Taylor Dye, wine manager at the PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE, recommends some of her favorite food and beverage suggestions.

Our favorite time of the year is finally here! Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the reward of sitting down and enjoying food and wine with good company makes it all worth it. One ofmy favorite aspects of wine is its ability to enhance a dish, and I love testing out classic pairings or using whatever dish I’m cooking as inspiration to try that new bottle I’ve been eyeing on the shelf.Below are some of my favorite go-to pairings and ideas to make your holiday dinner party a success.
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Course 1

Bubbles! Not only does sparkling wine promote a festive atmosphere at any party, it is versatile in food pairing, especially with small bites and appetizers. Your options range from a fresh, aromatic and spritzy Prosecco, to a bready and complex Champagne. My recommendation is Roederer Estate, a California sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne style, paired with a rich and creamy brie. It is available for $19.99, regularly $32.99.
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Course 2

I love the options available from our seafood counter: we carry an array of seasonal shellfish, sushi-grade tuna, and favorites such as red snapper and grouper. If you would prefer something prepared, we have house-made crab cakes available. Crab cakes are a blank slate for white wine pairings; you can lean towards something with higher acidity to contrast, or go for a rich and creamy white to complement. To complement, I would suggest J Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley at $24.99, regularly $29.99.
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Course 3

I want something really special, I grab one of our in-house dryaged steaks from the meat counter. Dry-aging the beef draws out moisture and breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, rendering it more flavorful, complex, and buttery-soft. Now someone pass the red wine, quick! I’m leaning towards something that is bold yet nuanced enough to not overwhelm the plate, such as a red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Pauillac de Haut-Bages Liberal, available for $35.99, is my pick.
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Course 4

I'm always searching for a good excuse to open up a dessert wine, whether it accompanies traditional southern desserts such as pecan pie, or a spread of blue cheese, honey, and candied nuts. An aged Tawny Port will pair perfectly whichever way you decide to go. I’m eyeing Warre’s Otima Ten Year Tawny, which is known for a modern style, combining freshness with dried fruit, smoke and nutty flavors. It is available for $31.99.