Dec. 18, 2025, 4:30 a.m. ET
The holidays are here, and with them comes the pressure to pick that perfect bottle of wine — whether to complement a delicious meal or to give as that perfect gift. But navigating stocked shelves and endless varietals can feel overwhelming, even for experienced wine drinkers.
Do you know whether you need red or white, dry or sweet? How can you turn a simple bottle of wine into an “instant thoughtful gift”? Do you know how to pick a wine that says, “I absolutely know what I’m doing?”
To help you navigate the aisles, The Enterprise spoke with Rob Hamalian, one of the owners of Pop’s Fine Wines and Liquors at 670 Depot St. in Easton.
Hamalian, who describes himself as “resident wine sherpa,” is ready to help you avoid that panicked stare in front of the wine wall.
There’s no need to “stress out,” Hamalian said, and you don’t have to think there’s a perfect bottle of wine for your holiday gatherings.
“The best wine is the one that makes you happy,” he said.
“There are lots of great options — pick something balanced, something you enjoy, and your guests will follow your lead,” he said.
Reliable varietals for crowd-pleasing wines
Hamalian said pinot noir is a wine that is widely enjoyed, and that Italian wines are offering great value right now.
For whites, sauvignon blanc and imported whites like vermentino are “refreshing, versatile, and hard to mess up,” he said.
How to pair wine with your holiday meal?
The “goal is balance” when pairing wine with food, according to Hamalian.
Pair turkey with light reds such as pinot or gamay, or a fuller-bodied white, he said.
He recommends pairing sweet and salty ham with pinot noir, rosé or riesling.
When it comes to prime rib, “big meat needs a big wine,” Hamalian said. He recommends pairing it with cabernet or a full Italian red like nebbiolo. “This is not the time to bring something delicate,” he said.
Underrated regions and varietals you should try
Italy is a “budget-friendly hero,” and France has “some killer value, too,” Hamalian said.
“If you want to look like you really know your stuff, show up with a vermentino or a barbera. People will nod like, ‘Oh yes, I’ve definitely heard of that,’ even when they absolutely have not,” he said.
Sparkling wine: What to look for at different price points
“If you’re ballin’ on a budget,” Hamalian says, Prosecco delivers “Champagne vibes without Champagne pricing.”
American sparkling wine or grower Champagne are “middle-of-the-road,” he said.
If you’re feeling fancy, he recommends vintage Champagne. If you’re feeling really fancy, “bring two.”
What makes a great wine gift?
Hamalian recommends giving something with a story such as small producers, unique grapes, or a region the recipient loves.
“A good Napa cabernet or a Barolo never disappoints,” he said. And, If you want to make it personal, you can write a note explaining why you picked it to make it an “instant thoughtful gift.”
“Oh, and make sure it comes in a cool label or unforgettable bottle shape,” he said.
What labels or terminology should shoppers pay attention to?
Vintage, region, and producer are what matter, according to Hamalian. He said words like “reserve” can mean something — or nothing at all. It depends on the winery.
Hamalian said Pop’s will decode the jargon, so every customer leaves with a bottle they’ll love — and not regret.
What are the holiday wine trends this year?
Hamalian said lighter reds are “having a moment,” and sustainably made wines are “big.”
“People love trying something new, so throw a curveball into the mix — a funky natural wine, a grape no one can pronounce, whatever gets the table talking,” he said.
“But the real trend? Drink what you like. It’s the holidays. You’ve earned it,” Hamalian said.
Pop’s Fine Wines 7 wine recommendations
- Castellani Vermentino at $17.99 is “crisp with coastal vibes that keep the holidays fun,” Hamalian said.
- Domaine Villegeai Coteaux Du Giennois at $18.99 is baby Sancerre that’s “bright and adds instant cool to the table,” Hamalian said.
- Anne Amie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at $29.99 is a “juicy, laid-back red that levels up the holiday party without trying too hard,” Hamalian said.
- Villa Sparina Barbera at $19.99 is a smooth, berry-packed Piedmont red that “keeps holidays nights warm and easy,” he said.
- Lou Pontias Cotes Du Rhône at $14.99 is a “lush, easy-drinking red that brings warmth to the season,” Hamalian said.
- Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon at $24.99 is “a rich, comforting red that keeps things bold and easy,” he said.
- Chatelin Champagne at $44.99 is a “fresh grower Champagne that is made so well you won’t think about the lack of an orange label,” Hamalian said.
About Pop’s Fine Wines & Liquors
Bob Hamalian started Pop’s Fine Wines in 1994, and the Hamalian family has grown the business for the past 31 years.
Now Bob’s sons, Aram and Rob, along with two of their best friends, Vincent McPherson and Rob Dicenso, run the day to day.
Pop’s strives to provide exceptional customer service by offering personal assistance and special orders, Rob Hamalian said.
Pop’s Fine Wines and Liquors is located at 670 Depot St. in Easton. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 508-230-8800 or visit www.popsfinewines.com.
Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.
