Give your oven a break this holiday season and enlist your grill instead. The glow of coals, the scent of smoke and a glass of wine in hand create relaxed yet festive feel for a celebration with a distinctly California holiday vibe. Think, golden turkey, sizzling oysters and seared steak. Here are our tips to bring out the season’s best flavors.
The Main Event: Turkey on the Grill
A turkey cooked over open flame leads to tender meat, just a whisper of smoky flavor. We’re particular fans of the spatchcock style, which cuts down on cooking time and helps develop extra crispy skin. Check out recipes here and here. Plus, this is the very best way to free up oven space for stuffing, pie, rolls and more.
Wine pairing:
- Chardonnay is a classic match. Our Raeburn Russian River Chardonnay offers lush flavors of baked apple, pear, and gentle oak that enhance the bird’s richness.
- Pinot Noir also shines if you use apple or cherry wood on the grill. Its bright fruit and spice notes pair beautifully with that subtle smokiness.
Coastal BBQ Oysters
Grilled oysters are an impressive appetizer and take only minutes to prepare. Place them on the half shell, top with garlic butter and breadcrumbs, and cook until the edges start to bubble.
Wine pairing:
- Chardonnay complements the briny, buttery flavors with its creamy texture and lively acidity.
- Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent choice that adds zesty freshness to the start of your meal.
A Surf and Turf Celebration
A mix of grilled ribeye and shrimp feels luxe without being fussy. It all comes together quickly, so you’ll have more time to mingle with your guests.
Wine pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for ribeye. Our Sonoma County Cabernet offers dark fruit and plenty of structure to stand up to the steak’s richness.
- Pinot Noir is known for being food-friendly. Its lighter body and mix of earthy and fruity notes make it an elegant option that takes you from appetizers through dessert.
Setting the Scene
Take your gathering to the next level with simple, impactful decor and serving ideas. Create a “grill bar” with wooden boards for each protein, small bowls of sauces, and handwritten wine pairing cards. It turns dinner into an experience rather than a routine meal. You can also wrap string lights through trees or along the fence line, and adding greenery, like fresh pine or bay leaves, is a natural, yet elegant touch. Finally, keep everyone comfortable and cozy with lap blankets or a mug of mulled wine after dinner is done.