New Year Wine Resolutions

New Beginnings in 2026: Wine Resolutions That Are Actually Fun to Keep

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As we step into 2026, the air feels full of possibility. New Year’s resolutions often focus on restriction—less sugar, more gym time—but what if we flipped the script? Wine, at its best, is about joy, connection, and discovery. This January, we’re embracing “new beginnings” through wine resolutions that feel rewarding, not restrictive.

We believe the easiest resolutions to keep are the ones that bring joy. Here are six wine resolutions that are genuinely fun, each paired with curated selections from our Napa Valley collection designed to bring more delight to your year.

1. Try Something Completely New

Step out of your Cabernet comfort zone, because some of the greatest joy in wine comes from discovery. This year, step outside your usual go-to and explore a new style. 

If you love full-bodied reds, try a bold Napa Valley red blend with rich notes of dark berry, plum, and subtle spice. Prefer whites? Reach for a classic Napa Valley Chardonnay—elegant, balanced, and vibrant with green apple and citrus. These wines open up new flavor horizons without overwhelming complexity.

These bottles aren’t just wine—they’re conversation starters.😉

2. Host More (With Less Stress) 

You don’t need a five-course meal to gather friends. Open a great bottle, add simple snacks, and let the evening unfold.

Pair a premium Napa Valley red with gourmet bites and stemless glasses for a cozy indoor “picnic” feel, even in winter. Or create a beautiful spread featuring both Napa Valley red and Chardonnay alongside cheeses and crackers, elevated yet completely effortless. The key is choosing versatile wines that shine with easy accompaniments.

3. Master One Easy Luxury: Wine & Cheese

Wine and cheese is one of the simplest yet most satisfying pairings, and one of the easiest resolutions to keep all year long.

Bold Napa Valley red blends pair beautifully with aged cheddar, gouda, or creamy brie. Crisp Napa Valley Chardonnay shines alongside softer cheeses like triple-crème or mild Havarti. Add crackers, nuts, and seasonal fruit, and you have an elevated spread in minutes—perfect for casual gatherings or quiet nights in.

→ Perfect timing: We’re sharing our best tips just in time for National Cheese Lover’s Day (January 20). Look for our dedicated guide: 5 Easy Resolutions: Better Wine & Cheese Pairings to Elevate Every Gathering.

4. Celebrate the Everyday

Sparkling wine isn’t only for special occasions. Make 2026 the year you pop a bottle on ordinary days—toast a small win, a quiet Tuesday, or just because.

A premium Napa Valley sparkling wine, crafted in the traditional Méthode Champenoise style, brings festive bubbles to any moment. Serve it in simple stemless flutes and use a stopper to keep the rest fresh for later—turning the everyday into something worth celebrating.

5. Resolve to Savor Slowly

In a busy world, wine invites us to pause. This year, pour a glass, sit down, and truly taste it. Notice the blackberry and tobacco in a red blend or the green apple brightness in a Carneros Chardonnay. These moments of pause are the real luxury.

Ready to start your 2026 wine journey? Explore our collection of Napa Valley wines and curated gift ideas—perfect for inspiration, personal enjoyment, or sharing with others. From bold reds to crisp whites and celebratory sparkling, there’s something to match every mood and resolution.

Here’s to new beginnings, fuller glasses, and resolutions you’ll love keeping. Cheers to 2026!

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