13 Must-Have Wines for Your Holiday Feast

 By: The Food Hunter

As the holidays approach, there's no better time to gather around the table with loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and savor a glass (or two!) of exceptional wine. Whether you're hosting a grand celebration or a cozy family dinner, wine has a special way of elevating the dining experience. To make your holiday menu planning a breeze, I've curated a list of my favorite wines from around the world, including exceptional bottles from Italy and beyond, along with perfect food pairings to inspire your festivities.

1. Statella, Etna Rosso Pettinociarelle 2020

This Sicilian red from Mount Etna is made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes. It offers a delightful combination of red berries, herbs, and a distinctive smoky minerality. Light-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity, it’s perfect with roasted meats, lamb, or pasta dishes such as a hearty meat ragù.

2. Barone di Villagrande, Etna Bianco DOC Milo 2019

Made from the Carricante grape, this crisp white wine from Mount Etna has fresh citrus and green apple notes, complemented by a touch of herbal and volcanic minerality. It pairs beautifully with seafood such as grilled fish and oysters, as well as fresh salads and vegetable dishes.

3. Pietre di Luna, Catarratto 2022

This refreshing white from Sicily is crafted from the Catarratto grape, showcasing zesty citrus, floral aromas, and a hint of almond. Its crisp acidity makes it a perfect match for light fish dishes, seafood pasta, or fresh cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.

4. Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2022

A lighter style red from Tuscany’s Bolgheri region, Volpolo is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. With flavors of ripe cherry and plum, soft tannins, and a touch of spice, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta with tomato sauce, or roasted vegetables.

5. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023

This iconic Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, is packed with tropical fruit, citrus, and grassy notes. It’s crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal match for seafood such as oysters or salmon, as well as goat cheese and light salads.

6. Etude 2022 Carneros Pinot Gris

From the Carneros region in California, this Pinot Gris offers fresh flavors of pear, green apple, and floral hints, with a clean, crisp finish. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, or seafood salads.

7. Torrevento, Castel del Monte Rosso

From the Puglia region, this red wine is made from the Nero di Troia grape. It’s rich with dark berry flavors, tobacco, and spice. Its earthy finish make it ideal for pairing with roast meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.

8. Torrevento, Castello del Monte Ottagono

Another gem from Puglia, this wine blends Primitivo with a touch of other local varietals. Full-bodied and opulent, it’s packed with ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of pepper and chocolate. This wine is a natural partner for grilled steaks, and rich pasta dishes like bolognese.

9. Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG 2021

From the heart of Tuscany, this Sangiovese-based Chianti Classico offers vibrant flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of earthiness, with high acidity and medium tannins. It’s versatile enough to pair with roasted turkey, tomato-based pasta sauces, or mushroom risotto.

10. Poggio al Tesoro Bolgheri Superiore DOC "Sondraia" 2020

This Bordeaux-style blend from Tuscany combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The wine presents complex dark fruit aromas with herbs and a touch of oak. It’s full-bodied with structured tannins and pairs beautifully with wild game, or beef tenderloin.

11. Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

From Sonoma, California, this Pinot Noir is bright and aromatic, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthiness. It's an excellent choice for roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or soft cheeses like brie and camembert.

12. Hahn Wines 2022 Pinot Noir

This California Pinot Noir from Monterey County offers ripe cherry and strawberry flavors, with subtle vanilla and oak. Silky smooth and medium-bodied, it’s perfect for pairing with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or wild mushroom dishes.

13. Flora Springs - Holiday Wine

Flora Springs’ Holiday Bottles are created exclusively for wine club members as a special thank-you for their loyalty.  Each bottle is meticulously etched and hand-painted, making them true works of art. As the only Napa Valley winery to offer unique holiday designs each year, Flora Springs pours immense care into every detail, ensuring the wine inside and the bottle itself are nothing short of perfection. These elegant bottles make ideal gifts and are perfect for festive holiday celebrations, offering a memorable experience both in taste and presentation.

Introducing the NEW Stanley Pan in Amalfi Sunset—and More!

 By: The Food Hunter

 

Meet the new 4.5-quart Stanley Pan, a sleek, compact version of last year’s popular 6.5-quart model. Now available in six stunning, Italian-inspired colors, the smaller Stanley pan brings a touch of Mediterranean charm right into your kitchen.

 

Photo: William Sonoma

 

Perfect for everyday use, this versatile pan excels at everything from searing to simmering. Its high sides and flat bottom make stirring effortless, while the unique lid locks in flavors for unbeatable results. Not only is the new Stanley Pan highly functional, but it’s also stylish enough to go straight from stove to table.

 

This cookware line is the result of a collaboration between the esteemed brand GreenPan™ and the multi-talented actor and author Stanley Tucci™.  Available exclusively at Williams Sonoma, starting today, the collection is designed to elevate your culinary adventures with unparalleled quality and style.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a quick meal, the Stanley Pan has you covered! Explore it here.

Stanley Tucci's Favorite Panini

 By: The Food Hunter

 

On an episode of the Desert Island Dishes podcast, host Margie Nomura asked Stanley Tucci what his favorite sandwich was, to which Tucci exuberantly replied, “I love all sandwiches!”  Tucci went on to share that one sandwich, in particular, holds his favorite spot, and that is his twist on the infamous grilled cheese.

