As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crispness that beckons cozy gatherings, "Come Over October" invites us to gather with friends to share wine and celebrate the power of human connection.

From a crisp bubbly to a golden dessert wine and white, rose, and reds in between, here is a curated collection of wines to complement the fall season. Interesting to note is this group of tasters preferred the Georgian wine.

However you decide to lighten up your autumn afternoon, this selection of 10 wines is designed to enhance every gathering. So, pour yourself a glass and toast to the joys of October!

#1 - Willm Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut -- Alsace, France

To toast to a gathering among seven ladies tasting in the comfort of a friend’s home, this sparkling gem from Alsace dazzles with its delicate pink hue and aromas of fresh strawberries and raspberries. On the palate, it strikes a perfect balance between brightness and finesse, with an effervescence that dances on your tongue. Sipping on this wine feels like an instant mood booster, making it the perfect choice for a ladies’ night in.

Recommended pairings are aperitifs, tuna tartar, desserts with red fruit, and salmon sashimi. Everyone in this tasting loved the Alsace bubbles, and we agreed to try it next time with tuna tartar! Bottle price: $20 at Total Wine & More

#2 - Lagar D Cervera 2023 Albariño -- Rías Baixas, Spain

Within the DOC (Denomination of Origin) Rias Baixas of northern Spain, the popular grape of the region is Albariño. Visually, a pour of wine made with Albariño grapes is a brilliant, pale straw color with glimmers of greenish highlights, revealing its youth. On the palate, it is bright and lively, and the citrus stands out as zesty lemon and ripe grapefruit with notes of green apple and pear. There is also a delicate floral lift, adding to its complexity. It has good acidity and hints of brine and minerality attributed to the grapevine’s proximity to the sea. The only factor that adds to this wine’s quality is that 2023 proved to be a vintage year. Best enjoyed as an aperitif, or with smoked foods, seafood, soft cheeses, white fish, or rice dishes. Bottle price: $26.99

#3 - Donnafugata Dolce & Gabbana 2023 Rosato "Rosa", Sicily

Donnafugata Dolce & Gabbana’s rosé stole the show with its presentation of its bottle in a designer box open that opens to a cellophane-wrapped bottle with a satin salmon-colored bow. This bottle brought oohs and aahs to a table of ladies seated for a tasting. I mean, come on… Dolce & Gabbana wine?

But it’s not all about looks—this rosé delivered on taste too! The consensus? Perfect with sushi! Even our resident non-rosé lover swooned over by its flavor. The secret? A fabulous duo of Sicilian grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Nocera.

Nerello Mascalese, grown in volcanic soils, brings a delightful minerality and a hint of floral elegance, while the ancient Nocera adds a touch of history and depth. After careful crafting, Donnafugata nailed the balance of these two grapes, resulting in a blush that greets you with jasmine and rose petals, then dances on your palate with pure pink perfection. Raise your glass—October just got a whole lot fancier! Bottle price: $53.99 at Total Wine & More

#4 - Villa Chven 2022 Aleksandrouli-Mujuretuli, Georgia

Let’s set the record straight: this beauty isn’t semi-sweet like some Georgian wines. It’s dry, and it’s a winner! Out of six wines tasted during one unforgettable evening, this Georgian gem stole the spotlight and had everyone raving. It’s different, it’s delicious, and it’s medium-bodied perfection paired like a dream with artichoke spinach dip and fresh-baked bread.

On the nose, you’re treated to a bouquet of ripe cherries and dark berries, with just a hint of earthy charm that nods to its rustic roots. With soft tannins and a refreshing acidity, it’s so easy to sip—you might just find yourself reaching for another glass before you know it!

What really makes this wine shine is its unique heritage. The Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapevines are perched at 2,000 feet on sun-drenched slopes in the foothills of the Caucasus mountains. The woman-owned vineyards of Villa Chven are behind these indigenous varietals that have been at the heart of Georgian winemaking for thousands of years. Toast to tradition! Bottle price: ~$20

#5 - 2021 Grape Creek Vineyards Cabernet Trois, Texas

During our Come Over October gathering, this Fredericksburg delight was the true surprise star of the evening! Its rich flavors of black currants, a dash of spice, and hints of cedar wood led to a flavor explosion! This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (hello, pronounced green pepper!), Petit Verdot, and Rubired had everyone buzzing.

Let’s chat about Rubired for a moment. This hybrid grape hails from California and was developed at UC-Davis in the 1950s. It’s a fabulous cross between Alicante Ganzin and Tinta Cao, making it super easy to grow and perfect for the hot, sunny terroir of California’s Central Valley. Thanks to its roots in Alicante Bouschet (Grenache), it produces a gorgeous dark red/purple juice that adds a pop of color to many jug wines.

