Ah, the New Year! A fresh start full of new hope, new beginnings and, of course, New Year’s resolutions. If one of your resolutions is to read more (or you’re looking for new ideas to spice up your book club), you’ll love our new series of Book Club Pairings! Each month we’ll be sharing a new set of themed reading and sipping suggestions according to that month’s genre. Whether you like sci-fi or nonfiction, whiskey or wine, we’ve got the perfect book club pairings for you!

To kick off the series, this January we’re looking at all things contemporary. Reading-wise, this means checking out books or authors that are newer to the scene, or simply new to you. Maybe it’s a bestselling author you keep hearing about, or a book that’s been on your nightstand since it came out five years ago. Either way, if it’s from the last decade or so, it fits the bill!

To stay in theme with all things new, fill your cup with some contemporary libations like these:

Bird Dog Small Batch Bourbon: Famous for their fruit-flavored whiskeys, Bird Dog now has a new entry that’s pure bourbon whiskey. Light and clean, this easy-sipping whiskey has flavors of honey and caramelized wood sugars, with a touch of spiciness from the rye in the malt blend.

Buena Vista Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon blanc is one of the hottest types of wine currently, and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon! This version has a touch more ripe fruity pear flavors than most, with a creamy texture and light body, making it very enjoyable.

2016 Matchbook Rosé of Tempranillo: Rosé wines are on trend lately, and this new vintage of an old favorite is sure to be one you’ll enjoy. Just bottled and released, this rosé boasts aromas of fresh red fruits followed up on the palate by strawberry and rhubarb. 

On the book front, you may pair your chosen beverage with newer reads like The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, The Help by Kathryn Stockett or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Kosseini. If none of these spark your interest, you might also pick something up from popular authors like Liane Moriarty, Nicholas Sparks, James Patterson or John Grisham.

For more reading inspiration, visit your local library or bookstore. For more sipping suggestions, drop by our adult beverage department and chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable wine stewards. Happy reading!