This Food & Beverage Holiday Gift Guide celebrates the flavors, moments, and experiences that make the season feel special. Each pick is chosen for its ability to spark connection, create joy, and turn simple gatherings into something unforgettable—whether quiet evenings at home, lively celebrations, or thoughtful exchanges among friends.
If you’re looking to delight a seasoned host, a passionate tastemaker, or someone who simply loves sharing good company, this curated collection blends quality, creativity, and festive charm. It’s an effortless way to give something warm, memorable, and full of holiday spirit—without the guesswork
The 2022 Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (https://mtveeder.com)
Nothing says happy holidays like a stellar bottle of red. This year’s top contender? The 2022 Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Opening with layered notes of baking spices, cedar, fig and black cherry, this cabernet sauvignon offers drinkers brooding red fruit from the first sip, framed by soft yet structured tannins and balanced by moderate acidity. The texture is plush and polished, leading into a long, lingering finish marked by subtle hints of black tea and bramble. The Mount Veeder Winery boasts a unique mountain terroir characterized by higher elevations, steep slopes and cooler temperatures that offer different growing conditions than the Napa Valley floor. This microclimate allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in distinct flavor profiles, including rich, dark fruit, herbal notes and firm tannins that age beautifully. Mount Veeder Winery’s winemaker, John Giannini, strives to capture the evolution of the structure and intensity of the mountain vines while reflecting the rugged appellation and sanctity of the land. The 2022 Mount Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will impress your guests, make the perfect gift for the wine lover on your nice list and complement the hearty dishes synonymous with the holidays.
Penfolds Red Wines (https://www.penfolds.com)
Penfolds brings two standout bottles to the holiday table this year, each reflecting the brand’s legacy of innovation and its bold cross-hemisphere winemaking approach. A global icon known for craftsmanship and multi-regional excellence, Penfolds began its California journey in 1998 when vine cuttings from its historic South Australian vineyards were planted in the western hemisphere. That vision ultimately evolved into today’s California Collection—wines that honor place while showcasing Penfolds’ unmistakable style. Bin 600 2022 California Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is a lush, fruit-forward blend that balances dark cassis and blackberry with warm spice and a plush, velvety texture. Its structure and richness make it an effortless companion to holiday entertaining—pairing beautifully with roasted meats, glazed vegetables, and festive seasonal sides. For those seeking a more classic Napa expression with Penfolds character, Bin 704 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers boysenberry color, lifted cassis and plum aromas, and layers of nutmeg, sage, and dried tobacco. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity create a polished, generous palate that complements herb-driven dishes, hearty winter fare, and celebratory gatherings throughout the season. Together, these two wines showcase Penfolds’ mastery of blending heritage with modernity—offering depth, elegance, and a sense of occasion worthy of any holiday celebration.
Award-Winning Wines from Israeli Wine Producers Association (https://iwpa.com/)
Raise a glass this holiday season with the award-winning wines of Israel—where ancient tradition meets modern innovation. Representing more than 40 wineries across the country, the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) showcases one of the world’s fastest-growing wine regions. From the sun-drenched Negev Desert to the cool mountain air of Galilee, Israeli winemakers craft reds, whites and rosés that rival the world’s finest. Sustainability and precision guide their approach, with many pioneering advanced drip-irrigation and eco-conscious techniques that enhance grape quality and expression of terroir. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone via targeted emitters, an essential technique in Israel’s arid climate. This method enhances grape quality by regulating vine stress, improving sugar concentration and enabling data-driven water management integrated with sensors, IoT and AI. IWPA wines are available at liquor stores across the U.S., appealing to a wide range of palates and budgets. Whether gifting or entertaining, Israeli wines bring depth, character and a story thousands of years in the making.
