As the New Year kicks off, many oenophiles are taking on the challenge of Dry January, which is about an entire month of ditching alcohol in favor of a healthier lifestyle. Below are 10 wine options to drink now and keep your taste buds entertained before you embark on the dry month of January. So, grab a glass and raise a toast to getting cleansed and ready for 2025! If you can't sip 'em all, save the bottles for February!

#1 – Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava, Barcelona, Spain

Since the grand opening of its state-of-the-art winery in 2005, Vilarnau has been crafting exceptional Cavas that marry tradition with innovation, offering a sparkling experience of sips.

This brut is made with organic grapes from the appellation D.O. Cava -- a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel-lo. If you age this sparkling, you’ll open to tertiary flavors of toast and honey… if you can wait. Worth noting: Vilarnau offers non-alcoholic wines for those who want to continue to sip during Dry January. But before then, Salud! Bottle price: $16

#2 - Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé Cava Guarda Superior, Barcelona, Spain

The rosé version of this Cava is an extraordinary blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir grapes from the D.O. Cava, nestled in the heart of Espiells. Vilarnau winery is known for its artisanal, high-quality production as part of the prestigious González Byass family (since 1982). The vineyards, acquired by the family in 1990, sit at the highest point in the region, offering a unique advantage: the high altitudes allow the organic grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their acidity and resulting in wines that age beautifully with a perfect balance. Pasta, pizza, and paella are perfect food pairings. Bottle price: $17

#3 – Te MATA 2022 Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

If you’re looking for a Chardonnay that walks a fine line between elegance and “Hey, I’m here to party,” Te Mata’s 2022 vintage has your back. This Kiwi gem from New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region will not bore you.

On the nose, it’s all citrus and green apple, with a touch of vanilla and brioche. Take a sip, and you’re greeted with a ripe stone fruit with subtle citrus and complexity, thanks to a bit of fermentation in seasoned oak barrels, lees contact, and a creamy malolactic influence. Butternut squash soup is one of many perfect pairings for this wine. With its smooth finish and just the right amount of butteriness, it goes with everything from sushi to Sunday roast. Yes, please! Bottle price: ~$25.99

#4 – Te MATA 2022 Gamay Noir, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

This medium bodied New Zealand red will steal your heart. Yes, it is that fantastic. Consider this wine a new player in town, and one that’s ready to steal the spotlight. It’s a juicy charmer guaranteed to win you over at the first swirl -- with fresh aromas of raspberries and bubblegum. On the palate, it’s all about balance. It’s light but structured, with just the right amount of berry sweetness, baking spices, and a lovely, smooth finish. The soft tannins are like a gentle hug for your taste buds, and the acidity gives it just enough pep to keep things exciting without being overwhelming.

Whether you are pairing it with a charcuterie board, a grilled chicken salad, or just enjoying it on its own, this Gamay Noir is the perfect wine for those who like their reds full of character but not too heavy-handed. It’s an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser with a touch of sophistication— fun and classy! Bottle price: ~$29.95

#5 – 1000 Stories 2021 Zinfandel, California

Bourbon-barrel aged, this blackberry and spice with a bit of caramel is a crowd pleaser at dinner parties. Consider it a Zinfandel that lends to the type of tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. With a deep ruby hue that reflects the intensity of its character, it’s more than just a wine— it’s a narrative unfolding in every sip.

A nose of dark berries— think blackberry, raspberry, and a hint of boysenberry, is woven together like the chapters of a novel. A delicate layer of baking spices, cinnamon, and a whisper of oak beckon, adding depth and mystery to the plot. The influence of bourbon barrel aging is like a rich character who enters the story.

On the palate, juicy plum and black cherry lead the charge, while a touch of black pepper and earthy undertones keep things grounded. The finish is smooth and enduring, like the final sentence of a page-turner that leaves you wanting more. Sit back and enjoy the unfolding drama in your glass. Bottle price: $17.99 on Wine.com

#6 – Merryvale 2022 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California

When you expect a creamy, oaky California Chardonnay and get a crisp, bright acidity version, it makes you stop and think. And that is exactly how this Chardonnay performed for a small group of tasters. It was familiar, yet exciting in a way you weren’t expecting.

