Serial Wines: Holiday Food Pairing Guide

A feast-driven guide to pairing classic holiday dishes with Serial’s Paso wines. 

 

The holidays aren’t delicate. They’re loud, indulgent, aromatic, and gloriously chaotic — a sensory season built for people who cook too much, pour generously, and linger long after the plates are cleared. That’s exactly the world Serial inhabits. Our wines are unapologetically expressive, shaped by the intensity of Paso Robles and crafted for tables where conversation rises and flavors deepen.

Consider this your guide to pairing the season’s most iconic dishes with the wines that match their spirit — bold, layered, and unmistakably Serial.

Prime Rib

Pair with: 2021 Serial Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 

Prime rib is holiday theater — slow-roasted, marbled, and commanding. The 2021 Serial Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon steps effortlessly into the spotlight. Dark-berry intensity, cedar, tobacco leaf, and firm structure cut through richness with precision while amplifying the meat’s natural sweetness.

Why it works:

• Tannins rise to meet prime rib’s unapologetic decadence.
• Dark fruit lifts the roast’s caramelized edges.
• Cedar and herbal tones mirror the crust’s seasoning.

A pairing defined by power and poise — the kind of structured intensity that has become Serial’s signature in Paso Robles. 

Roast Turkey & Classic Holiday Sides

Pair with: 2023 Serial White Blend Paso Robles

Turkey may be the mellow center of the plate, but the sides bring the noise. The 2023 Serial White Blend Paso Robles has the freshness and polish to hold it all together. Bright citrus, stone fruit, and lifted acidity weave seamlessly through stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, and buttery everything.

Why it works:

• Crisp acidity refreshes rich, savory sides.
• Stone-fruit notes complement roasted and herb-driven dishes.
• A clean, elegant finish keeps the entire plate in balance.

A bright, graceful counterpoint that reflects Serial’s commitment to balance and modern Paso freshness. 

Glazed Ham

Pair with: 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño

Sweet, smoky, salty — holiday ham is a study in contrast. The 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño slices through those layers with citrus snap, minerality, and a cool vibrancy that resets the palate between bites.

Why it works:

• High acidity counterbalances a glossy, sweet glaze.
• Citrus and stone fruit illuminate caramelized edges.
• A refreshing finish keeps even the richest bites lively.

An unexpected yet seamless match — proof of Serial’s instinct for crafting wines that thrive alongside bold, seasonal flavors. 

Braised Short Ribs & Winter Stews

Pair with: 2021 Serial Adelaida District Zinfandel

Slow braises are the essence of winter comfort — deep, savory, and hours in the making. The 2021 Serial Adelaida District Zinfandel mirrors that depth with dense black fruit, spiced pomegranate, herbal threads, and a mineral-stamped finish.

Why it works:

• Dark, brooding fruit echoes the sweetness of long-cooked meats.
• Subtle herbal and savory notes — rosemary, earth, pepper — align with reductions and root vegetables.
• Full-bodied weight and structure linger through every rich, slow-cooked bite.

A companion built for depth and resonance, echoing the layered, slow-building character that defines Serial’s red wines. 

Cheese & Charcuterie

Pair with: 2023 Serial Willow Creek District Viognier

A well-built board is indulgence by design — creamy, salty, buttery, briny. The 2023 Serial Willow Creek District Viognier rises to meet it with aromatic lift, silky texture, and a luxurious palate that flatters everything from soft cheeses to pâté.

Why it works:

• Pear, peach, and floral notes elevate creamy, bloomy cheeses.
• Lush texture pairs seamlessly with rich spreads and charcuterie.
• Bright acidity keeps the grazing dangerously endless.

A luxurious, aromatic pairing that showcases Serial’s talent for elevating even the simplest indulgences. 

Dark Chocolate & Spiced Desserts

Pair with: 2022 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley

Holiday desserts often lean into warmth and depth — dark chocolate tortes, gingerbread, spiced cakes. The 2022 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley matches their intensity with dark fruit, moody spice, and a structured, confident finish.

Why it works:

• Dark-berry and plum notes mirror chocolate’s richness.
• Pepper, baking spice, and earth echo holiday spice profiles.
• Bold structure holds its ground without overwhelming the sweetness.

A striking, memorable finale — a testament to Serial’s pursuit of wines with both power and elegance. 

The Serial Holiday Table

In the end, it’s the bottles that shape the experience — each one revealing its own character, each pour adding a new layer to the meal and the conversations around it. That’s the heart of Serial: wines that invite discovery and turn a shared table into a shared story.

Find where to purchase Serial wines and bring the story to your own table.