Discover Jo Cribb’s Top Wine Picks for 2025

As the year draws to a close, wine expert Jo Cribb shares her top selections for 2025, showcasing standout wines that have left a mark on her palate. This final column of the year highlights innovative trends and classic choices, providing readers with insights into the world of wine as they prepare for festive gatherings.

Cribb emphasizes her admiration for the spritz, declaring it the best innovation in wine for the upcoming year. “In January, you’ll find me under a tree with a good book and a long limoncello or aperol spritz,” she notes, lauding its refreshing combination of prosecco, soda water, and basil. This versatile drink has become a favorite for summer enjoyment, reflecting a growing trend toward lighter, more approachable wine options.

Conversely, Cribb expresses disappointment with the rising popularity of zero-alcohol wines, which she regards as the wine she most frequently poured down the sink. She suggests that if consumers seek a low-alcohol alternative, they should consider mixing full-strength sauvignon blanc with soda water or adding ice cubes to rosé. For those who prefer a zero-alcohol option, she recommends opting for beer instead.

Underrated Sparkling Wines and Luscious Reds

Among her highlights, Cribb champions New Zealand’s sparkling wines, particularly those produced using the méthode traditionnelle. She argues that these wines offer exceptional quality at a fraction of the price compared to their Champagne counterparts. “We make world-class sparkling wine, and I think ours is often better,” she states, underscoring the potential of New Zealand’s wine industry.

When it comes to red wines, Cribb finds it challenging to choose just one. She awards a tie for her favorite luscious red between the robust and brooding Martinborough Pinot Noir and the silky, elegant Hawke’s Bay Syrah. Both wines are ideal for pairing with grilled meats and are set to feature at many summer barbecues.

Cribb’s selections include the following standout wines:

– **Spritzzetto, Premium Italian Style Spritz**: Priced at $24 for four 250 ml cans, this drink is crafted by two New Zealanders inspired by their time in Venice. The blend features one-third premium New Zealand wine, one-third Italian aperitif, and sparkling water, creating a refreshing beverage reminiscent of a homemade spritz.

– **Oak Estate, Syrah 2023, Hawke’s Bay**: With a price tag of $34, this wine boasts flavors of juicy red and black berries, delivering a velvety mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with grilled red meat.

– **Alexia, Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé, Wairarapa**: At $42, this bracingly crisp rosé presents bright strawberry and citrus notes, complemented by hints of hazelnut and crushed arrowroot biscuits.

As the wine world continues to evolve, Cribb’s insights offer a glimpse into the exciting options available for the coming year. She encourages readers to explore these selections and enjoy the unique flavors they bring to social gatherings and personal moments alike.

In her closing remarks, Cribb wishes her readers happy sipping and looks forward to reconnecting in 2026, promising more delightful discoveries in the future.