The holidays are officially in full pour, and this season’s spirit is all about sipping in style. Whether you’re hosting a glam soirée, clinking glasses fireside, or wrapping gifts with your favourite playlist on repeat, the right drink can make every moment sparkle a little brighter. From chic bubbles and cozy reds to unexpected cocktails, I’ve rounded up The Drip’s top 12 sips of the season — because life’s too short for boring drinks. Let’s raise a glass to good taste, good vibes, and a holiday season that’s pure magic.
Holiday Dozen
Trius Brut — Canadian Classics That Sparkles
Hailing from the largest sparkling wine cellar in Canada, Trius Brut is a Niagara icon that proves local bubbles can rival the best of them. Crafted in the traditional method, this elegant sparkler blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for notes of crisp apple, citrus, and toasted brioche. Fresh, lively, and endlessly celebratory, it’s the perfect pour for toasting every festive moment — from brunch mimosas to midnight countdowns.
Patrón Tequila — The Glow-Up We’re Toasting To
Patrón Tequila has always been a symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, but this season it’s serving a fresh new look — sleeker, more refined, yet unmistakably iconic. The updated bottle design reflects what’s inside: a tequila that’s timeless, elegant, and handcrafted to perfection in Jalisco, Mexico. Whether you’re sipping it neat, shaking up a holiday margarita, or gifting it to someone who appreciates the finer things, Patrón’s new aesthetic proves that true style never goes out of fashion — it just gets better with age.
Arbolencia Tempranillo Syrah — Organic, Bold, and Beautiful
Proof that great wine doesn’t need to shout to be noticed, Arbolencia Tempranillo Syrah blends Spain’s soulful Tempranillo with Syrah’s juicy depth — all crafted from certified organic vineyards. Expect ripe red berries, dark cherry, and a hint of spice wrapped in a smooth, velvety finish. It’s vibrant yet grounded, perfect for cozy dinners, tapas nights, or fireside sipping. With its sustainable roots and approachable style, this bottle delivers big flavour on a budget — the kind of easy elegance we love to pour all season long.
Forty Creek Niagara Triple Reserve — Where Craft Meets Character
Rooted in the heart of Niagara, Forty Creek Triple Reserve is a true expression of Canadian craftsmanship and creativity. This rich, amber whisky is artfully blended from three individually aged reserves, each bringing its own depth and nuance to the glass. Expect warm notes of honey, toasted oak, vanilla, and spice — a smooth, layered sip that feels like a cozy fireside evening in a bottle. Proudly local and endlessly refined, it’s the kind of whisky that reminds you why Niagara isn’t just wine country — it’s whisky country, too.
Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio — Easy, Breezy, and Beautifully Italian
When in doubt, pour Pinot Grigio — especially when it’s Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio. Straight from the sun-kissed hills of Friuli, this effortlessly drinkable white is everything we love about Italian wine: crisp, clean, and made for good company. Expect notes of pear, white peach, and citrus with a whisper of minerality that keeps things fresh and bright. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser — light enough for afternoon sipping, elegant enough for dinner, and stylish enough to bring to any holiday party. A true “drink it and smile” wine.
Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG — The King of Piedmont, Poured
Commanding yet graceful, Fontanafredda Barolo is the kind of wine that turns any dinner into an occasion. Born in the rolling hills of Piedmont, this Nebbiolo-driven beauty delivers layers of red cherry, rose petal, tobacco, and truffle — complex, structured, and endlessly captivating. Aged to perfection, it’s silky yet powerful, with a finish that lingers like a love letter from Italy. Pair it with slow-braised short ribs, truffle risotto, or just the quiet luxury of a winter night in. A true icon at a price that tells you to buy two bottles essential for serious holiday sipping.
Willm Réserve Riesling — Alsace in Every Sip
Crisp, aromatic, and effortlessly elegant, Willm Réserve Riesling brings the charm of Alsace straight to your glass. Grown along the sun-drenched slopes of the Vosges Mountains, this wine shines with notes of juicy peach, green apple, and citrus zest, balanced by a vibrant mineral streak that makes every sip sing. It’s a versatile holiday hero — equally perfect with roast turkey, spicy Thai takeout, or a midnight cheese board. Bright, fresh, and endlessly food-friendly, it’s proof that Riesling deserves a permanent spot on your table (and your “nice” list).
Carpenè Malvolti 1868 Brut — The Original Italian Sparkle
Raise a glass to heritage with Carpenè Malvolti 1868 Brut Prosecco Superiore, a true pioneer from the heart of Conegliano Valdobbiadene — the birthplace of Prosecco itself. Founded by the very family who helped define the style, this vintage sparkler delivers fine bubbles, bright citrus, white peach, and hints of acacia blossom. Fresh, elegant, and endlessly effervescent, it’s the perfect pour for holiday brunches, gift exchanges, or anytime you want to add a little Italian sparkle to your season.
William Fèvre Petit Chablis — The Chicest Chill in the Room
Cool, crisp, and impossibly elegant, William Fèvre Petit Chablis is the definition of understated luxury. Hailing from Burgundy’s iconic limestone slopes, this Chardonnay delivers notes of lemon zest, green apple, and wet stone — pure, precise, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s the kind of wine that instantly elevates any occasion, whether you’re hosting an oyster soirée or toasting the season in silk pajamas. Think of it as the little black dress of white wines — timeless, refined, and always in style.
Taylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old Tawny Port — Liquid Luxury in a Glass
Decadent, silky, and beautifully aged, Taylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old Tawny Port is pure winter sophistication. Hailing from Portugal’s Douro Valley, this fortified masterpiece unfolds with layers of caramelized fig, toasted almond, dried apricot, and warm spice — like dessert and elegance in one sip. Slow-aged in oak casks, it strikes that perfect balance between sweetness and finesse, making it the ideal after-dinner companion for holiday nights by the fire. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself, this bottle is proof that patience — and Port — are worth it.
Ogier Côtes du Ventoux — Rhône Valley Charm in Every Pour
From the sun-drenched slopes of France’s Ventoux region comes this elegant red from the legendary house of Ogier — a masterclass in balance, depth, and drinkability. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, it’s bursting with ripe raspberry, black cherry, and a touch of Provençal spice, wrapped in soft tannins that make it oh-so-easy to love. This Ogier Côtes de Ventoux Rouge is perfect for cozy dinners, candlelight, and good conversation — this wine was made for moments that warm you from the inside out. A true Rhône classic that overdelivers every time.
Leyda Lot 5 Chardonnay — Cool-Climate Sophistication from Chile
Sourced from Chile’s breezy Leyda Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, Leyda Lot 5 Chardonnay is a masterclass in coastal elegance. Bright and beautifully balanced, it opens with notes of citrus, ripe pear, and toasted almond, finishing with a whisper of minerality that speaks to its maritime terroir. Creamy yet fresh, it’s the kind of Chardonnay that wins over both oak lovers and crisp-style fans alike. Serve it with roast chicken, buttery seafood, or your holiday table’s showstopper — it’s sunshine and sophistication in every glass.