Woodenhouse’s Quality Kitchen Essentials (https://www.woodenhouselq.com/)
The ultimate entertainer deserves home essentials that blend quality, beauty, and functionality, and Woodenhouse delivers with timeless designs that elevate every kitchen. The Charcuterie Board with Tray is a complete bamboo cheese platter set built for effortless entertaining, featuring a large smooth-finish board, cheese utensils, a fruit tray, two bowls, slate labels with chalk, and a cheese guidebook. Perfect for arranging cheeses, meats, fruits, and snacks, it’s both durable and elegant, with gift-ready packaging ideal for food lovers. Another standout, the Wooden Salad Bowl Set, includes three handmade wooden bowls in large, medium, and small sizes. Crafted from premium wood with a wavy, graceful design, these bowls add natural warmth and rustic charm to any table, ideal for salads, fruits, popcorn, or as decorative accents. For everyday use, the 10-Piece Wooden Cooking Utensils Set is made from 100% natural teak wood and includes a full range of spoons, spatulas, ladles, and servers. Lightweight, heat-resistant, and safe for nonstick cookware, the utensils are durable, beautiful, and built to last without scratching or reacting with food. Completing the lineup, the Bamboo Cutting Board Set offers three eco-friendly boards in large, medium, and small sizes with a matching holder. Crafted from premium bamboo, each board resists scratches and moisture, with deep juice grooves to keep counters clean. From cooking to hosting, Woodenhouse combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and classic design to bring effortless style and utility to every kitchen.
Supermarket Italy’s Christmas Spirit Gift Basket (https://supermarketitaly.com/)
Spread the joy of the season with Supermarket Italy’s Christmas Spirit Gift Basket—a luxurious assortment of authentic Italian sweets perfect for holiday gifting. Each basket is beautifully curated with classic favorites like Baci Perugina dark chocolate truffles, La Florentine torrone, Toschi Baba in Rum, Niederegger marzipan and Borgo de’ Medici nougat infused with lime limoncello. Founded in 2009 as a family-owned business, Supermarket Italy has become a trusted leader in imported Italian and European goods by sourcing items from the highest-quality vendors overseas. The brand’s mission has always been to bring as many authentic Italian and European goods as possible to American homes. From world-class DOP Italian meats to top-tier Italian beauty products, Supermarket Italy is the U.S.’s one-stop shop for high-quality items from the motherland and beyond. The brand also sources globally and boasts a constantly evolving international catalog. Thoughtfully packed to capture the warmth and indulgence of an Italian Christmas, this festive basket is an elegant way to share holiday cheer with family, friends or clients. Available for $79.99 for businesses.
Rembrandt 12-Month PDO Gouda from A Dutch Masterpiece (https://adutchmasterpiece.com)
Bring artistry to your holiday table with A Dutch Masterpiece’s Rembrandt 12-Month PDO Gouda—a cheese as refined as the painting that inspired it. Crafted with milk from North Holland and certified with the coveted PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal, this Gouda is aged 12 months to develop a smooth, firm texture and a bold, caramel-kissed flavor with delicate crystallization. The result is a beautifully balanced cheese that pairs effortlessly with fine wines, charcuterie or festive gatherings. Inspired by the renowned heritage and craftsmanship of Dutch masters, the founders created a premium range of four matured cheeses named for Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals. The Dutch Masterpiece collection has received numerous international awards, with both Rembrandt (2004) and Vermeer (2012) earning “Best Cheese in the World” at the World Championship Cheese Contest in the U.S. The Rembrandt 12-Month PDO Gouda captures the rich tradition of Dutch cheesemaking—an edible work of art worthy of any holiday spread.
Craize’s Everything Crackers (https://gocraize.com)
Need stocking stuffer ideas this holiday? Craize’s Everything Crackers have you covered. The perfect blend of flavor, crunch and clean ingredients, Craize’s toasted crackers bring a modern twist to snacking with their fire-griddled (never fried or baked) preparation that gives them their signature snappy texture. The Everything flavor is a crowd favorite—sesame and poppy seeds mixed with garlic and onion for a savory, bagel-inspired bite that pairs perfectly with dips, cheeses or charcuterie boards. Other delicious flavors include Sweet Corn, Guava, Coconut and Jalapeño Lime. Founder Leo Cotter spent five years perfecting a formula that transforms the traditional Latin American arepa into an everyday snack cracker. These vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, allergen-friendly chip-cracker hybrids make a wholesome and delicious addition to holiday gatherings or a stocking stuffer with a healthy edge. Craize crackers are available individually, as variety boxes or via build-your-own-box options online or in select stores nationwide.
