Now that the holidays are here, it seems that the time just melts away. Thanksgiving with all of its fun and wonderful wine pairings is past, and Black Friday has come and gone. Now the next step, the round of office parties, holiday gatherings and festivities with friends and family has begun.

There are gifts to bring, holiday cheer to share and time is getting short

Maybe there are travel plans involved – short distances and long – involving some combination of planes, trains and automobiles. It’s just that time of year.

There’s so little time, and so much to do – the shopping, the decisions of what to buy and what not to buy. The question has been asked about what to bring to those parties, and what to take as your host gift?

Here are gift suggestions direct from the results of the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association commercial wine competition:

NOTE -- prices have been quoted as available

1. Best of Show, Hallcrest Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Terra Serena vineyard - Lower Block -- $45
2. Best Santa Cruz Mountain white/Best Chardonnay, Clos LaChance 2007 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Liebeler Vineyard, Double Gold medal -- $35
3. Best non Chardonnay white, Ahlgren Vineyard 2007 Semillon, Livermore Valley, Gold -- $17
4. Best Santa Cruz Mountains red/ Best Syrah, Soquel Vineyards 2006 Syrah - Partners Reserve, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lester Family Vineyard, Gold -- $30
5. Best Red Blend, La Rusticana d'Orsa Vineyards, 2006 Bordeaux Blend, Santa Cruz Mountains, Estate, Gold -- $45
6. Best Cabernet, Martin Ranch Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Clara Valley, Dos Rios Vineyards, Gold -- $30
7. Best Merlot, Martin Ranch Winery, 2006 Merlot, Santa Clara Valley, Gold -- $20
8. Best Durif/Petite Sirah, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, 2006 Durif, Mendocino, McDowell Valley Vineyards, Silver -- $18
9. Best Zinfandel, Domenico Wines 2005 Zinfandel, Russian River, Gold -- $28
10. Best Dessert, Salamandre Wine Cellars 2007 Late Harvest Viognier, Arroyo Seco, Gold -- $22

Contact these wineries for up to date wine selections, availability, hours, and shipping options. Many tasting rooms have creative and timely gift items. So, avoid the traffic and parking issues at the mall. Go to a local convenient winery tasting room to find friendly people who are also feeling the holiday spirit.