Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 136

The 12 Wines I’d Recommend to Any Curious Wine Drinker

Air Date: Wednesday, December 24th, 2025

Listen to the Podcast!

Staring at a wall of wine and wishing someone would just hand you a curated list of bottles actually worth drinking?
​
In this episode I’m sharing my 12 standout wines from 2025 in honor of the 12 days of Christmas. Wines from Washington Chardonnay to Idaho Mourvedre to canned Albariño, Soave from Italy, and a wild, nutty Vin Jaune from France. You’ll hear why each bottle earned a spot on the list, how it tastes, and the stories and memories tied to each one, including travel moments, family visits, and retreat highlights.

You’ll also learn why mixed oak and stainless aging affects Chardonnay, why Soave is such a reliable go-to at the grocery store, what makes orange wine and Pet Nat so distinctive, and how to think about “funky” wines like Vin Jaune or Condrieu without feeling intimidated. 

So, whether you’re hunting for a weeknight bottle, a Trader Joe’s steal, or something special to share with friends, this episode is a ready-made shopping list for any wine drinker!

Wines Mentioned in this Episode:

1. Kinhaven 2023 Chardonnay
2. 2020 Siegloch Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
3. 2021 Telaya Wine Co. Mourvèdre
4. Maker Wine Albariño (Camins 2 Dreams)
5. Clos du Gravillas 2020 À Fleur de Peau Vin Blanc de Maceration
6. Casaponte Soave Classico (Trader Joe's, no link!)
7. Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (Trader Joe's, no link!)
8. Domaine Baud Generation 9 Chateau Chalon
9. 2023 Pieropan Soave Clasico
10. 2024 Grosgrain Sémillon Pet Nat
11. 2021 Yves Cuilleron La Petite Cote Condrieu
12. Raventos i Blanc | Blanc de Blancs 2021

Resources:
Ep 40 - What Sets Camins 2 Dreams Apart From Other Wineries
Ep 68 - A Family Legacy with Spanish Winemaker Pepe Raventos
Ep 69 - Exploring Spanish Sparkling Wine with Pepe Raventos: Breaking Away From Cava
Ep 122 - Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet Riesling with Lisa Tupetz
Ep 123 - Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know with Lisa Tupetz

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!
https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]