Overall, this blend impressed us all— perfect for sparking lively conversations. Raise your glass to this favorite from the Lone Star State! Bottle price: $45

#6 - Ben Ryé 2021 Passito di Pantelleria Donnafugata, Sicily

This certified sustainable golden dessert wine from South-Western Sicily was a delightful surprise during the last tasting at our Come Over October gathering. When we paired it with pumpkin pecan cookies studded with chocolate chips, it struck the perfect balance— not overwhelmingly strong, but blissfully smooth. However, when we tried it with peach pie, it leaned a bit too sweet for our tastes. But let’s talk about that distinct flavor of candied orange peel— it really made this wine a conversation starter! Soft on the palate, just a few sips at the end of our evening were all we needed to savor its charm.

Made with the Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) grape, next time, I would pair the wine with some bold blue cheese for a fun contrast. And did I mention this petite bottle can be aged for up to 30 years? Talk about a wine with staying power! Bottle price: $48.99

#7 – Champagne Jeeper, France

During an al fresco lunch at the fabulous Abe & Louie’s in Boston, I had the pleasure of sipping the fine bubbles of Champagne Jeeper— a bubbly that’s now taking flight in half bottles at Delta airport lounges. But the real fun is in its backstory!

The year was 1949, when Armand Goutorbe, a farmer with a family history in the wine business, was gifted a Jeep by American soldiers as a thank-you for risking his life during WWII. Talk about a heroic tale! After a leg injury, that Jeep became his trusty companion, allowing him to tend to his beloved vineyards.

Now, let’s talk about the wine! I paired this sparkling delight with some fresh Wellfleet oysters and a heavenly plate of butternut squash purée topped with scallops. The combination was pure magic, and I’ve been craving more of those brioche bubbles ever since. Be sure to check out the XX1 bottle that’s mirrored. Bottle price: Just under $100.

#8 – IGT Colli Aprutini Pecorino Prope 2023, Italy

At “The Charming Taste of Europe” event held recently at City Winery in Boston, I had the pleasure of tasting what’s being hailed as “the next big thing” in Abruzzo wines: the Pecorino grape! No, not the cheese— though I can’t help but imagine a fun pairing with that too!

Out of the eight wines sampled, this one, imported by Baron Francois, totally caught me off guard in the best way. Its bouquet of pear skin and bread crust, with a dash of minerality, was simply enchanting. On the palate, it had a delightful salty kick, finishing with a subtle hint of almond that left me wanting more.

All I could think about was how perfect this would be with baked haddock coated in Ritz crackers. Bottle price: ~$10

#9 – Duca di Salaparuta Kàdos Sicilia DOC 2023, Sicily

Prepare to be transported to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily with the Kàdos Sicilia DOC 2023, a true celebration of the island’s rich terroir.

On the nose, this beauty greets you with a delightful bouquet of zesty citrus, juicy peaches, and a whisper of floral notes. One sip, and you’ll be hooked by its crisp acidity and refreshing minerality— perfect for sipping in the afternoon sun or pairing with fresh seafood delights.

In addition to the fruitiness on the palate, an underlying hint of herbs adds complexity. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sun-drenched terrace or at a cozy dinner table, Kàdos Sicilia DOC 2023 is sure to impress.

Made from Grillo grapes cultivated at the Risignolo estate, this wine is symbolized by the charming image "La Pendolare" (“The Commuter”) on its label. With its floral and citrus aromas and velvety taste, it’s one of the most versatile whites from Duca di Salaparuta. Bottle price: $24.99

#10 – Nina Lee 2019 Estate Grown Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Washington

This Walla Walla wonder set the stage for adventure in exploring a new wine. One sip and I was charmed by the taste of this region’s terroir and the wine’s smooth tannins.

On the nose, an inviting bouquet of dark berries, plums, and a hint of violets led to a velvety mouthfeel of ripe fruit flavors complemented by subtle notes of smoke and pepper. If I were a grape, I would be a Syrah – or so the quiz I took in Porto revealed to me last year. Like myself, Syrah is known for its versatility, and it pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled lamb and hearty stews to rich cheeses— perfect for a cozy dinner party or a casual evening at home. Look for Nina Lee’s photo on the label. She was the wife of Frederick Corkrum, who acquired the Spring Valley land in 1910. After meeting Nina following her vaudeville performance at a local theater, they married in 1929. Bottle price: $60.

Charlene Peters is a wine writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry." She can be reached at https://siptripper.com