There are 169 towns in Connecticut, loveable, hateable, distinct. An archipelago.
I like to think of them as breeds of dog.
It’s much the same with its better wine shops and importers.
And while we won’t call out the particular breeds, we’ve talked to several of the state’s singular voices when it comes to wine and alcohol, and together assembled a list of recommendations that is as rich with personality, as it is practical – you can actually find these wines in stores – affordable, and fun.
We’ve asked each to suggest two whites, two reds, a sparkler, and a wild card.
Taking part are Mary Chegwidden of Drinkable Arts Importers in Wallingford, Janine Sacco of Skurnik Wines & Spirits in New Haven, Katie & Noah Goldberg of The Study Fine Wines in Greenwich, Doug Rankin of Missing Link Wine Company in Berlin, Ryan Fochtman, Jules Prendergast, Jessica Charest and Jon Brodie of Spencer & Lynn in Mystic, Kim Kunzik of Ungrafted Selections in New Haven, Greg Tinti of Center Wine + Spirits in Glastonbury, and Jacob Z. Studenroth of The Wise Old Dog in West Hartford.
Prices are approximate.
Find your wine. Find your dog.
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Mary Chegwidden
Drinkable Arts Importers
White
Domaine Coquin Menetou-Salon ($13)
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley — one of Sancerre’s neighbors — fresh, full of minerality, with citrus notes taking the lead. A wine that pairs with most, and perfect for all occasions.
Christophe Patrice, Chablis 2023 ($28)
A pure form of Chardonnay, unoaked, crisp acidity, and fresh fruit. Magical when paired with seafood.
Red
Via Caritatis, Vox Rouge, Ventoux 2020 ($20)
Rhone Valley red, Grenache and Syrah Blend. Bold, and elegant with soft tannins. With notes of berries, and spice. Perfect for meat, and charcuterie pairings. It is also made by the monks of the Abbey de Barroux, one of the first vineyards serving to the Pope.
Bader-Mimeur, Chassagne Montrachet Rouge 2017 ($65)
One of Burgundy’s finest wines, Pinot Noir, and the 2017 vintage is showing to be a spectacular. Elegant, velvet feeling to the palate, with notes of cherry and pepper spices to finish. The art of winemaking.
Sparkler
Domaine Millet, Crémant de Bourgogne ($23)
A perfect starter for the holidays, light and refreshing, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend, made in the traditional champagne method, which brings a toasty undertone, and brioche finish.
Wild Card
Domaine Verret, Irancy 2021 ($33)
Another shining star of Burgundy. The appellation is not as famous as the rest of the area, and it provides the same quality and great taste, at a reasonable price. Wonderful Pinot Noir, full of complexity, with notes of pomegranate, earthy tones, and a pepper finish.
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Greg Tinti
Center Wine + Spirits
White
Turley, White Zinfandel 2023 ($26)
This isn’t your grandma’s white Zin! It’s a beautiful, dry rosé from Turley, one of the premier producers of Zinfandel in California. Notes of wild strawberry and flowers with bright acidity and a rich texture. Great on its own served as aperitif or will pair brilliantly with a wide range of foods. Delicious and a fun conversation starter.
Red
Domaine Serge Laloue, Sancerre Rouge 2022 ($30)
With Sancerre exploding in popularity in recent years, it’s been fun to introduce people to the other Sancerre — Sancerre Rouge. And this version from Serge Laloue is one of the best values in French Pinot Noir I tasted in 2024. A small, family-owned winery, Serge Laloue’s wines are produced from organically-farmed estate vineyards located in the heart of Sancerre. This Pinot Noir will work with just about any meal this holiday season.
Castello di Monsanto, Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 ($32)
I love Chianti and I especially love Chianti around the holidays. It pairs so well with the rich foods of the season from charcuterie to roasts. Castello di Monsanto’s Chianti Classico Riserva is absolutely gorgeous in the 2020 vintage — deep, intense, and impeccably balanced.
Sparkler
Failla ‘2G’ Brut 2016 ($90)
A very special bottle of sparkling wine from one of my favorite producers in California. This is a classic blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from a remote vineyard just a few miles from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. Elegant and complex with a delicate mousse, this has notes of fresh berries, Meyer lemon, toasted brioche, and a whisper of salinity. A real treat!
Wild Card
Amaro ($70)
The one thing I recommend everyone has on hand for the holidays is Amaro — a bittersweet Italian herbal liqueur. It’s the perfect way to end a big meal and also aids in digestion. There are dozens available for purchase in Connecticut ranging from the dry and herbal to sweeter versions. Three great renditions to seek out are Varnelli Amaro dell’Erborista, Amaro Nonino, and Fratelli Francoli Antico Amaro ‘Noveis.’
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Janine Sacco
Skurnik Wines & Spirits
White
Katsunuma Jozo ‘Aruga Branca Clareza’ Koshu 2023 ($28)
Boom! Say hello to Koshu! Japan’s cutest INDIGENOUS grape. SHE’S SO PINK!!!!!!! Like seriously. Leave it to the Japanese to have the cutest most amazing indigenous grape. It just kills me. I honestly didn’t even know that Japan had local wine grapes.
Think Pinot Grigio meets Sauvignon Blanc for this one – snappy green apple, crunchy pear, grapefruit, stony minerals, wisteria blossom, and lemon zest lead the aromatics. The palate is light, crisp and dry, with this beautiful minerality that layers beneath the palate’s pear tones like silt. Lengthy finish. Beautiful balance.
This is one of my favorite whites to bring to dinner. She plays the most perfect second fiddle and has this uncanny ability to just take a step back and let the food shine forward. Even more, she’s designed to tackle robust and umami driven flavors like soy and miso that western wines may not have cojones to stand up to.
Pray Tell Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 ($50)
Hot Take: Go to coastal California for your Pinot Noir and go to Oregon for your Chardonnay. There I said it.
Pray Tell is just filled with charm and class and is the most beautiful Chardonnays I’ve tasted all year – It’s really hard to beat this aromatic combination of chamomile, honeysuckle, apple, pear, stony mineral, and a meadow in spring. It’s Burgundian sensibility with a bit of new world flare.
Red
Piaggia ‘Pietranera’ IGT Toscana 2022 ($20)
Carmignano (where this little darling comes from) is the OG place for the production of wines we know as “Super Tuscan” – a tradition of using what we might call “international” grape varieties (the cabernet family, Syrah, etc.) in the blend alongside Italian classics like Sangiovese. This style of wine rose in popularity in the 1970s and 80s but its history goes back much farther to Renaissance and the Medici family.
The Pietranera is Piaggia’s entry level bottling. It’s my perfect “steak and potato” red – it’s made from a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Franc. Sangio takes the lead on this one – bramble-y red and dark berries (cherry, blackberry, plum) lead the aromatics and are framed by fresh herbs (oregano and thyme), forest floor, citrus and dried violets. The palate is full bodied and silky-smooth with notes of blackberry and orange that linger on the unexpectedly long finish. Such a stunner. Such a value. Added bonus points: She’s organic!
Michel Tete Domaine Clos du Fief “La Roche,” Beaujolais-Villages 2023 ($20)
Beaujolais is like the golden retriever of red wines – its happy, friendly, wants to hang out with everyone and be your best friend. Gamay (the grape of Beaujolais) is one of my go to reds especially when it comes to bringing wines to a pot luck or dinner party where a ton of different flavors are being served. Yeah, sure, he may seem a little thin for a cave man strip steak but he’ll always be respectful and kind to your veggies, fish, or poultry.
Produced from over 50-year-old vines from just outside the appellation limits of Julienas, this expressive little wine is packed with Bing cherry, blackberry, warming spices, violets, and a touch of licorice. The palate is medium bodied and silky smooth with soft, very resolved tannins leading into a soft and easy finish.
Wild Card
Okidaikichi Honten Gakki Masamune “Nakadori” Honjozo ($26)
If sake could be refreshing, this is about as refreshing as sake can get! Think orange creamsicle, blueberry, watermelon, rice crispies treats, peach, banana bread and flan. The palate is smooth, rich, plump, and expansive but has an uplifting tingle and spritz that lightens up the drinking experience. Flavors are reminiscent of watermelon, kiwi, peach, pixy stix, berries and cream, lemon-lime, and strawberry candy. This is delicious on its own but is a real showstopper when paired with shellfish of any kind. Don’t think. Just try it. She’s just so charming she’s hard not to love.
Even better idea:: you could just level up to the big leagues and find yourself a bottle of Jikon Tokubetsu Junmai – smells like heaven, tastes like stars. This is to date my most favorite beverage in the entire world (water is included in this list). It’s perfect in every way and I am obligated as a humanitarian to tell you about this bottle. There are VERY few bottles left in CT and they are VERY hard to find. There are a few Japanese restaurants in New Haven that pour this by the glass so if you can’t find a bottle for sale, head over to one of the three hachiroku locations to give it a try.
