Blanc with flavors of honeysuckle, toasted almond and apple.

For the finale, we suggest serving up something light yet decadent, like crème brûlée or champagne-soaked strawberries topped with homemade whipped cream. Enjoy either with Burklee Hill Vineyards’ 2018 Dessert Riesling or English Newsom Cellars’ Sweet Muscat, a versatile, sweet varietal. 

We hope you enjoy a merry (and safe) New Year’s Eve with friends while you ring in the new year with these local wines! As always, be sure to tag your wine adventures using #LiveLoveLubbock.