When attempting to plan a menu for your holiday entertaining plans—whether for an intimate group or a large family hoopla—no gathering is complete without the perfect wine. Because choosing a bottle to please every guest can be challenging, we partnered with Christian Nesheim, owner of Vinifera Wines and Ales, to bring you his top three picks of the season.
Since opening in 2009, Vinifera has become the go-to shop for Plymouth residents looking for expert advice—one glance at the carefully selected wines and craft beers filling the shelves is all it takes to know you’re in the right place.
To create the perfect pairings, we looked to the specialists in the catering department at Lunds. Here all platters are made to order to ensure only the freshest, highest quality ingredients make it to your party. If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag one of the few meat-and-cheese or fruit trays they make ahead of time in the prepared food section of the store, but they’re only available for a limited time around the holidays. So sit back, relax, and work on firming up the guest list—we’ve taken care of the menu for you.
SPARKLING
There is no better way to kick off the holidays than with a bottle of bubbly. The Pacific Rim white flowers brut sparkling Riesling is sure to please everyone, from the seasoned wine connoisseur to a beginning taster. This dry white is made from Riesling grapes and infused with hints of peach and pear. The subtle floral notes pair well with foods like olives and caviar. Pop open a bottle (or two!) for your family and friends at your largest party of the season. $15.99
PAIR IT WITH
Get the party started with fun finger foods: the Italian olive and vegetable antipasti platter is packed with bold flavors that will bring out the best notes in Riesling. Each component of the antipasti platter is carefully selected by Lunds experts and includes marinated olives and mushrooms, herbed garlic, fresh mozzarella, pepperoncini, cipollini onions, grape tomatoes, roasted bell peppers and cherry peppers. $39.99/24 servings
RED
With subtle hints of chocolate and spice, the Inkberry shiraz cabernet is the most decadent choice on Vinifera’s wine menu. Inkberry Estate, located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Mountain Range in Australia, grows grapes with a high amount of sunlight and UV rays, giving them an “inky” color and a bold taste. Impress your sweetie on a romantic evening with this big-bodied red, loaded with rich berries and mellow tannins. $12.99
PAIR IT WITH
This red pairs well with meat, so order a platter of the turkey and roast beef asparagus roualdes. Tender pieces of steamed asparagus are wrapped with thinly sliced, oven-roasted turkey and roast beef and an herb cream cheese, and served with a red pepper dipping sauce. $49.99/36 pieces
WHITE
For a laidback evening with friends, try the Pine Ridge chenin blanc viognier. The aromas of grapefruit, white tea and honeysuckle will capture your interest in this medium-bodied white. The clean, crisp blend of flavors like pear, pineapple, nectarine and apricot will delight your taste buds in a most refreshing way. $13.99
PAIR IT WITH
Lunds smoked salmon crostini platter will complement the many flavors in the chenin blanc. The tray comes loaded with herbed baked crostini topped with smoked salmon, chive cream cheese and fresh dill. What’s not to love? $47.99/36 crostini
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Plan Ahead
All wines can be purchased at Vinifera Wines and Ales, Oakwood Square, 1400 County Rd. 101 N. Call 763.473.0008 or visit viniferawinesandales.com for more information.
Specialty platters from Lunds must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance and picked up at the St. Louis Park location (3777 Park Center Blvd.) or delivered to your home for a small fee. Call 952.897.9800 or visit lundsandbyerlys.com to see a full catering menu.