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Katie & Noah Goldberg
The Study Fine Wines
White
Weinbau Irmhilde Zahel, Gruner Veltliner, Austria 2023 ($18 1L)
Fresh, zippy and sassy. In a happy, one-liter green bottle to keep the good times rolling.
Boyer – De Bar “La Glaciere”, Sauvignon Blanc, France 2023 ($20)
For your Sancerre lovers, but 10 dollars cheaper, expertly-made and with a swanky wax top. Pro tip: DO NOT try to cut off. Just stick the corkscrew directly through the top and it will crack when you open.
Red
Domaine Romy “Les Pierres Dorees,” Beaujolais, 2022 ($16)
Light, bright berry sipper with a touch of earth. This crushable red is user friendly and won’t slow you down.
Melville, St. Rita Hills, Syrah, 2019 ($38)
Rethink Shiraz/Syrah with Chad Melville’s juicy, silky Santa Barbara beauty. Perfect accompaniment to a holiday feast or a cozy fire.
Sparkler
Fizzi Lambrusco, Italy ($14)
Ruby red label matches the ruby red bubbly. Dry, fun, festive and perfect with charcuterie.
Recaredo Corpinnat ‘Terrers,’ Brut Nature, Spain 2019 ($40)
From “The Heart of Penedès”, this traditionally made sparkler has the history, complexity and depth that will have any Champagne lover geek out.
Wild Card
Barolo Chinato: Cappellano, Italy ($80)
Powerful Nebbiolo meets herbal vermouth meets vintage port. Hard to find, amazing to try, lasts all season long. Chin Chin!
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Doug Rankin
Missing Link Wine Company
White
Christina Orange, Austria ($23)
Skin contact white wines… gotta try one! More tannin, color and mouth texture than a standard white wine. This organic Chardonnay blend from Christina Netzl is your diving board…. herbs and heaps of exotic fruit, juicy citrus flavors. Super cool on its own or even more enjoyable next to some aromatic cuisine like Thai curries, grilled fish, lemon roasted chicken. You won’t go back.
Mallea Grenache Blanc, Santa Barbara ($22)
Wow. Who cares what the grape is… this amazing wine made by superstar Justin Willett in Santa Ynez Santa Barbara is sublime. Fresh, vibrant, alive.
Red
Peterson Primary Red Blend, Mendocino ($19)
Not all California red blends are created equal, by a long shot. This proves that point. Under $20, worth $30. Real, dry, American red blend. Brimming with soul.
Uva de Vida Biografico Red, Toledo, Spain ($21)
This Tempranillo blend from outside of Rioja could be termed a “natural wine” (whatever that means these days?!) but almost universally appealing. Fresh, crunchy, herbs, fruit, not oaky or heavy, but abundant with flavor and energy. This could become your everyday wine. Watch out!
Sparkler
Redentore Prosecco Grand Cuvee Millesime 2023, Piave, Italy ($22)
Actual French Champagne is too damn expensive. Prosecco is not. And while this is not your everyday Prosecco, it’s better, the price is still very reasonable for this creamy, refreshing upper-tier sparkling wine. If a wine looked like it’s winemaker, this would be it. Alessandro DeStefani is bursting with an energy and pride you wouldn’t believe; about quality, organic winemaking, and you being happy with his wines.
Avinyó Cava Brut Reserva Vintage 2021, Penedes, Spain ($21)
Cava is Spain’s answer to French Champagne, the the overlooked, middle child in the sparkling wine world, and yet it’s brilliant! Avinyo is making some of the best Cava in the world. The real stuff.
Wild Card
Forthave Spirits Coffee Liqueur 375ml, Brooklyn ($32)
Undeniably delicious art in a bottle. Producers Daniel de la Nuez and Aaron Fox are foraging, sourcing, distilling rock stars. This amazing drink is a collaboration with their neighbors at Café Integral, made with a single origin coffee bean from Nicaragua, and roasted in Brooklyn. Serve neat after dinner or mix into cocktails.
