The Wine Wankers’ top 20 wines for the festive season!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We’ve come across some good value and easily accessible wine lately so here’s our top 20+ wines for the festive season!

We’d love you to tell us below all about the wine you’ve been drinking and what your wine plans are for the holidays…

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The Brut Reserva Heradad pewter bottle of #cava by Segura Viudas… it's a classic and worth its $35 or so! Light and #fresh, it was perfect with a bit of #cheese and #crackers as we kicked back for the afternoon with friends. #postbyconrad #wine #vino #food #travel #winewankers #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:31am PST

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Last night we had a smashing meal at the hottest Thai restaurant in Sydney, @Long.Chim. The burn was real with authentic flavours courtesy of world famous chef David Thompson. A great wine that help settle the burn was the @larkhillwine biodynamic Viognier. Check out this place when you're next in Sydney. Post by Drew #winewankers #longchimsydney

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 19, 2016 at 11:10am PST

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So who has heard of Limoux? It's #bubbly Friday today so we've cracked open something different. From the home of #bubbles it's the fun loving St Martin #Limoux by Domaine Paul Mas. Nothing complex but enjoyably great value at about $13. Check it out. #postbyconrad #wine #vino #food #travel #winewankers #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 2, 2016 at 1:15am PST

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Mission Estate in Hawke's Bay New Zealand. Not only was the #food and #wine amazing, so too is the building and the vineyards. Built as a Catholic mission, it's New Zealand's oldest winery dating from 1851 and although it is run as a wine business it is still owned by the church. Got to try some cracking wine with the 2013 Huchet Syrah from the famed Gimblett Gravels being extra special with its cool climate finese and spice. #postbyconrad #vino #travel #winewankers #wwontour #wwhawkesbaytrip

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 9, 2016 at 8:18pm PST

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Ben Calais from @calaiswinery is a Texan Cabernet specialist – you know how I said previously Texas loves it some Spanish varieties, while this is true for the region called Texas Hill Country (1.5 hour drive from Austin TX), the region called The High Plains (North West Texas) is much better suited to Cabernet. Ben has the oldest planted Cabernet in Texas, as well as the highest elevation of Cabernet – 6000 feet, which he says is the most beautiful tasting Cabernet in all of Texas. Seek this wine out, a fraction of the price of Napa Cabernet – and just as good if you ask me! Post by Drew #winewankers #wwtexastrip #TravelTexas #TexasToDo @visitfredtx #wwontour @texastourism

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 14, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

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As a #wine lover, and a dreamer of #champagne, I get a total buzz out of indulging in new and unique wine experiences and this Jeeper champagne rates right up there. Not only is its story special, it was created in honour of the american soldiers of world war 2 and their jeeps who helped liberate France and the champagne region, it's also a super delicious full flavoured power #bubbles in an interesting bottle. It might seem modern kitsch but it was designed, and has been produced, since the 1940s! This is imported into #Australia by Discovervin and is well worth the 80 bucks or so. #postbyconrad #vino #food #travel #winewankers #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 25, 2016 at 9:14pm PST

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Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Ports are single vintage wines (from unexceptional years) that are aged in very large oak vats for up to six years. No need to age these suckers. Just drink! This @taylorsportwine Vargellas 2002 Vintage Port is one of the most revered LBVs – an exceptional single vineyards from a less than perfect vintage – is still a damn fine wine. These wines can be just as coveted as Vintage Ports, and offer much greater value. For more info, check out our just published article on why you need to rediscover Port at www.winewankers.com Post by Drew #winewankers #wwportugaltrip #wwontour #wine #port #dourovalley #taylorsport

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 22, 2016 at 7:36am PST

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We're big fans of the Jacob's Creek range of #bubbles! I remember when we were real wine wankers and used to stick our nose up at them for being commercial #wine. How silly we were. They are very well made fizz that are superb value. The Trilogy #rosé is a fun NV great as background bubbles. A party #sparkling. The #Prosecco is fresh and lively. And the Reserve is super value for a vintage. They all go down well. #postbyconrad #vino #food #travel #winewankers #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 11, 2016 at 3:30pm PST