It should come as no surprise that Tucci’s version of this American classic uses authentic Italian ingredients. I wouldn't have expected anything less from the Italian sex symbol. 

If you want to recreate his favorite sandwich at home Tucci suggests using mozzarella, dry-cured salted ham (aka prosciutto) and fresh basil or pesto (or both).

Stanley Tucci's Favorite Cheese Panini

Ingredients

3-4 pieces of thinly sliced prosciutto
3 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
fresh basil or pesto or both
2 slices artisan bread
butter or olive oil for bread

Decide if you want to use butter or oil. My preference is butter. Coat one side of your bread slices with pats of butter and place face down on a heated griddle or flat pan.

Top each piece of bread with prosciutto and mozzarella. Lastly, top with either piece of fresh basil or a drizzle of pesto or maybe both…it is up to you. Top the sandwich with the other slice of buttered bread and cook. After a few minutes, carefully flip and cook the other side.

Once the cheese has melted, remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it in half and serve.

 By: The Food Hunter

For those who adore the combination of rich, savory flavors and the fresh taste of seafood, Mustard Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream is a dish that promises to impress. I discovered this recipe on Food & Wine. This dish, created by chef Stuart Bell, perfectly balances the robustness of Dijon mustard with the delicate flavor of tuna, all elevated by a luscious shallot cream.

Let’s explore how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Below is a high-level overview of the recipe scaled for 2 people.

Mustard Seared Tuna with Shallot Cream

Ingredients:

• Shallot Cream:

  • Kosher salt
  • 1-2 medium shallots (unpeeled)
  • 1/8 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• Tuna:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers
  • 1-2 tuna steaks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Eggplant Relish (for serving)
  • Steamed green beans (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shallot Cream:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Spread a 1/2-inch layer of salt in a baking dish and arrange the shallots on the salt. Bake for 45 minutes until soft. Let them cool, then peel and blend with cream, lemon juice, mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Tuna:

   • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add capers and cook until crisp. Set aside.
   • Season tuna with salt and pepper, spread mustard on each side, and cook in the same skillet until browned outside and medium-rare within.

3. Serve:

   • Plate the shallot cream and place the fish on top. Sprinkle the crispy capers. Serve alongside Eggplant Relish and steamed green beans.

    

 

An Unforgettable Evening at Top of the Market in San Diego

By: The Food Hunter

This experience was provided complimentary, all opinions are my own.  

San Diego is a city brimming with culinary delights, but few dining experiences can compare to an evening at Top of the Market. Nestled on the waterfront, this restaurant offers not only stunning views of the bay but also a menu that showcases the finest in fresh, local ingredients. My husband and I were recently invited to dine at Top of the Market, and it was an evening filled with exceptional flavors and impeccable service. Here’s a look at the unforgettable meal we enjoyed.

Our evening began with the Kanpachi Crudo, a dish that set the tone for the exquisite culinary journey ahead. The presentation was a visual delight, with thin slices of kanpachi artfully arranged on the plate. Each bite was a harmonious blend of local citrus and creamy avocado, enhanced by the subtle heat of Serrano peppers and the richness of olive oil. The freshness of the fish, combined with the bright, zesty flavors, made this appetizer a standout start to our meal.

Next, we shared the Beet and Burrata Salad, a beautifully plated dish that was as delightful to look at as it was to eat. The salad featured peppery arugula, complemented by sweet, juicy segments of orange. The creamy burrata paired perfectly with the earthy beets, and the pistachios added a satisfying crunch. The white balsamic vinaigrette tied all the elements together with its tangy and slightly sweet profile, making this salad a refreshing and sophisticated choice.

For the main course, I chose the Alaskan Halibut, and it did not disappoint. The halibut was perfectly cooked, with a golden-brown crust and a tender, flaky interior. It was served atop a bed of fregola, a type of Sardinian pasta, that added a wonderful texture to the dish. Asparagus spears provided a crisp contrast, while the preserved lemon tzatziki offered a creamy, tangy element that elevated the flavors. Thin slices of Persian cucumber and dill completed the dish, adding a refreshing crunch that balanced the richness of the fish and sauce.
 

My husband opted for the local Sea Bass, which was another fantastic choice. The sea bass was sitting on a bed of silky polenta that was simply divine. The mushrooms added an earthy depth to the dish, while the citrus salsa brought a surprising and delightful sweetness that complemented the fish beautifully. Each component was expertly crafted, creating a harmonious and memorable dish that highlighted the chef’s skill and creativity.

 

Dining at Top of the Market was more than just a meal; it was a culinary experience that showcased the best seafood San Diego has to offer. The combination of fresh, local ingredients, innovative dishes, and impeccable service made for an evening that we won't soon forget. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Top of the Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates fine dining and exceptional seafood. If you’re looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner with breathtaking views, this is the place to be.

Ready to experience Top of the Market for yourself? Here’s a tip: make a reservation in advance to secure a table with a view of the bay. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a night out, this restaurant promises a dining experience that’s second to none. Enjoy your meal, and prepare to be amazed!