This November, we’re highlighting New World wines that blend time-honored techniques with a spirit of innovation. As winemakers in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa adapted European traditions to new climates and terroirs, they crafted unique expressions that stand out for their quality and distinct regional character. Our featured selections this month showcase the craftsmanship and diversity of New World wines—perfect additions for enriching your collection and delighting discerning guests this holiday season.
CANADA
Reif Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine
Established in 1982 by Ewald Reif and now run by his nephew Klaus W. Reif, Reif Winery is one of the founding family wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The winery utilizes a vineyard first planted in 1977, located in Ontario’s warmest sub-appellation, ideal for producing rich, full-bodied wines. Home to some of Canada’s oldest vinifera plantings, Reif benefits from mature vines that ripen earlier in cooler climates. Their wines reflect the essence of the terroir, offering a true taste of the vineyard. Notably, the Reif Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine features layered aromas of tropical fruit, honey, apricot, and peach, with a palate that mirrors these flavors. This exceptional Icewine is not only sweet but also balanced with crisp acidity, making it perfect on its own or paired with fruit-based desserts and fine blue cheese. It’s a lovely way to finish a rich holiday meal – with dessert or just on its own.
Choose Love Wines
In Canada’s Niagara region, Choose Love Wine stands out not just for its exceptional quality, but for its mission to fight racial injustice and give back to the community. Created with the goal of fostering brotherhood, love, and respect, a portion of its proceeds supports those impacted by racism, with donations going to The Urban League of Buffalo, NY. Their red blend, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, bursts with bold flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and currants, rounded out by surprisingly soft tannins. Meanwhile, the Chardonnay delights with aromas of apple, pear, and Meyer lemon, complemented by notes of toasted hazelnut and vanilla from oak aging, leading to a long, smooth finish. Choose Love Wine is a testament to how the power of wine can bring people together for a greater cause. Beautifully made and delightful to serve, these wines are what the holidays are all about.
- Choose Love Chardonnay
- Choose Love Red Blend
USA
Folktale Wine Group
When discussing North American wine, California stands out as a prime example of New World wines driving industry innovation. A shining representative of this is Folktale Wine Group, founded by a collective of artists, craftspeople, and visionaries in Carmel Valley, California. At Folktale, they believe that wine is shaped not only by nature’s elements—like soil, sun, and rain—but also by the creativity, spirit, and community involved in its production. Working in partnership with growers across the state, their portfolio tells a story of place, time, and craftsmanship, blending tradition with forward-thinking techniques. From the bold richness of Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon to the bubbly, fruity The Diver sparkling wines, Folktale Wine Group captures the diverse character of California’s wine landscape. These wines really shine over the holidays as crowd pleasing additions to any party or celebration.
- Aviary Birds of Prey Red Blend
- Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aviary Chardonnay
- Folktale Whole Cluster Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
- Golden California Chardonnay
- Golden California Pinot Noir
- The Diver Brut
- The Diver Brut Rosé
Napa State of Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa State of Vine Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the bold, classic style of Napa Valley’s wines. Sourced from the renowned Saint Helena and Napa growing regions, this wine is crafted using traditional French oak barrels and aged for over a year to develop its distinctive character. With rich flavors of dark berries and cherries, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and oak, it offers a smooth, supple finish with refined tannins. This standout Cabernet is perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether paired with a meal or enjoyed on its own, showcasing the timeless appeal of Napa Valley winemaking. It’s the perfect American wine to serve alongside your turkey on Thanksgiving, too!
Milbrandt Vineyards
Milbrandt Vineyards, a standout in Washington’s wine scene, is rooted in two distinct regions: the Wahluke Slope and the Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley. With AVA designations established in 2006 and 2012 respectively, these areas offer ideal growing conditions thanks to their high elevations and shallow soils. Founders Butch and Jerry Milbrandt meticulously matched grape varieties to the right sites, earning their reputation as some of the best growers in the state. The Wahluke Slope is particularly well-suited for red wines such as their Estates Merlot that offers elegant aromas of dark cocoa and Bing cherry. Meanwhile the Ancient Lakes excels with white varieties like their off-dry Rieslings that pair perfectly with a spicy dish. Their highly sought-after fruit has solidified Washington’s place on the map as a leader in innovative New World wines. This range of great wines offers a lot of value for the price in a retail or restaurant setting.