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Don’t expect to find your traditional varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet thriving in Texas – the climate isn’t suited. Think Spanish, Portuguese and Italian varieties that are better suited. One of the shining stars in Tempranillo and Spicewood Vineyards Estate Tempranillio is stunning. These guys are also renowned for their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Post by Drew #winewankers @spicewoodvineyards @visitfredtx @texastourism #TexasToDo #TravelTexas #wwontour #wwtexastrip

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 9, 2016 at 7:38am PST

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We've been getting into some great #wine from The Lane over the weekend! The 15 Block 8 Merlot is a great example of the resurgent drive to create good quality juice from this grape that delivers power and intensity along with that #merlot softness. The 14 Reunion Single Vineyard #shiraz is elegant and refined deliverying complexity of fruit and spice with great length. The 15 Block 14 Basket Press shiraz is beautifully floral with sensational fruit dusted in pepper. A top producer from the #AdelaideHills! #postbyconrad #vino #redwine #food #travel #winewankers

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 3, 2016 at 11:05am PST

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Happy birthday to Neal, one of the original Wine Wankers. Today we're having an Italian sparkling Chardonnay from @majoliniFranciacorta. A brut dry, toasty fizz with a delicious bitter edge. Perfect with this strawberry mascarpone from Balmain bakery, @victoireboulangerie Post by Drew #winewankers #happybirthday #wine #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 17, 2016 at 4:43pm PST

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This is a good #wine considering that it's at the value end of the @WynnsCoonawarra range. A great array of fruit dashed with pepper and spice backed up by a well balanced long toasty finish. Thoroughly enjoyable and approachable young. #postbyconrad #vino #redwine #food #travel #winewankers

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 8, 2016 at 3:38am PST

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Swedish chefs are battling out to see who matches deer (yes, Rudolph at Christmas time!) best with Crozes Hermitage wines. Some fantastic combos being tasted today! Post by Drew #winewankers #cotesdurhone #rhonevalley #wine

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 5, 2016 at 7:38am PST

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A lot of spicy chocolate and plum going on in this quality good value Barossa shiraz! #postbyconrad #wine #vino #instawine #redwine #food #travel #winewankers

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Nov 6, 2016 at 2:47am PST

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Moving house is never ever fun but it helps when you crack open what is regarded as one of Australia's best vintage bubbles to get you through the packing! Lots going on in this Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier fizz. #postbyconrad #wine #vino #wineoclock #bubbles #food #travel #winewankers #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Oct 28, 2016 at 12:53am PDT

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So here's an Amorone that has been influenced by organic farming practices, and boy are the fruit flavours pristine. Beautiful raisin and complex cherry flavours with just a touch of vanilla. The wine is made from Corvina and Rondinella grape varieties. These were hand harvested with a portion being stored in wooden crates for a period of 15 to 20 days for air drying to get those famous Amorone flavours. post by Drew #WineWankers #Wine #WineLover #amarone tasted at the @systembolaget winewriter tasting in Stockholm

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Oct 19, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

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Some very interesting bubbles! A delicious sparkling blend of citrus driven #riesling and fragrant radiating #torrontes by Amalaya from #Argentina. It worked and was the perfect aperitif! #postbyconrad #wine #vino #whitewine #bubbles #bubbly #champagne #food #travel #winewankers #wwontour #wwargentinatrip #funfizzfriday

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Oct 7, 2016 at 4:45am PDT

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This is the multi-award winning 2014 McWilliam's 1877 Hilltops Shiraz. It took out this year's best shiraz at the International Wine Challenge in London. It's a cracker! So much concentration and power yet still refined and elegant with oak integration that you don't even notice other than by the subtle complexity it adds. A top drop indeed! #postbyconrad #wine #vino #winelover #instawine #redwine #food #travel #winewankers

