This is an exciting time of the year in food and wine.

Over the next several months are when wine sales dramatically increase in popularity. Fifty percent of all yearly sales occur in the months from October through December. 

This time of the year we become more socially involved with friends and family than at any other time. The holiday season brings milder weather, which also stirs up everyone’s motivation and excitement of the season.

While wine is considered a social beverage, it also has many other appealing attributes, such as a wide variety of styles and tastes, the complement to food, and serving as a great conversation starter. Oh, and did I mention it’s healthy?

Every time someone discovers a new wine, the questions abound: “What type of wine is it?”  “Where did you get it?” “How much did it cost?”

Everyone is on the lookout for a great wine at a bargain price. One of the sayings in the retail business is “good wine doesn’t have to be expensive.”

When buying brands that are mainstream or major producers, you can find them just about anywhere. There are only a small handful of specialty wine shops who maintain a knowledgeable staff who specialize in smaller boutique producers. We work closely with our suppliers to find what we call the bargain “wow wines” for the money. 

These shops are service oriented and specialize in working with you in developing exciting wine choices for your entertaining needs. Holiday entertaining is a time of year where savory dishes and comfort foods abound.

These “wow” wines I recommend that work well with an array of foods and don’t break the bank.

 White Wines: 

1. Tierra Del Fuego, (Argentina) Crisp, off dry favorite with a lively finish.  

2. Riesling “Kabinett” Rudolph Mueller – (Germany) A classically styled Riesling from the “Mosel” region of Germany.

 3. Jewel, Viognier—(California)Pronounced (VEE-OWN-YEAH), this aromatic white wine is filled with aromas of Peach and honeysuckle with a long lingering mouth feel complemented by citrus flavors.

 Red Wines:

 1. 16 Hands, (South Africa) Cabernet Sauvignon Medium bodied with great varietal character. A surprisingly great value! 

2. Red Guitar, (Navarra Spain) 55 percent Tempranillo, 45 percent Garnacha Lighter styled red with nice layers of flavors. 

3. Pillar Box Red (Australia) Cabernet, Shiraz & Merlot blends makes this fat in the mouth wine a delicious selection with a fruit forward attitude. 

4. Ironberry- Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot – (Australia) It has oodles of berries on the nose with suggestions of plum and spice. The fruit follows to the palate, fills the mouth and finishes soft and velvety.

Curtis Flower is a “Certified Specialists of Wine” and is a member of Society of Wine Educators. Curtis has over 25 years of wine experience and is the manager of Distinctive Kitchens “Culinary Arts Center” and “International Wine Cellar.”

 GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT Oct. 26.

 It’s all about you, ladies! Have a Cajun of a good time with guest chef Jerry Mistretta of Jerry’s Cajun Café and Market. Distinctive Kitchens will provide an inviting setting for you to have fun with friends, reunite with friends, and make new friends while your taste buds are teased with passionately prepared foods. Wine parings will complement the menu for a very relaxing time. 6 p.m. Distinctive Kitchens, 29 South Palafox Place, downtown Pensacola. Free parking available. For more information, call (850) 438-4688 or visit www.dk4u.com.