As winter deepens and the days grow shorter, December 21st marks the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. This special day has been celebrated for centuries across cultures as a time to gather, reflect, and welcome the return of longer days.
At Rove Winery, we love celebrating these seasonal shifts with traditions and, of course, with wine! Here’s how you can embrace the magic of Winter Solstice with rituals, recipes, and Rove wines that warm both heart and home.
Understanding Winter Solstice Traditions
Long ago, communities would gather around fires to sing, share stories, and watch for the return of daylight. In many cultures, people celebrated this moment as a turning point – a chance to look forward to brighter days and let go of the year’s challenges.
Today, Winter Solstice celebrations still evoke this spirit of togetherness and renewal. It’s a time to gather close with loved ones, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the future.
And what better way to honor these traditions than by sharing wine? At Rove Winery, we believe wine is more than a drink. It’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment.
If you love celebrating with wine, check out A Journey Through Wine Holidays to Celebrate Every Season.
Winter Solstice Rituals to Try at Home
Create a Cozy Gathering Space
Soft lighting and comfy blankets transform a room into a warm, inviting space. Candles or dim lighting set a peaceful tone, symbolizing the hope and warmth of the returning sun. Decorate with touches of nature, like evergreen branches, pine cones, and winter berries, to bring the beauty of outside indoors.
Light Candles for Reflection
Winter Solstice traditions often involve lighting candles or a fire to symbolize the return of light. Gather your friends and family, and let each person light a candle while sharing a favorite memory or a hope for the coming year.
Set Intentions for the New Year
The Winter Solstice is the perfect time to reflect and set intentions. Write down goals or hopes for the coming year, and place them in a small jar or envelope. At next year’s solstice, open them up to see what you’ve achieved!
Winter Solstice Recipes Paired with Rove Wines
A cozy gathering wouldn’t be complete without delicious, winter-inspired recipes paired with the perfect wines. Here are two simple recipes to try at home:
Root Vegetable Stew with Pinot Noir
This hearty stew is full of earthy root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, perfect for a cold winter night.
Pair it with a glass of Rove’s Pinot Noir. The wine’s delicate fruitiness complements the stew’s warm, savory flavors, making it an ideal pairing for a solstice meal.
Spiced Apple & Pear Galette with Select Harvest Riesling
For dessert, try a spiced apple and pear galette, warm from the oven with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serve it alongside Rove’s Select Harvest Riesling, whose natural sweetness balances the tartness of the apples and pears. The fruity notes in the Riesling will make this dessert even more delightful.
Bonus: Mulled Wine Recipe
A classic winter warmer, mulled wine is easy to make and fills the room with the scents of the season. Use Rove’s red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Franc, as a base. Add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a touch of honey. Heat gently and serve in mugs for a comforting, aromatic treat.
Want more pairing ideas? Dive into these guides:
- Wine and Cookies – Pairing Rove Wines with Holiday Treats
- Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s
- 3 Delicious Wine and Chocolate Pairings
Raise a Glass to the Magic of Winter
The Winter Solstice is a beautiful time to pause, gather, and celebrate both the quiet of winter and the promise of longer days to come. With the warmth of Rove wines, you can create your own cozy solstice traditions, savor delicious seasonal dishes, and reflect on the blessings of the past year.
May your year be filled with warmth, light, and memorable moments. Cheers from all of us at Rove Winery!