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Ryan Fochtman, Jules Prendergast, Jessica Charest and Jon Brodie
Spencer & Lynn
White
Florez Edelzwicker 2023 ($27)
This unique Alsatian-style blend of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris offers a delightful mix of aromatics and textures—think fresh citrus, lychee, and a floral kiss on the nose. It’s dry, refreshing, and incredibly versatile, making it a dream pairing for your holiday table. Serve this with roasted turkey, creamy cheeses, or herbaceous sides like sage stuffing or green bean almondine. It’s the white you’ll come back to again and again.
Corte Mainente ‘Pigno’ Soave Classico 2022 ($28)
With its bright acidity and notes of white flowers and juicy peach, this Italian gem strikes the perfect balance between elegance and power. It’s fresh, mineral-driven, and transitions beautifully from appetizers to the main course—think prosciutto-wrapped melon, seafood starters, or baked ham with honey glaze. A subtle yet persistent finish lingers on the palate, highlighting its depth and making it as memorable as it is easy to love. This wine stands out on the table without overwhelming the meal, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Red
Domaine Charlopin Tissier, Côte de Nuits-Villages, Vieilles Vignes 2022 ($30)
A gorgeous expression of Burgundy, this wine is vibrant and refined, with notes of raspberry, cherry, violet, and a hint of licorice. The old vine fruit gives it beautiful concentration, while the light touch of oak adds subtle structure. Its graceful balance of fruit, acidity, and silky tannins makes it both approachable now and worthy of a few years in the cellar. With its freshness and finesse, it pairs seamlessly with classic holiday dishes like duck with orange sauce, prime rib, or a creamy mushroom risotto. This is the red for those who love elegance in their glass.
Guido Porro Langhe “Camilu,” Nebbiolo, 2022 ($28)
This Nebbiolo is a beautiful introduction to Piedmont and the charm of the Nebbiolo grape. With layers of ripe cherries, fragrant roses, and earthy spice, it strikes the perfect balance of elegance and finesse.Its bright acidity and refined tannins make it a natural companion to hearty holiday fare like slow-braised short ribs or a classic herb-crusted prime rib roast.. This approachable yet sophisticated wine showcases why Nebbiolo is revered for its ability to pair seamlessly with rich, savory dishes.
Sparkler
Champagne Christophe Mignon ADN De Meunier Brut Nature 2022 ($65)
This Champagne is all about purity and precision. Made entirely from Pinot Meunier, Christophe Mignon’s Brut Nature has no added sugar, letting the fruit and terroir shine. Its delicate bubbles and crisp minerality make it the perfect celebratory sip for holiday toasts or pairing with oysters, shrimp cocktail, or buttery gougères. Fresh, lively, and elegant, it’s a beautiful way to add sparkle to your Christmas gatherings.
Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Crémant du Jura Rosé NV ($35)
If you love Champagne but are looking for something slightly off the beaten path, this Crémant du Jura Rosé is your holiday gem. With vibrant flavors of wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of spice, it’s festive and fresh with just the right balance of richness and zing. Its fine bubbles and crisp acidity make it endlessly drinkable, while its unique Jura origins offer a charming, rustic elegance that sets it apart. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with smoked salmon, charcuterie boards, or holiday desserts like cranberry tarts. It’s proof that bubbles make everything better.
Wild Card
Jean Foillard Morgon “Côte du Py,” 2022 1.5L ($120)
What’s better than a great wine? A magnum of it! This Gamay from Beaujolais’ famed Côte du Py bursts with vibrant energy, offering flavors of ripe red berries, black cherry, and a hint of earthiness that reflect its volcanic origins. More than just a bottle, a magnum is a celebration in itself—big, bold, and meant to bring people together. Pair this lively and versatile beauty with roast chicken, glazed ham, or a spread of classic holiday sides, and let it effortlessly steal the show at your table.
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Kim Kunzik
Ungrafted Selections
White
Domaine Lampyres ‘H2O Blanc’ ($26)
An aromatic, mineral-driven white that would go great with any seafood. Winemaker FX Dauré seriously must be a wizard to make such an elegant Grenache Blanc/Grenache Gris blend from the warm Roussillon region.
Ramiro Ibáñez UBE Miraflores ($35)
One of the most compelling wines you could open all year – an unfortified Palomino from Jerez, that’s been aged under flor in super old barrels that used to hold Manzanilla sherry. It’s salty, savory, refreshing, complex, and extremely food-friendly.
Red
Outward Wines Vaccarèse ($38)
Or any other Outward red for that matter. Natalie and Ryan make beautiful, balanced wines from especially unique sites along California’s Central Coast. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Camarda Nerello Mascalese ($25)
Old school wine from just north of Mount Etna, has the tannins and earthiness to complement a heartier meal.
