The best wines for a ski trip with friends : comfort & great bottles

Skiing is about adrenaline on the slopes, legendary wipeouts, and most importantly… après-ski. And what better way to warm up after a day braving the cold than with a perfectly chosen wine? But not all bottles work well at high altitudes or match that cozy, mountain-lodge vibe.

So, which wines should you bring on your ski trip to make the most of those fireside moments?

1. A Bold Red to Fight the Cold 🔥🍷

When it’s -5°C outside, you need a big, generous, spicy red—something that warms both your hands and your mood.

✔️ Best picks:

✅ Côtes-du-Rhône or Gigondas → Rich, fruity, and spicy, perfect with raclette or tartiflette.
✅ Cahors or Madiran → Tannic and robust, ideal after a leg-burning ski session.
✅ Languedoc Syrah or Cornas → Dark fruit, peppery notes, and loads of character.

❌ Avoid: Light reds (Gamay, Pinot Noir) → Too fresh and delicate for this winter setting.

2. A White That Stands Up to Cheese Fondue 🧀🍷

Yes, white wine absolutely belongs in the mountains, especially when cheese is involved. With raclette, fondue, or Mont d’Or, a bright, mineral-driven white is way better than a heavy red.

✔️ Best choices:

✅ Apremont or Chignin-Bergeron (Savoie) → Crisp and mineral, the go-to for alpine cuisine.
✅ Alsace Riesling → High acidity cuts through the richness of melted cheese.
✅ Jura Chardonnay → A touch of oxidation + good texture = a killer pairing.

❌ Avoid: Overly oaked, heavy whites, which would make an already rich meal too overwhelming.

3. Bubbles for the Après-Ski Party 🎉🥂

Skiing is about celebrating victories (and hilarious wipeouts). Nothing says après-ski like a bottle of bubbles.

✔️ Best sparkling wines for the mountains:

✅ Crémant du Jura or Savoie → Fresh, crisp, perfect for the mountain air.
✅ Blanc de Noirs Champagne → More structure and richness for a cold-weather toast.
✅ A well-made Pet’ Nat → Unfiltered, fun, and festive.

❌ Avoid: A Champagne that’s too delicate, as it might disappear after an intense day.

4. A Sweet Wine for the Fireside Finish 🔥🍷

After a long day carving through powder, a sweet, comforting wine is the perfect way to unwind.

✔️ Best sweet wines for a cozy evening:

✅ Vin de Paille (Jura) → Lush, nutty, and fantastic with walnut tart.
✅ Maury or Banyuls → Dark, fortified, and perfect with molten chocolate.
✅ Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives → Exotic fruit, honeyed notes—pure indulgence.

❌ Avoid: Tannic reds or bone-dry whites—they just don’t fit the cozy, end-of-night vibe.

Conclusion: The Perfect Wine for Every Moment

✔️ For raclette & fondue → Savoie white or Jura Chardonnay.
✔️ For après-ski by the fire → A bold, spicy red like Gigondas or Cahors.
✔️ For celebrating a great day → Crémant du Jura or Blanc de Noirs Champagne.
✔️ For dessert and late-night chats → A glass of Maury or Vin de Paille.

Bottom line? At high altitude, wine choices matter. With these bottles in your bag, your après-ski will be just as epic as your runs. 🚠🍷

🔥 Explore our ski-friendly wine selection here.