Dorot Gardens’ Pre-Portioned Frozen Garlic, Onions and Herb Packs (https://dorotgardens.com)
Make holiday cooking easier (and more joyful) with Dorot Gardens’ Pre-Portioned Garlic, Onions and Herb Packs—the kitchen hack every home cook needs. These fresh, flash-frozen herbs and vegetables are perfectly pre-portioned into pop-out cubes with no chopping, peeling or measuring required. Dorot Gardens’ cubes lock in nutrients and flavor, helping you cook faster and cleaner without sacrificing taste. Customers can choose from garlic, ginger, basil, cilantro, onions, turmeric, parsley and dill, with each package containing 16 flash-frozen cubes. Available in grocery stores nationwide, Dorot Gardens begins in the field: crops are harvested at peak freshness and flash-frozen within 90 minutes to preserve flavor and nutrients. While the initial harvest moves quickly, once frozen, the products maintain “just-picked” taste for up to two years—making holiday cooking and everyday meals easier, fresher and more flavorful.
Manischewitz’s Chanukah House Cookie Kit (https://manischewitz.com/ )
Build sweet memories this holiday season with Manischewitz’s Chanukah House Cookie Kit—a festive twist on the classic gingerbread-house tradition. This hands-on kit includes everything needed to create a blue-and-white Chanukah-themed cookie house, complete with pre-baked vanilla cookies, icing, candy decorations and a base for easy assembly. Perfect for families, friends or classroom celebrations, the Chanukah House Cookie Kit brings creativity and tradition together as a joyful centerpiece for the Festival of Lights. It is certified kosher dairy by the Orthodox Union and is peanut- and tree-nut-free. Manischewitz has been making traditional Jewish foods since 1888, beginning with Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz’s small matzo bakery in Cincinnati. After inventing the first square matzo and expanding production, the brand became a cornerstone of Jewish cuisine in America. In 2019, Manischewitz joined Kayco Kosher Foods, returning to its family-run roots with a renewed commitment to Jewish heritage, culinary innovation and community. With a modern rebrand, new products and vibrant new identity, Manischewitz continues a 130-year-plus legacy of excellence and celebration.
Gayo Azul’s Chili Pepper Slices (http://gayoazul.com/)
Add a little heat to your holiday spread with Gayo Azul’s Chili Pepper Slices—the perfect blend of creamy, buttery cheese and a subtle kick of spice. Made with fresh whole milk and inspired by authentic Hispanic flavors, these convenient slices melt beautifully and are ideal for burgers, sandwiches or grilled paninis. Gayo Azul traces its roots to the Caribbean in the 1950s, when Dutch cheeses became popular in the region for their shelf stability. In the 1960s, the brand entered the U.S. market through family-owned shops and has since expanded across the southeastern United States, with continued national growth underway. Known for authenticity, premium quality and exceptional flavor, Gayo Azul offers products ranging from creamy red-wax Gouda to versatile queso blanco. Its Chili Pepper Slices deliver smooth texture and mild chili warmth, making them a standout addition to cheese boards and holiday entertaining—bringing festive flair and flavor to every table.
Cold-Pressed Juices by Wonder Juice (https://drinkwonderjuices.com/)
We all know that come January 2, we’re in need of a little detox to clean out all the holiday indulgence. Help your loved one jump-start their clean-eating kick with a splash of color and vitality courtesy of Wonder Juice’s Cold-Pressed Juices—the brand that turns wellness into a refreshing indulgence. With 11 vibrant flavors across three varieties—Wonder Beet, Wonder Melon and Wonder Lemon—each blend delivers pure, organic goodness with no added water or sugar. From energizing Beet and Lemon Ginger to cooling Watermelon Cucumber Basil and zesty Lemon Basil Jalapeño, every bottle offers a hydrating boost packed with natural nutrients and antioxidants. Why Wonder Juice? The company uses 100 percent organic ingredients; is USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified; contains only 110 calories or less per bottle; and is perfect for refreshing drinks, smoothie bases and mocktail mixers. The company also ensures ethical wages and fair treatment for farmers, is Kosher-certified and maintains a commitment to sustainability—making Wonder Juice as good for the planet as it is for its customers. Perfect for gifting or staying refreshed during holiday festivities, Wonder Juice brings all-natural vitality to every occasion.
The Iberian Table: Healthy Cooking Secrets from the Land of Longevity (http://theiberiantable.com/)
One of the best ways to show someone you care is through food—so what better gift this season than The Iberian Table: Healthy Cooking Secrets from the Land of Longevity? This guide blends modern science with centuries-old Mediterranean wisdom, inspired by Spain’s remarkable record of health and longevity—home to María Branyas, the world’s oldest woman. Author and fine artist Robin Keuneke reveals how simple, nourishing ingredients like olive oil, legumes and yogurt can transform everyday eating into a life-enhancing ritual. While this is Keuneke’s third book, The Iberian Table is her first dedicated to the Spanish Mediterranean diet and includes more than 100 recipes crafted for American home kitchens. Keuneke has been featured on nationally syndicated radio programs in the U.S. and Canada discussing women’s health, and served as food editor for Total Health Magazine, where her recipes and articles appeared regularly. More than a cookbook, The Iberian Table celebrates the joy, community and balance that define Spanish Mediterranean living—making it an inspiring gift for food lovers, home cooks and wellness enthusiasts seeking a longer, more vibrant life.