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Sep 28, 2016 at 8:25pm PDT

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Summer lovin! So good to be back home in Australia and celebrating with a backyard BBQ! Keeping it local with a tasty NZ savvy. Post by Drew. #winewankers #wine

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 16, 2016 at 8:30pm PST

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Taylors Wines out of the #ClareValley, known as #Wakefield outside of #Australia, are a seriously good producer of great value #wine. We worked our way through some of their Estate range over the weekend and were thoroughly impressed. There's a reason why the #shiraz has won so many accolades… it's consistently #good! The #pinotgris is neither thin like some nor oily like others. It's right on. And that #chardonnay… it's for lovers of all things good in a traditional Aussie chardy! #vino #redwine #whitewine #food #travel #winewankers

A post shared by The Wine Wankers 🍾🤛🎉🥂 (@winewankers) on Dec 4, 2016 at 3:26pm PST

19 comments

Craig Underhill says:

December 22, 2016 at 12:29 am

Thanks Wine Wankers. Glad to see you like the Champagne Jeeper. I agree it would be a perfect wine for the festive season. Or the un-festive season in fact. Or to bathe in. Wonderful wine!
Can I take the chance to wish the entire wanker team a happy Christmas and all the best for a happy healthy and prosperous 2017. May your wine be wonderful!

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- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 7:56 am
  
  Thanks Craig and have a great Christmas!
  
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  - Craig Underhill says:
    
    December 22, 2016 at 8:43 am
    
    You too!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
davidprosser says:

December 22, 2016 at 12:29 am

Happy Christmas and good guzzling to you all.
Hugs

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- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 7:57 am
  
  Thanks so much for all your support this year David via your Twitter shares of our blog posts!
  
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piratepatty says:

December 22, 2016 at 12:35 am

Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing this list😌

LikeLiked by 2 people

- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 7:57 am
  
  A big Merry Christmas to you too!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
Mr. Militant Negro says:

December 22, 2016 at 1:43 am

Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.

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- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 7:58 am
  
  Thanks so much for all your reblogs this year! Salud!! 🙂
  
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  - Mr. Militant Negro says:
    
    December 22, 2016 at 7:57 pm
    
    Happy Holidays Mate, love your blog and your content. Happy New Year as well.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynette d'Arty-Cross says:

December 22, 2016 at 5:14 am

Thanks for all your great suggestions. I always enjoy your posts.

Happy holidays! 🙂

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- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 7:59 am
  
  Thanks so much for being such a regular reader, we really appreciate it!
  
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Mark Lanesbury says:

December 22, 2016 at 7:40 am

Merry Christmas guys, may your celebrations of the season always be of good cheer…and a good red 😀

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- Conrad (The Wine Wankers) says:
  
  December 22, 2016 at 8:00 am
  
  Merry Christmas to you too Mark and thanks so much for your regular visits!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
talkavino says:

December 22, 2016 at 9:29 am

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Cheers!

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Catherine Townsend-Lyon, Author & Columnist says:

December 23, 2016 at 4:25 am

HAPPY Holidays Conrad and Thanks for stopping by my recovery blog XO… Now I know you will “cringe” but never could aquire a taste for wine. But you sure always make it Look Good! LOL. I wish YOU a very Merry and Blessed Holidays and come visit MY Other WP blog and meet a great Read “-)
https://anauthorandwriterinprogress.wordpress.com/

Love & Peace,
Cat

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Tina says:

December 23, 2016 at 6:05 am

I love the suggestions and champagne makes me happy all times of the year. It’s been a nice journey reading your posts and getting suggestions. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year’s celebration, my friend!

Tina
xxx

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Lavinia Ross says:

December 28, 2016 at 10:05 am

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, Conrad and Drew!

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Thabo says:

January 9, 2017 at 9:22 pm

One of the great joys of wine, is that you won’t drink it all. I mean, I expected that I won’t have drank any on the list, seeing as I am drinking South African wines, but I did not expect to nog be familiar with any of the wines listed.

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