Chances are that since you are a person of impeccable taste and curiosity that you have friends who share your passion for wine & spirits.
December has arrived, and the clock is running. BevX has made it easy to make your holiday buying decisions today. Why procrastinate? Did you know that last-minute shoppers accounted for 36 percent of the total? There is no reason to wait until the final moments.
We have assembled a modest list of stellar wines & spirits ranging in price from $25 to $500. It will be hard to resist picking up a bottle or two for yourself, so why try? End the year by being generous with yourself as well. Have a great holiday season.
Books
Be A Beverage Expert (BABE)
Your Guide to Understanding Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Cocktails
Be A Beverage Expert (BABE) makes a perfect holiday gift for hosts, family, friends, and colleagues. Its straightforward style encourages readers to learn more about the beverages they love and discover details about those they’re curious about. Your recipients can use this new knowledge to enhance holiday celebrations and continue enjoying beverages afterward. BABE is available on Amazon.com and at other booksellers. Your friends and family will enjoy this gift for years to come. The lonk below takes you directly to Amazon where you can choose between three formats: hardcover, paperback, and Kindle (digital).
Buy Be A Beverage Expert (BABE)
Wine
Tongue Dancer Wines
Tongue Dancer Wines is the creation of James and Kerry MacPhail. If you are a California Pinot Noir lover, you likely know James’ previous work with MacPhail Family Wines. James knows how to make amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and James knows a lot of people who grow spectacular Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We have been reviewing the wines from Tongue Dancer for the better part of a decade and have never seen a Tongue Dancer Wine fail to earn Four-Stars or better. Tongue Dancer constantly innovates, releasing new wines yearly while never missing a beat. Once, they surprised us by releasing a great, dry cider! This is a winery to watch. The wines are always in short supply, so be swift. Visit their website and join their mailing list to get direct access to their wines.
Tongue Dancer Wines has updated their great “Foxes in Boxes” gift boxes: See The Foxes Here
We recommend you check out their large format (1.5 – and 3-liter) bottles for the holidays. These make a statement of good taste and holiday cheer! We Like Big Bottles (and we can’t deny it…)
Tongue Dancer Wines “Magnolia Montrachet” Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley 2023 — $59, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Foxtrot Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2023 — $49, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 — $49, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Vineyard eleven Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2023 — $69, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2024 — $25, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Rosé de Ville, Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2024 — $29, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines The Sly One Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley 2023 — $59, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023 — $55, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Pinot de Ville, 10th Anniversary Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023 — $69, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir West Sonoma Coast 2023 — $75, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Lakeview Vineyard Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2023 — $65, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 — $59, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 — $55, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek
Tablas Creek is a unique animal on the California wine scene. They are unquestioned pioneers in the movement of Rhône-styled wines in California and many consider them to be the absolute best-in-class. While many wineries in California make wines with classic Rhône varietals, Tablas Creek makes wines with the heart and soul of the Rhône. They were founded in 1989 by a collaboration between two iconic wine families – the Perin family of Chateau de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands. Together they chose vineyard locations in Paso Robles, imported vine cuttings from the Rhône, and built vineyards and a winery from the dirt up. Their vineyard site in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles is a close match to climatic conditions and soils found at Chateau de Beaucastel. Their wines are not at all typically Californian in style. While they are not merely replicas of Rhône wines, they are rather a unique expression of Paso Robles fruit grown at elevation with the winemaking touch of an old Rhône master. I love how the Tablas Creek wines are always true to their respective vineyards and vintages. The wines convey a sense of being expertly managed rather than manipulated. Bravo!
The best way to get all of the Tablas Creek wines you see is to join their wine club.