**** GADGETS & GEAR *****
EyeVac Air 2-in-1 Air Purifier/Deodorizer & Vacuum (https://eyevac.com)
Take the hassle out of household cleanup with the EyeVac Air, a smart 2-in-1 air purifier, deodorizer, and touchless stationary vacuum that redefines convenience and cleanliness. Designed to simplify daily messes, it eliminates the need for bending, sweeping, or dustpans; just sweep debris toward the unit and its infrared motion sensors automatically trigger powerful suction. Dirt, pet hair, and dust vanish in seconds while a built-in HEPA filtration system purifies the air, capturing fine particles, allergens, and odors for a cleaner, healthier home. Originally inspired by its predecessor SweepEZ, EyeVac was founded to create a truly hands-free vacuum that efficiently removes dust and debris. After gaining traction in professional salons and beauty spaces in 2007, the brand expanded into the home market with the EyeVac Air as the next evolution in effortless cleaning. As the only 2-in-1 purifier and touchless vacuum, it combines sensor-activated convenience with continuous air purification in a compact, space-saving design. Its sleek aesthetic blends easily into any room, making it a functional and stylish addition to kitchens, living spaces, mudrooms, or pet areas. Always plugged in and ready, it eliminates the hassle of dragging out a bulky vacuum while keeping the air fresh and free of irritants. Perfect for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and busy households, this innovative cleaning solution turns a chore into a quick, satisfying task. Available on Amazon for $199, the EyeVac Air delivers hands-free cleaning, fresher air, and effortless convenience for modern living.
JisuLife’s Ultra2 and Pro1 Personal Fans (https://www.amazon.com)
With record-breaking heat gripping cities across the country, the real question isn’t if you’ll need to cool off—it’s how. Whether you’re cooking up a storm at the grill or at a food and wine festival under the sweltering sun, JisuLife delivers smart, stylish cooling tech that’s earned fans everywhere—from Coachella stages to NBA sidelines. Top picks include the Ultra2 Handheld Fan, a four-in-one powerhouse featuring hurricane-level airflow, a 25-hour battery, built-in flashlight, air pump and power bank. Compact, powerful and travel-ready, it’s available in sleek brown or gray colorways. For hands-free comfort, the Pro1 Neck Fan is a game-changer. With 100 customizable speed settings, whisper-quiet technology and a featherlight, ergonomic build, it offers all-day wear without neck fatigue. Its breathable, adjustable brace prevents stickiness—even in extreme heat. Plus, the Pro1’s electroplated spray surface and high-end metal paint finish make it one of the most stylish personal cooling devices on the market. Perfect for tech lovers, travelers and trendsetters alike, JisuLife’s fans are the ultimate practical-meets-fashionable gift to help them stay cool—no matter how hot things get.
Trot Pets’ Complete Bowl Set with Mat (https://www.trotpets.com)
Not sure what to get your favorite pet parent this season? Something for their fur baby, of course. Trot Pets’ Complete Bowl Set with Mat is a modern mealtime upgrade that combines form and function in one sleek, all-in-one solution. Designed to make feeding cleaner, healthier and more stylish, this thoughtfully crafted set includes a stainless-steel puzzle slow feeder and water bowl, a no-mess silicone mat and two airtight lids—perfect for storing leftovers or packing food for travel. Available in 12 vibrant colors and multiple sizes for small to large dogs, it blends effortlessly into any home aesthetic while minimizing mealtime mess. The real game-changer? The puzzle slow feeder. Fast eaters are at risk for discomfort, vomiting, choking or even life-threatening bloat. This feeder helps pets slow down and chew properly—promoting better digestion and turning mealtime into a safer, more enjoyable experience. Even better, Trot Pets donates a portion of every sale to Hearts and Bones, a rescue and foster organization committed to finding loving forever homes for pets in need. It’s a gift that gives back in more ways than one.
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Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