Sparkler
Alta Alella ‘Mirgin’ Cava ($22)
A bone-dry brut nature with extensive lees-aging that’s about as close to Champagne as you’ll get for half the price.
Wild Card
Jacquez Perritaz of Cidrerie du Vulcain ($25)
The best to ever do it. Any one of his ciders, perrys, or co-ferments would make a fun first bottle to open before dinner as an aperitif.
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Jacob Z. Studenroth
The Wise Old Dog
White (For the Larder and the Kitchen)
Domaine Le Novi ‘Terres de Safres’ Luberon Blanc, 2022 ($23)
This fresh pivot on a Southern French white blend of Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, and Grenache Blanc is a charming reminder that wine is evolving every single day. Once upon a time, this region was not well-known for the remarkable balance of complexity and gulpability that we treasure today. Of note, overnight low temperatures maintain firm acidity in this ripe-fruited, delightful wine. Pair with pan-roasted fish and cubed vegetables… maybe some fresh basil?! A most beautiful wine fit for your table.
White (For the Christmas Table)
Domaine Carrette ‘Les Crays,’ Pouilly-Fuisse 1er Cru, 2022 (1.5L, $125)
This 2022 Domaine Carrette ‘Les Crays’ Pouilly-Fuisse 1er Cru boasts 100% Chardonnay grapes, creating a supple and beautiful wine. Its ripe, opulent minerally-grounded backbone is accented by a driving acidity and enduring balance. From a small, family-owned winery in the heart of Pouilly-Fuisse, this wine is lovely for the table or to cellar for some years ahead. Pair with butter-poached lobster.
Red (For the Larder and the Kitchen)
Domaine Le Novi ‘Terre de Safres’ Luberon Rouge, 2022 ($23)
This fresh Southern French red blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Grenache reflects a balance of stunning depth and lightness of elegant touch. Make sure you lightly chill this beautiful shiny red. Pair with slow-roasted fish and a fresh green chopped ‘salsa’ of cucumber and dill and lemon juice and salt or lean into winter flavors with a wild mushroom risotto and roasted pork.
Red (For the Christmas Table)
Marie Berenice ‘Cuvée Simone’ Les Faremberts Bandol Rouge, 2021 ($48)
This wine is 90% Mourvedre and 10% Grenache from the South of France. A rich, well balanced bottle of red, with flavors of cassis, blackberry, cedar, and tobacco. Pair with grilled lamb, beef stew, or hard cheeses. An Important Note: This particular bottling marks a very special and rare collaboration between Importer Lyle Railsback of France+Western and Marie Berenice winemaker Damien Roux. In particular, all of the grapes in this specific cuvée represent Damien’s oldest vines and, further, come solely from a lieu dit known officially as ‘Les Faremberts’ but locally as ‘Chagall’ as the vineyard itself surrounds a family homestead owned by artist Marc Chagall. Unusually deep and savory, this wine is a true treat.
Sparkler
Domaine Fichet Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Tradition, NV ($18)
A refined expression of tradition, the Cuvée Coeur de Gamme showcases the exceptional craftsmanship passed down since 1978 at the domaine, with roots tracing back to the creation of the Crémant de Bourgogne appellation in 1975. This elegant 100% Chardonnay cuvée is crafted using the classic Champagne method. A brilliant pale gold hue, with fine, persistent bubbles form a delicate mousse. The nose is fresh and inviting, with a bouquet of white flowers—jasmine and acacia—complemented by subtle citrus notes of lemon zest and a touch of crisp green apple. The finish is clean, elegant, and zesty. Perfect for an aperitif or as a celebratory drink, this Crémant de Bourgogne pairs with seafood appetizers, light salads, or delicate seafood dishes such as oysters or lobster. It can also accompany festive desserts, especially those featuring citrus or almond.
Sparkler (for a special occasion)
Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Reserve, N/V ($60)
An early renegade “récoltant” alongside Anselme Selosse and François Peters, Jean Vesselle first bottled Champagne under his own label in 1972. This wine, a blend of 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, all wrapped up in a most classic package, is bit of luxury that deserves your table as much as you deserve to indulge. Pair with a pan-fried veal cutlet for a divine weeknight treat, crispy French Fries, or sushi takeout. Enjoy a special old-fashioned sort of lovely Champagne and toast to how lovely the fruit from Bouzy can be.