By Melanie Schafer, General Manager, Gloria Ferrer
I’ve always loved something about the holidays. The familiar faces around the table, the laughter coming from the kitchen, the traditions we carry forward year after year, and the simple joy of slowing down long enough to enjoy the people around us.
For me, the most memorable gatherings have never been about having everything perfectly arranged. They’re about creating a space where people feel welcome, where conversations unfold naturally, and where everyone feels comfortable enough to stay just a little longer.
As the General Manager of Gloria Ferrer, I have the wonderful opportunity to spend my days surrounded by exceptional sparkling wines and people who are passionate about crafting them. And if there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate, it’s that sparkling wine shouldn’t be saved for special occasions or reserved for a single toast.
In fact, I think some of the most beautiful moments to enjoy sparkling wine are the simplest ones.
As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to share a few of my favorite thoughts on hosting, enjoying sparkling wine, and making the most of our time together.
A Little Secret About the Perfect Sparkling Wine Glass
Let’s start with something that might surprise you.
For years, we’ve been taught that sparkling wine belongs in a champagne flute. And while it’s undeniably beautiful to watch those delicate bubbles rise through a tall, slender glass, the flute isn’t necessarily the best way to enjoy what’s inside.
My favorite way to serve sparkling wine is in a tulip-shaped glass, or even a beautiful white wine glass.
The reason is simple: sparkling wine is still wine, and it deserves the opportunity to express itself.
A glass with a slightly wider bowl allows the aromas to develop, bringing forward the delicate fruit, floral notes, and wonderful complexity that come from traditional-method winemaking. A tulip glass offers the added benefit of a narrower opening, which helps concentrate those aromas while maintaining the bubbles.
And if you don’t have tulip glasses at home, don’t worry. A classic white wine glass works beautifully, especially when enjoying sparkling wine with food.
It’s one of those small changes that can make a meaningful difference in how you experience the wine.
So, this year, when you’re setting your holiday table, consider reaching for your favorite wine glasses instead of the flutes. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Why Save the Bubbles for the Toast?
One of the things I love most about sparkling wine is its versatility.
We often think of it as something to open when guests arrive, to celebrate a milestone, or to raise a glass at midnight. But sparkling wine can be so much more.
At Gloria Ferrer, we craft our sparkling wines using the traditional method, allowing time and patience to develop their beautiful texture, character, and complexity. These are wines meant to be enjoyed, explored, and shared around the table.
And because of their natural acidity and refreshing character, they make wonderful companions to food.
In my opinion, sparkling wine can be part of the entire holiday gathering, from the first appetizer to the last lingering conversation.
Start with a Warm Welcome
I love the simplicity of greeting someone with a glass of sparkling wine. It immediately creates a sense of occasion, without needing to feel formal.
A glass of Brut paired with a few thoughtfully prepared appetizers is a lovely way to begin. Think artisan cheeses, warm gougères, roasted nuts, or a little smoked salmon.
Nothing too complicated. Just delicious food, a beautiful glass of wine, and the opportunity to settle in with the people you love.
Give Sparkling Wine a Place at the Table
This is where I think sparkling wine is often overlooked.
Holiday meals are often rich, comforting, and full of a wonderful variety of flavors. And sparkling wine, with its bright acidity and delicate bubbles, can complement those dishes beautifully.
A traditional Brut pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and buttery sauces. Its freshness balances the meal’s richness.
I also love bringing Rosé to the holiday table. With its beautiful red fruit character, it pairs wonderfully with glazed ham, roasted duck, mushroom dishes, and seasonal vegetables.
For a more intimate dinner, a vintage sparkling wine can add an extra layer of elegance and complexity to the evening.
The wonderful thing is that you don’t necessarily need a different wine for every course. A thoughtfully selected sparkling wine can carry you through much of the meal, letting everyone enjoy the experience.
And Don’t Forget the Moments After Dinner
Some of my favorite holiday memories are the moments after dinner.
The table is a little less tidy, the candles have burned down, and no one seems quite ready to leave.
This is when I love bringing out a beautiful cheese board, a few fresh berries, or something small to enjoy while the conversation continues.
And perhaps another glass of sparkling wine.
There’s something special about not rushing those final moments. Often, they’re the ones we remember most.
A Few Thoughts on Making Holiday Hosting Feel Effortless
Over the years, I’ve come to believe the best hospitality comes from thoughtful details, not elaborate plans.
A few things I always appreciate:
Set a table that feels like you. I love natural greenery, seasonal flowers, candlelight, and pieces that have a story. A beautiful table doesn’t need to be extravagant. Sometimes the most meaningful details are the ones we’ve collected over time.
Keep your sparkling wine chilled, but not too cold. I generally recommend serving sparkling wine around 45–50°F. When it’s too cold, you can lose some of those beautiful aromas and flavors. Let the wine warm slightly in the glass to reveal even more of its character.
Make the experience a little interactive. Offering both Brut and Rosé lets guests discover what they enjoy. It’s always fun to see how differently people experience the same wine, particularly when paired with food.
And most importantly, enjoy your own gathering. Prepare what you can ahead of time, accept that not everything will go exactly as planned, and give yourself permission to sit down and be part of the celebration.
Because at the end of the day, people aren’t coming to your home for perfection. They’re coming to spend time with you.
Celebrating the People Who Bring Us Together
One of the things that makes Gloria Ferrer so special to me is the story behind our name.
We founded our winery as a tribute to Gloria Ferrer, a woman whose spirit of generosity, warmth, and love of bringing people together continues to inspire us today.
It’s a story that feels particularly meaningful during the holidays.
I often think about the people who quietly make these gatherings happen. The ones who remember everyone’s favorite dish, welcome an unexpected guest, bring out another chair when the table gets a little crowded, and somehow make everyone feel at home.
They’re the heart of every celebration.
As we continue to share Gloria’s story through our For Her philosophy, I’m reminded that some of life’s most extraordinary moments are actually quite ordinary. They’re found in connection, kindness, and the simple act of making time for one another.
As you prepare for the holidays this year, I hope you’ll find a little more time to enjoy those moments.
Bring out the good glasses. Open the sparkling wine a little earlier. Pour it with dinner. Stay at the table a little longer.
Remember, you don’t need a special occasion to make someone feel celebrated.
From my table to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, wonderful food, and just the right amount of sparkle.
Cheers,
Melanie Schafer
General Manager, Gloria Ferrer