- Milbrandt Brothers Red Blend
- Milbrandt Estates Merlot Wahluke Slope
- Milbrandt Family Cabernet Sauvignon
- Milbrandt Family Chardonnay
- Milbrandt Family Merlot
- Milbrandt Family Pinot Grigio
- Milbrandt Family Riesling
- Milbrandt Family Sweet Katherine’s Riesling
SOUTH AMERICA
Granito País
Bollén, a native evergreen shrub of central Chile, blooms alongside the vineyards that have shaped the country’s winemaking history and is featured on the label. When Spanish missionaries arrived in 1551, they planted País in the Itata Valley, introducing one of Chile’s foundational grape varieties. In celebration of this Chilean wine heritage, Marcelo Retamal and Eric Solomon crafted Granito, a wine from 100-year-old País vines rooted in granitic soils, just 20km from the Pacific Ocean. The resulting wine is elegant, and fruit-driven, with balsamic, mint, nutmeg, and cola nut notes. Its balanced mouthfeel and dusty tannins make it ideal for pairing with food, while hints of spiciness and smoke from the élevage add depth to its character. Granito País is an ideal expression of Chile’s New World viticulture and is a unique addition to any wine list.
AUSTRALIA
Oatley Wines
Robert Oatley Wines represents the revival of the Oatley family’s winemaking legacy, a dynasty deeply intertwined with Australia’s wine industry. Founded by the late Bob Oatley and led by his son Sandy, the family’s five-decade passion for viticulture has positioned them among Australia’s top producers. With a focus on site selection, sustainable practices, and minimal intervention, the Oatley team, led by acclaimed winemaker Larry Cherubino, crafts wines from key regions like Margaret River, Great Southern, and McLaren Vale. Their Pocketwatch range showcases the diversity of Australian wines, from the creamy, tropical flavors of the Chardonnay to the fresh, citrus-driven Sauvignon Blanc and the velvety, spicy Shiraz with notes of berries, baking spices, and mocha on the finish. Throwing a party? These wines are perfect to serve to any palate!
- Oatley Pocketwatch Chardonnay
- Oatley Pocketwatch Sauvignon Blanc
- Oatley Pocketwatch Shiraz
SOUTH AFRICA
Naledi
Naledi Wines beautifully capture the natural elegance of South African viticulture. Inspired by the Sesotho word for “star,” Naledi wines embody the rugged charm of the Cape’s coastal vineyards with a touch of refined sophistication. The Naledi Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant aromas and flavors of roasted pepper, lemon, and sea salt, with a lively, medium-dry body and notes of green apple and citrus zest on the finish. The Chardonnay brings layered notes of dried apple, vanilla, and subtle spices, balanced by hints of sea breeze and mild baking spice. This balanced Chardonnay offers a lush, creamy texture with a refreshing finish, making it a delightful alternative to classic Macon wines.
- Naledi Chardonnay
- Naledi Sauvignon Blanc
The Saltress
Drawing inspiration from the African proverb, “The wind does not break a tree that bends,” Saltress wines reflect the resilience and strength of South African vines. Grown under the sun, nourished by rain, and fortified by the winds of the Cape, these vineyards produce world-class wines that embody the spirit of New World winemaking. The Saltress Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich blackberry and blackcurrant aromas with cedar spice, leading to a vibrant, full-bodied palate and refreshing finish. Their Meritage, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and softened by Merlot, balances ripe raspberry and plum flavors. Both of these red wines are perfect with roast beef or lamb. The Sauvignon Blanc bursts with tropical fruit notes like peach, guava, and passionfruit, making it a delightful pairing for BBQ chicken or spicy dishes.
- The Saltress Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Saltress Meritage
- The Saltress Sauvignon Blanc
NEW WORLD COLLECTION
Greg Norman Estates
Greg Norman, renowned for his achievements on the golf course, has channeled his passion for wine and love for the good life into Greg Norman Estates, an internationally recognized collection of accessible, high-quality wines from iconic New World regions. Founded in 1996, the winery features 10 varietals from Australia, California, and New Zealand. Highlights include Russian River Chardonnay and Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Limestone Coast Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, and a fresh, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. Each wine reflects Norman’s dedication to excellence and his favorite winemaking regions.
- Greg Norman Estates Russian River Chardonnay
- Greg Norman Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Greg Norman Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
- Greg Norman Limestone Coast Shiraz
- Greg Norman Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc