Regional Wines for Your Holiday Season

Jennifer Stockdale • November 9, 2020

From the perfect gift to the perfect toast, here are a dozen regional wines to make your holiday season merry.

For the serious wine collector

2017 Black Russian Red 
McGregor Vineyard, Dundee, NY
$80.00
A collectable, classic-made from Eastern European Saperavi and Sereksiya Charni grapes with flavors of black current, blackberry, toasty oak and smoky spice. This wine is meant to be cellared and enjoyed on a special occasion. Available at 

2017 Arcturos Winter Harvest Riesling 
Black Star Farms, Traverse City, MI
$52.50
A luscious, late-harvest wine that drinks like an ice wine. Enjoy beautiful sweetness with a nice backbone and a honey-smooth finish. Available at blackstarfarms.com.

2017 Merlot
Mari Vineyards, Traverse City, MI
$48.00
A beautiful, cool-climate Merlot with balanced oak and tannins to accompany a truly special holiday meal. Available at 

For the perfect housewarming gift

2016 Vinter's Barrel Blend 
Adams County Winery Orrtanna, PA
$32.99
A vinifera blend aged in bourbon barrels with flavors of ripe cherry and toasted nuts. Available at adamscountywinery.com.

2017 Chardonnay
North Coast Cellars Conneaut, OH
$26.00
Juicy pineapple fruit perfectly balanced with vanilla, toasty oak. Perfect to serve with a selection of cheeses. Available at bucciavineyards.com.

NV Lady of the Lakes Bubbly Moscato 
Heron Hill Winery Hammondsport, NY
$14.99
A light, refreshing crowd pleaser. Perfect for after dinner or cocktail hour. Sparkling, fresh fruit flavor with a smooth, sweet finish. Available at heronhill.com.

2017 Vidal Blanc
Kavic Winery Carnegie, PA
$17.99
Bright and citrusy with a smooth, sweet finish, this wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Available at kavicwinery.net.

For serving with your holiday dinner

2016 Pinot Noir "Clos Mes Amis"
Harpersfield Vineyard & Winery Geneva, OH
$26.99
Light cranberry and warm, toasty oak, perfect for your holiday turkey. 
Available at winesfromitaly.com.

2018 Three Note Riesling (from vines planted in 2016)
Kemmeter Wines Penn Yan, NY
$28.00
This baby Riesling has lively citrus and apple flavors balanced with the subtle minerality of its rich soil. A friendly wine with poultry and festive dishes. Available at kemmeterwines.com.

For a festive celebration

Celebre Sparkling
Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars Hammondsport, NY
$20.99
Lush peach, nectarine and apple flavors with a delicate, sweet finish. Perfect for ringing in the new year. Available at drfrankwines.com.

NV Holiday
Mt. Hope Estate
Manheim, PA
$11.95
This cozy wine has flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg spices. The perfect wine to warm in your Crock- Pot for evening sipping. Available at mounthope.estate.

NV Holiday Blush
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante Geneva, OH
$8.99
Crisp, spicy and refreshing, this wine is perfect for a laid-back holiday afternoon. Available at 

August 31, 2026
September marks National Life Insurance Awareness month and GBU Life is partnering with Optimity to bring our members a financial wellness check-in.
By Mary Koczan and Laqueeta Coleman August 28, 2026
District 684 Brentwood, Pennsylvania and District 699 Frankenmuth, Michigan
August 26, 2026
A Life Dedicated to Heritage, Fellowship, and Service
August 24, 2026
The GBU Life Scholarship Awards support students in college, trade programs, non-college programs, and graduate school, helping them achieve their dreams, setting them on a career path and realizing life goals. Since its founding, the GBU Foundation has awarded 4,500 scholarships and educational grants totaling more than $3.2 million. In 2025, 215 members received $226,000 to support their two‑year, four‑year and graduate studies. Here’s a look at where the rubber meets the road — as we check in on past grantees to see how their scholarship awards have helped them stay on course, where they are now, and where they hope to be in the future.
August 21, 2026
There are people who give, people who serve, and people whose lives are changed because of both. All were represented at the GBU Foundation Community Grant Awards event on April 9, 2026.
August 19, 2026
The GBU Foundation, established by GBU Life in 1963 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers donors to turn generosity into meaningful community impact.
August 17, 2026
To celebrate our 134th anniversary, GBU Life launched the Birthday Bash initiative, calling upon the GBU Life community to honor our fraternal legacy through service. GBU Life invited members, producers, and community leaders to assemble and deliver shelf-stable cake kits for individuals and families who may otherwise go without a birthday celebration. What can seem like a simple act of service could be the spark of hope someone needed.
August 13, 2026
GBU Life is expanding the power of your member benefits with an enhancement to LawAssure, the easy‑to‑use online service that helps you prepare essential legal documents from home.
August 11, 2026
A guide for navigating miscarriage, stillbirth, and the grief that follows.
July 30, 2026
There’s something about summer that makes even the simplest meal feel like a celebration.