Affordable Red Wines for Holidays -- Thanks to Trader Joe’s

Act like a US Marine when it comes to holiday parties.

Look for a few good reds.

Try Trader Joe’s.

Actually we’ve done the work for you. (It was brutal, but we suffer to help you.)

We produced an entire show on the four reds you should get – along with some appetizers.

Here’s a sip of the show.

You can see the entire show at this link which is also a subscription to cut the cable TV cord.

Some other things you learned from that sneak peek:

• John makes goofy facial expressions.

• Susan is butter fingers when it comes to some cheeses.

• Susan accuses John of eating most of the cheese when the video clearly shows the truth.

• John channels his inner Tom Hanks when it comes to crying and wine.

In truth, it may seem like we had been drinking before that show but we had not. Despite the natural silliness, Undercover Jetsetter does not waste your time. If the wine is good, we show it – along with us drinking it.

So here are the wines:

• Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley 2014. This is a small batch. It has that great Pinot taste. From Santa Maria Valley in California.

• Trader Joe’s Grower’s Reserve Zinfandel from Paso Robles 2016. This is a luscious, berry-filled libation that hits the back of John’s salivary glands. But, as Susan explains, it is not just organic but it’s vegan.

• Trader Joe’s Reserve Petit Verdot from Paso Robles 2014. This Bordeaux style grape is usually part of a blend. But Trader Joe’s has done a great job of allowing the Petit Verdot stand on its and own have its own show. (Kind of like Undercover Jetsetter.)

• Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles 2014. This is a somewhat

lighter Cab probably because it lacks a lot of tannins.

And here are the appetizers we paired:

• Trader Joe’s Italian Truffle Cheese

• Trader Joe’s Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions

• Trader Joe’s Asiago with Rosemary and Olives

• Trader Joe’s Triple Cream Brie with Wild Mushrooms

• Trader Joe’s Tarte aux Champignon French style flat bread pizza

• Trader Joes’ Gluten Free Cheese Pizza with Cauliflower Crust

Check with your local Trader Joe’s to make sure they have all these available. If they don’t, they will give you some suggestions.

As we mention in the TJ’s White Wine Show, these wines and appetizers are reasonably priced. In most regions, they will cost about $10/bottle.

Cheers and Happy Holidays,