It’s that time of year when pairing questions start flying in the Surdyk’s aisles, and the Von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling is always one of my go-to recommendations. I love it year-round (it’s magic with spicy Thai takeout), but when it comes to the big holiday feast, this wine absolutely shines. Oh, this wine knows it’s good… it comes in all fresh and flirty with those juicy peach and apricot vibes, then surprises you with a cool, stony edge that gives it some real attitude. It’s got great body (not too much, just enough to make you pay attention), and that crisp grapefruit finish? Sharp, refreshing, and a little bit sassy. Reichsrat von Buhl has been doing its thing for over 150 years: family owned, iconic, and effortlessly classy. Since 1849, they’ve focused on letting the vineyards do the talking, crafting wines that don’t chase trends but stay true to their roots in the legendary soils of Deidesheim and Forst. Certified organic and proudly sustainable, they’re the kind of winery that proves you don’t have to shout to make a statement, just make really good wine year after year. So, whether your holiday table leans traditional or a little chaotic, this wine plays well with everyone and makes you look like you totally knew what you were doing when you picked it. 

I know, I know… another Chardonnay from Keri! But honestly, I just can’t help myself—I keep stumbling upon bottles that are too good not to share. And this one? Well, it’s something really special. Winemaker Greg Brewer describes Diatom as being “motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement… with a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose.” In other words, he’s stripping Chardonnay down to its core essence. No oak. No stirring. No fluff. Just stainless steel fermentation that lets the grape shine in its purest, most luxurious form. Now, you might be thinking, “Didn’t you give me a stainless steel Chardonnay before?” And yes, guilty! But I promise, this one hits differently. Diatom isn’t just crisp and clean—it’s bold, linear, and somehow both skeletal and bougie at the same time. It’s Chardonnay taken back to basics, but in the most elevated way possible. And can we talk pairings for a moment? I discovered the ultimate one by accident. Picture this: I’d had a long day at work, grabbed the Artichoke Ficelle sandwich from the cheese shop, cracked open this bottle, and suddenly—magic. The wine was already delicious, but with that sandwich? Fireworks. As my Tobin TaterTot likes to say, “OH BOY!” You know when two good things collide and make each other even better? That’s what we’ve got here. So, whether you’re sipping Diatom on its own or pairing it with something simple (or indulgent), this wine is proof that sometimes less really is more. Clean, powerful, luxurious—this is Chardonnay stripped down and dressed up all at once.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I picked up this bottle. Honestly, I knew I’d probably enjoy it—mostly because Peter said I would—but what really drew me in was the snappy label and my curiosity about this unusual, unfamiliar grape called Baga. That mix of a trusted recommendation and a little wine adventure sealed the deal. This fizzy rosé is made entirely from Baga—a local Portuguese grape that's basically the underdog hero of the Bairrada region on Portugal’s central coast. It comes from a single vineyard, and while Baga may be a bit of a diva (thin-skinned and temperamental), it rewards patience and skill with some seriously impressive wine. For years, it flew under the radar, but now it’s getting the spotlight it deserves for crafting zippy, high-acid wines full of character and grace. This bottle from Prior Lucas is a prime example—Rui Lucas knows these grapes like old friends and brings out their charm with style and confidence. This wine has lively acidity and a firm tannin structure, balanced by bright red fruit, crisp minerality, and a subtle hint of creaminess. It’s well-structured but still graceful, with all the elements working in harmony. Balanced, bold, and a bit bougie. So, if you’re in the mood to try something off the beaten path—but still totally crushable—this bottle is your next move. It’s a fresh take on sparkling rosé, with roots in tradition and a personality all its own. Whether you’re a seasoned wine nerd or just someone who appreciates a good label and a better pour, this Baga beauty from Prior Lucas is absolutely worth the adventure. Go ahead—take the leap. Your glass (and your taste buds) will thank you.