Planning holiday menus doesn’t end in the kitchen. Picking the right wine to pair with holiday treats can make sharing with friends and family even more enjoyable. The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas’ Big Reds & Bubbles wine and food tasting event taking place at the Driskill Hotel on Thursday, November 7, is the perfect opportunity to explore more than 100 sparkling and red wines and find new favorites for your holiday celebrations.

Featuring labels from the familiar to lesser-known vineyards, the event is ideal for connoisseurs as well as wine newbies. Lisa Nuccio, Central Texas director of regional accounts at Glazer’s, has helped curate wines for the event since its inception 11 years ago and is delighted to offer what she considers the most varied lineup yet.

Nuccio recommends that wine lovers experiment with their holiday wines and play with pairing courses in less traditional ways. “I love bubbles, and they are terrific to start or finish a meal, but I’ve also paired entire dinners with all bubbles,” she says. “Rosés are made with the pinot noir grape, which gives them more stature and mouthfeel. These wines have so much body and finesse that they pair perfectly with an entrée.”

If you are more inclined toward red wines, Nuccio recommends stretching beyond traditional merlots and cabernet sauvignons. “This year, we have some very interesting blends, single-vineyard pinots noir and exciting wines from around the world, including malbecs and brunellos,” she says. Big Reds & Bubbles will also feature a port, a sweet red wine most often paired with desserts.

Guests to the event will be greeted with a seasonal cocktail featuring La Marca Prosecco, prepared by Chris Dakalu of The Bonneville. Nuccio recommends touring the selection while sipping the cocktail to scout out the wines you want to try.

“I encourage people to branch out and try things they aren’t familiar with,” she says. “There are so many wonderful and unique wines at the event; we really want people to experience everything.”

Big Reds & Bubbles also features small bites from such popular Austin restaurants as Max’s Wine Dive, Finn & Porter, Bess Bistro, Mettle and The Bonneville, giving guests the opportunity to compare how their favorite wines pair with different dishes. Sweets will also be available from local pastry chefs Austin Cake Ball and Delysia Chocolatier.

Offering a wide range of wines and food tastings, Big Reds & Bubbles promises to spark your holiday spirit and inspire your party planning.

Ticket prices for Big Red & Bubbles start at $85. You can find more details about the event here.