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2023 — $75, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Adelaida District 2023 — $40, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé Adelaida District 2024 — $28, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Grenache Adelaida District 2023 — $45, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2024 — $30, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2023 — $75, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Syrah Adelaida District 2023 — $55, See the Featured Review
Tablas Creek Alouette Grenache Adelaida District 2024 — $35, See the Featured Review
Troon Vineyard
Troon Vineyard started quietly over four decades ago when Dick Troon planted vineyards in Southern Oregon. He sold grapes to local wineries but soon discovered that the best business decision was to create his own wines. He converted his barn to a winery and slowly built the brand until he sold the winery to his friend Larry Martin in 2003. Today, Troon Vineyard is owned by Dr. Bryan White and Denise White. The Whites along with Craig Camp, general manager, and winemaker Nate Wall lead the innovative wine making efforts at Troon. Nate has extensive winemaking experience in the Willamette Valley and brings a nuanced, almost Pinot Noir approach to winemaking. Craig is a wine industry veteran with a sharp palate, encyclopedic knowledge of the wines of the world, and relentless energy. Troon offers a wonderfully diverse selection of varietal wines and blends ranging from Malbec to Grenache and Vermentino to name just a few. Beginning with the 2018 vintage the fruit utilized by Troon was farmed 100% organically and biodynamically. All Troon wines were crushed by foot, fermented with only native yeasts with no additives of any kind. If you are seeking unique wines with style and gusto you need to get acquainted with Troon Vineyard.
If you would like to sample some cool and innovative wines in 2024 Or share great wines with a friend we recommend that you consider Membership in one of Troon’s wine clubs.
Check Out Their Gift Packs
Troon Vineyard Druid’s White Applegate Valley 2024 — $30, See the Featured Review
Troon Vineyard Druid’s Pink Applegate Valley 2024 — $30, See the Featured Review
Troon Vineyard Druid’s Red Applegate Valley 2024 — $30, See the Featured Review
Domaine St. Laurent
Nestled in the wild beauty of Oregon’s Rogue Valley, Domaine St. Laurent embodies three generations of a family’s dedication to the land. What started in 1985 as St. Laurent Land and Cattle—a pioneering ranch known for its all-natural Wagyu-Angus beef—has grown into an impressive winegrowing enterprise. In 2017, after years of studying the site’s volcanic soils and mountain microclimate, Will and Alex St. Laurent planted Pinot Noir vines on the rocky slopes ascending toward the Cascade Range. The high elevation and mineral-rich terrain give the wines a luminous balance—Pinot Noirs with finesse and depth, and a rosé that captures the cool mornings of the mountains. Today, Alex oversees production while his wife, Heidi, shapes the brand’s vision, alongside winemaker Dustin Andries. With upcoming plantings of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Syrah, Domaine St. Laurent stands as a vibrant, independent voice in Southern Oregon’s growing wine story.
Domaine St. Laurent Pinot Noir Rogue Valley 2023 — $18, See the Featured Review
Domaine St. Laurent Block One Pinot Noir Rogue Valley 2023 — $45
Hamel Wines
The Hamel Stratum is a quintessential Bordeaux-style blend created in the Sonoma Valley. It’s the perfect fusion of Old World and New World wine styles that flows effortlessly from the glass. It is made with a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot sourced from the Nuns Canyon Vineyard and the Hamel Family Ranch. The construction of the wine is intriguing, having been fermented in 56% neutral French Oak barrels, 30% stainless steel tanks, and 14% concrete eggs. Post fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 72% neutral French Oak casks, 9% new French Oak barrels, and 19% one-year-old French Oak barrels. Then the final blend is allowed to harmonize for five months in concrete tanks before bottling. The 2020 vintage was dry and warm, yielding small berries with a high degree of intensity. The resulting wine is pleasingly complex with no sharp edges and an opulent and supple texture. It’s a luxurious glass of red.
Hamel Stratum Sonoma Valley 2020 — $60, See the Featured Review
Davis Bynum
Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorite varietals as it says so much about the place where it is grown and the people who coax it into wine. Regardless of these factors, this great varietal is almost always aromatic and, when done properly, sprightly and refreshing. The grapes for the Davis Bynum Virginia’s Block Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2024 hail from their five-acre plot in the heart of the Russian River Valley, named for Davis’ wife, Virginia. The gravely soils and abundant afternoon sun conspire to create fruits that are rich while incredibly balanced, featuring vibrant acidity. The grapes were picked on October 9, about a month later than usual due to late bud-break and cooler than typical temperatures. Post fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is briefly aged in a unique oak regimen of 42% seasoned French oak, 29% new Acacia barrels, and 29% seasoned Acacia. The resulting wine is supple while vibrant with complex flavors.