On the nose, a bouquet of ripe fruits, like a sun-kissed pear with subtle elegance, with a dash of lemon zest. The palate is where this Chardonnay displays refreshing acidity – just enough to keep it interesting. It’s clean, crisp, and well-structured with a lingering finish. Bottle price: $42

#7 – Duca di Salaparuta 2021 Bianca di Valguarnera, Sicily DOC

This deep golden wine, crafted entirely from Insolia grapes grown on the sun-drenched hills of Western Sicily, reflects the island’s beauty. These grapes reach their peak ripeness in late August, when they are gently handpicked, softly pressed, and slowly fermented in oak barrels. After fermentation, the wine rests in barrique for several months, allowing it to linger on the lees before spending at least six more months maturing in the bottle. The result? A wine of depth and complexity, beginning with a bouquet of delicate floral notes, tropical fruit, and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, its creamy and fresh, and best paired with smoked salmon, tuna, or swordfish, as well as umami-rich dishes with mushrooms, poultry, or medium-aged cheeses. Bottle price: $30

#8 – Duca di Salaparuta 2023 Lavico Bianco, Sicily

Bright, bold, and undeniably Sicilian, sipping this white wine is what it must feel like to stroll through the vineyards of Mt. Etna on a sunny day in Sicily. The Carricante grapes used to make this wine were grown on the slopes of the iconic volcano. The wine was crafted to capture the very essence of Etna itself, with its distinct volcanic terroir offering an unmistakable mineral backbone.

The grapes are hand-picked and then fermented slowly before resting on the lees for at least three months, which adds complexity and texture. The result? A brilliant straw-colored wine with an aromatic symphony of white peach, citrus zest, and a touch of exotic fruit. The palate? Clear, clean, and precise, with a citrusy bite and a salty, almost briny quality that reminds you of the sea. It’s a wine that easily stands up to a platter of fresh seafood or Mediterranean first courses. But let us not stop there: it’s also a match for grilled vegetables, white meats, or a perfectly baked fish. Bottle price: $34

#9 – Chateau Magnol 2019 Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Perfect for a dinner where sophistication is key, but you do not want to feel pretentious while sipping it, this wine delivers the classic elegance of Bordeaux with a modern twist. Produced by Barton & Guestier, their commitment to quality and environmental sustainability earned them certifications like High Environmental Value and ISO 14001. And yes, it’s even vegan friendly.

In the glass, this wine is a deep, brilliant cherry red with violet highlights, a visual invitation to the experience to come. On the nose, think blackcurrant and black cherry intertwined with just the right touch of spice and mint. The aromas are rich and expressive, offering a complexity that will bring you pause before that first sip.

The palate does not disappoint. Full-bodied and elegant, the wine strikes a perfect balance between ripe, supple tannins and a beautifully layered flavor profile. The texture is velvety, while the aftertaste lingers with fruity, spicy notes, plus a gentle hint of vanilla and licorice.

This Bordeaux is ideal with red meats… think a perfectly seared steak or roast lamb. It also pairs beautifully with ripe cheeses, especially Pyrenees cheese, black cherry jam, and walnut bread. Bottle price: $35

BONUS: Excellent food pairing with Duck à l’Orange. Get the recipe!

#10 – Clif Family 2019 Kit’s Killer Cab, Napa Valley, California

Made with 100% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this is the kind of wine that doesn’t just make an entrance but commands the room. Named after Clif Bar founder Gary Erickson’s wife, Kit, it’s a wine that is as bold as the valley it hails from. This is Napa Cab, through and through, with all the dark, brooding fruit and structure you expect, but it has a personality that’s decidedly approachable and downright irresistible.

In the glass, it’s a rich, deep ruby red, almost the color of a ripe plum. The nose? Expect a powerful bouquet of black currants, ripe cherries, and wait… is that cassis? The oak nuances lend to subtle notes of vanilla and cedar. There is a freshness here too, a hint of mint that gives the wine a little lift, preventing it from feeling too heavy.

On the palate, Kit’s Killer Cab doesn’t hold back. It’s full-bodied, with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and just the right amount of spice. The tannins are firm, but not overbearing, giving the wine structure while allowing those rich flavors to shine. The finish is long and lingering, with an almost luxurious texture.

This is the kind of wine that pairs beautifully with a hearty meal— think grilled steak, braised short ribs, or a good ol’ fashioned burger. It would also be right at home with a selection of aged cheeses, a sharp cheddar, or a creamy brie. Magnum Bottle price: $225 (only magnum size is available for sale)

Charlene Peters is a wine writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry."