How to Build a Wine Flight for Your Guests this Holiday Season

‘Tis the Season to Sip and Celebrate

Picture it: cozy nights by the fire, twinkling lights reflecting off your wine glasses, and the happy hum of friends gathered around the table. This year, skip the ordinary and surprise your guests with something that’s as fun as it is flavorful, a holiday wine flight! It’s an effortless way to wow everyone at your gathering and spark those lively “which one’s your favorite?” conversations. The best part? If you’re a member of our wine club, you already have the perfect lineup waiting for you. Our personally picked bottles make it easy to mix, match, and create your own tasting adventure. Think of it as a mini world tour of flavor, without ever leaving your living room!

What Exactly Is a Wine Flight?

Think of it as your very own tasting lineup, three to five wines served in small pours so you can compare and enjoy each one without overdoing it. The fun part is in the exploration: guests get to see how different wines look, smell, and taste side by side, discovering new favorites along the way. It’s the perfect holiday activity as part entertainment, part education, and all delicious. Plus, it keeps everyone mingling and chatting (and maybe even debating) about what they love most in a glass. Just remember our golden rule: keep it casual and no wine snobs allowed!

Pick Your Theme (and Your Wines!)

Building a wine flight is all about creating a tasting journey, and the holidays are the perfect excuse to play with bold flavors, festive bubbles, and global flair. Start with a theme that fits your mood, menu, or crowd and let the bottles do the talking.

If you’re going for cozy and classic, try a Winter Reds flight! It’s the ultimate lineup for chilly evenings and hearty holiday feasts. Pour a glass of our rich, velvety Elefante California Red Blend alongside the beautifully balanced Guardiani Farchione Tenuta del Ceppete 74 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo for a one-two punch of flavor that’s sure to impress. The Elefante offers smooth, dark fruit notes with a touch of spice, while the Montepulciano brings depth, structure, and an earthy richness that makes it a perfect match for roasted meats, creamy pastas, or even a simple charcuterie board by the fire. It’s the kind of flight that invites everyone to slow down, savor, and settle into the warmth of the season which is a true crowd-pleaser for red wine lovers.

Feeling festive and bubbly? Go for a Sparkling Celebration flight! Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like a glass of bubbles, and this duo is ready to bring the sparkle. Start with the lively, refreshing Jeio Valdobbiadene Prosecco Brut, a crisp Italian sparkler that dances on your palate with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. Follow it with the delightfully sweet I Vignaioli di S. Stefano Moscato d’Asti, a dessert-worthy wine that brings floral aromatics and hints of honey and peach. Together, they make the perfect toast to holiday joy that is light, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s a flight that feels like confetti in a glass, guaranteed to make your celebration sparkle a little brighter.

Or, if you’re ready to take your guests on a global adventure, create a World Tour flight with no passport required. Start your journey in Italy with Il Poggio Vini Safinos Aglianico del Taburno Rosso, a bold and structured red full of dark fruit and smoky undertones, followed by the smooth and expressive Monserrato 1973 Barbera del Sannio, known for its juicy acidity and ripe cherry notes. Next, jet off to Spain for the robust Quinta Sardonia Sardon, an elegant blend that perfectly balances fruit and spice. Finally, wrap up your tasting in California with either the refined Companion Wines Reserve Cabernet or the silky, full-bodied Companion Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This flight is made for the curious sipper, a tour across continents and styles, showcasing how beautifully diverse the world of wine can be.

No matter what direction you go, have fun mixing and matching! There’s no wrong answer when your flight’s filled with HWSD favorites!

Arrange Your Flight Like a Pro

Once you’ve picked your lineup, it’s time to set up your wine flight! The order you serve your wines in can totally change the tasting experience and it’s all about balance. As a rule of thumb, go from light to bold or dry to sweet, so each sip builds in depth and flavor without overwhelming your palate. For example, you might start with a crisp Prosecco, move into a refreshing Rosé, ease into a smooth Pinot Noir, then pour a richer Red Blend, and finish with a luscious Dessert Wine. This gradual progression lets every wine shine on its own while keeping your guests’ taste buds excited for what’s next!

When it comes to pouring, less is more! Aim for about 2–3 ounces per wine, just enough to savor without running out too soon. Serve your whites and sparkling wines nicely chilled, and let your reds sit out for a few minutes to reach that perfect slightly cool temperature!

Presentation Counts!

A beautiful setup makes your wine flight feel extra special, and it doesn’t take much to pull off! Start with matching glasses for a clean, elegant look, or line up your pours on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, farmhouse-chic vibe. Label each wine so guests can keep track of what they’re sipping like a few chalkboard tags, gold paint markers, or even simple handwritten cards can add a personal (and Instagram-worthy) touch!

To bring in some festive flair, sprinkle in small seasonal details. Think cranberries floating in water glasses, sprigs of rosemary tucked alongside each pour, or holiday napkins in deep reds, greens, or golds. These little accents instantly elevate your table from casual tasting to holiday celebration.

And of course, no wine flight is complete without a few perfectly paired bites! Keep it simple but intentional: pair sparkling wines with creamy Brie or goat cheese, and a red blend with savory charcuterie or rich dark chocolate. The contrast between sips and snacks brings out the best in every wine and keeps your guests happily nibbling and chatting all night long. After all, the best tastings are the ones that look just as good as they taste!

Gift It or Get It

If you’re looking for a gift that’s guaranteed to impress, our personally picked wine bundles or wine club subscription is the way to go! It’s the perfect present for hosts, couples, coworkers, or anyone who loves to explore new wines. Who doesn’t want to unwrap a box full of handpicked bottles and holiday cheer? Each monthly delivery feels like a mini celebration, filled with thoughtfully curated wines that turn any evening into an experience!

So whether you’re gifting it or getting it for yourself, now’s the time to spread the joy of great wine. Grab your holiday wine bundle or join the club, and we’ll take care of the pairing, pouring, and perfect holiday vibes!