Davis Bynum Virginia’s Block Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2024 — $30, See the Featured Review
Papapietro Perry
Papapietro Perry Winery is a family-owned winery in Sonoma County, CA. The project was born from humble beginnings in Ben and Yolanda Papapietro’s garage in 1980. Ben is a naturally talented winemaker; his friends and family loved his Pinot Noir. In 1998, Ben was joined by his friend Bruce Perry. Bruce found space at Windsor Oaks Winery, and the wines were made there until they moved to their current location at Timber Crest Farms in 2005. The wines earned critical acclaim from their first release, and the awards haven’t stopped. Papapietro Perry are Pinot Noir specialists, with the majority of their wines being crafted from this popular varietal. The fruit for these wines is frequently sourced from single vineyards, often family-owned. Ben has long-lasting relationships with many of the vineyard owners — the symbiotic energy is high. They also produce a small amount of Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and a Rosé of Pinot Noir. Most of the 8,000 cases produced annually are sold directly to consumers. We love their wines and their story and look forward to enjoying these wines through the years.
Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021 — $66, See the Featured Review
Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2022 — $64, See the Featured Review
Spirits
Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin
We were smitten with this singular Gin from the very first sip. The corn-based spirit is the ideal blank canvas for the clever blend of botanicals that are the true star of this spirit. Waterloo crafts its Gins with the intention of keeping the juniper element as a supporting player rather than the focus. The Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin is made with a botanical blend that includes prickly pear, rose petals, hibiscus, juniper, lavender, grapefruit, pecan, orris root, coriander, anise, ginger, and licorice root. The first three botanicals really pop with the hibiscus, creating a raft of aromatics for the other fruitier and higher-toned elements to mingle. The root additions offer subtle accents that appear on the finish. We don’t often talk about the packaging, but it must be mentioned that this craft brand has hit a home run with their labels and bottle choice.
Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin — $34.99, See the Featured Review
Calumet Farm 18 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Calumet Farm, one of the nation’s and the world’s premier horse training facilities, has been involved in the Bourbon industry long before its highly anticipated 2025 release of the Centennial Collection. Over the years, they released 10 unique Bourbons, starting with the first edition of an eight-year-old Whiskey introduced in 2013. Since then, they have launched age-statement Whiskies in their Legacy Series, ranging from eight to 16 years old. All of these charming Bourbons have been expertly sourced through Bardstown Bourbon Company (formerly Barton) and their former Master Distiller John Hargrove. We expect that Calumet Farm will continue this tradition, and we look forward to future releases.
Calumet Farm 18 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon — $499.99, See the Featured Review
Hardhide
Sidewalk Side Spirits is a spirits brand incubator company founded in 2020 by spirits industry veteran John Eason and the owners of Cocktail & Son’s, Lauren Myerscough and Max Messier. Their first brand was a collaboration with the undisputed King of King Cakes, Gambino’s Bakery to create Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream. This award-winning product was born out of their love of Carnival and all it means to the hundreds of thousands of revelers who celebrate it across the country and the world every year. This was followed-up with Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Flavored Whiskey — a flavored Whiskey that has not forgotten the Whiskey. Stay tuned to see what they create next.
Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Flavored Whiskey — $29.99, See the Featured Review
Hardhide Chilton County Peach Flavored Whiskey — $29.99, See the Featured Review
Tongue Dancer Wines — Swag and accessories
BevX Readers know that we love Tongue Dancer Wines. We believe that a great Pinot Noir (or Chardonnay) needs a great glass and maybe even a decanter. Take a look at their 2025 offerings. A few items that have caught our eye: Stemless Riedel Glasses, Decanter, Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru, Riedel New World Pinot Noir Glass, Gabriel Glas stemless, S’well dog bowls in pink, topaz, and black, and a cool burgundy ball cap.
TDW Merchandise View it All
Troon Biodynamic Barrel-Aged Red Wine Vinegar
Troon Barrel Aged Biodynamic Red Wine Vinegar has been two years in the making! Using the centuries-old Orleans method, we crafted an authentic, slow-vinegar with a personality that modern methods cannot replicate. We began by brewing our own Troon Farm mother of vinegar using our estate Syrah wine and vine cuttings from our vineyard. Troon’s vinegar mother and wine spent the next twenty months together in oak barrels, gently transforming our wine into vinegar…