THE TOP THREE WINES YOU MUST HAVE FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S ENTERTAINING Noted wine expert offers her personal recommendations to bring in the New Year, putting a cultural twist on traditional holiday seaso


THE TOP THREE WINES YOU MUST HAVE FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S ENTERTAINING

Noted wine expert offers her personal recommendations to bring in the New Year, putting a cultural twist on traditional holiday seasonal cooking and entertaining 

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA (December 30, 2024) – The reservations and tickets for the best New Year’s Eve parties, or for dinner at the premier restaurants are almost all sold-out, and the prices have been hiked through the roof. Or, your budget may just be shot from all of that holiday spending, and you’re weary from the travel nightmare of just getting home.

Before you dial-down your plans for a wonderful countdown or ball drop, however, there’s still a way to bring in 2025 with your closest friends and guests at home, try something refreshingly new, and do it with the delectable touch of class, flavor, hospitality and creativity that will make yours a gathering to remember.

Certainly, champagne is a given for when the clock strikes midnight. And why? "Well, because it’s a great compliment to whatever you may intend to serve for your New Year's Eve dinner party. Champagne goes amazingly well with spicy and salt-forward foods like fried chicken, black-eyed peas and collard greens. You can also pair it nicely with smoked salmon and caviar,” says Stephanie Browne, acclaimed wine industry veteran and lover of all things entertaining, cooking, cocktails and dining.

Browne is the author of the new book, Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking, in which serves up her own most sacred family recipes—re-imagined with a healthy twist—while at the same time baring her secrets to successful food and wine pairings.

With New Year’s celebrations fast approaching this week, Browne offers up three culturally-inspired wine recommendations that you should consider adding to your wine rack, and the foods that you can successfully pair with them for a flawless evening.

Try these picks to kick-off your year 2025, and enjoy!:

1. Asian: “Try Chenin Blanc, or a Riesling for its acidity, with spicy noodle dishes or salty pork options,” Browne states.

2. Italian: “Try a peppery Pinot Noir with your Lentils and pork dishes.”

3. Mexican: “In Mexican culture, eating grapes at midnight symbolizes good luck. So, eat your grapes, and then select your favorite wine to seal the deal. Mine would be my best red Zinfandel.”

Browne’s book, Sipping Sense guides readers through a virtual treasure trove of culinary delights with each featured recipe carefully crafted to tantalize even the most discerning palate—matched with the perfect custom wine recommendations. From hearty and health-mindful main dishes, to enticing and pleasing desserts, the book’s collection artfully showcases a vibrant spectrum of flavors sure to stimulate the taste buds, offering plenty of variety for every liking and every special occasion.

A longtime resident of storied Martha’s Vineyard, the author emphasizes that what truly sets her book above others on the topic is that it offers truly innovative approaches to wine pairing, coupled with heartwarmingly shared personal stories of her own. Each chapter is constructed and narrated in a way that is simple to follow, and stands as a virtual blueprint conceived to thoroughly demystify the process. The end result here is edutainment and empowerment, as each turn of a page equips readers to create unforgettable dining experiences with confidence and skill.

Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking is more than just a cookbook—it's a celebration of heritage, a testament to the joy of sharing scrumptious food, good wine and great company. Whether you're hosting a cozy family gathering or a lavish dinner party, Browne’s recipes and pairing guide will ensure every moment is infused with warmth and hospitality.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking is available at Amazon.com by visiting this link. For more information or interview requests, access the link here or use the contact information above, and feel free to connect with us via our website, and on our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn channels to join our community.

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