Christopher Silva, president and CEO of St. Francis Winery shares his tips wine pairing tips that can reduce the stress around selecting and gifting wine.

Pairing wine and work is a hallmark of the holidays. Whether it's the office party or the partners' annual dinner, December abounds with opportunities for wining and dining colleagues. Having built a career by successfully pairing wine and business, I’d like to suggest five tips that can reduce the stress around selecting and gifting wine.

1. You're asked to buy wine for the holiday party. Now what do you do?

Don't panic. And don't just whip out the credit card.

Ask for a budget. That $100 Brunello might not be the company favorite in a bear market—unless your boss tells you otherwise. Showcase your new frugality and make a point of coming in 10 percent under wine budget.

Know the menu. Light appetizers and salads might call for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or balanced Chardonnay, while barbecue or grilled meats would work with a bold Cabernet or spicy Zinfandel.

Given the current interest in food and wines these days, there are excellent resources to help with pairings. Dave Bush, the executive chef at St. Francis’ Winery, offers a rich selection of wine-paired recipes. HelloVino is an app that will suggest pairings based on your menu. What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food is a wonderful guide by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page, based on expert advice from America’s best sommeliers. There is a world of information right at your fingertips—use it.

Get a guest count. You generally should figure on serving a half bottle per person. And being a good host means erring on having slightly too much wine—rather than slightly too little.

If you’re the one who picked the wine, score even more points by being ready to discuss the wine, winery, region, and varietals being poured. If it comes from mountain vineyards or hand-picked grapes, like St. Francis wines, talk about why. People are still too intimidated by the topic. They’ll stop and listen to someone say a few words about each wine being poured. Be the enlightened one who takes the party to the next level by doing your homework (a selection of places to start your research include www.wineinfo.com, www.winefiles.org, www.winemag.com, www.winespectator.com, and www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com) and comfortably sharing what you’ve learned.

2. Invited to the holiday dinner of the year?

Definitely come bearing a bottle, but don’t feel you have to grab the most expensive option. Instead, save your money and spend your time on research. Your knowledge will make a stronger impression than the price tag.

What's your host's heritage? Do they hale from California? Are they second-generation Italian? Present a wine from his/her family's region. A few years back, I served a Swiss Merlot from Ticino at a dinner in honor of my cousin from southern Switzerland. The guest of honor was touched by the gesture.

If it’s an annual celebration, consider gifting a vintage wine that has a special meaning for your hosts. A 1999 Cab at someone’s 10-year wedding anniversary this month is both considerate and achievable. I once attended a bar mitzvah where one of the wines served to the adults was a 13-year-old Bordeaux—a very impressive and thoughtful touch.

3. Gifting wine for the holidays?

Make the gift personal. Whether it's sparkling or still, dessert or port, choose one aspect of the wine—whether it’s the country, the appellation, the vintage, or the varietal—and make it reflect the recipient. Does she light up the room? Gift a bottle of bubbly. Is he a powerhouse? Think California Cabernet. Are they refined and elegant? Merlot’s the match. Quick Witted? Pick a racy Sauvignon Blanc. The beauty of wine is its diversity of expression—hopefully, just like your gift list. Give yourself a little time, and pairing wine with a recipient can actually be fun.

If your hosts are serious about food with a love for farmers markets, heirloom tomatoes, and ranch-raised meats, give a heritage wine like “Old Vine” Zinfandel. With a style unique to the United States, Zinfandel has had significant influence on America’s wine culture. Some Sonoma Zinfandel vineyards date back over 100 years with vines which have survived prohibition, a great depression and two world wars. These wines are vibrant, fruit-forward and food friendly, which will be welcomed at any feast. StFrancisWinery.com has an impressive selection of this uniquely American varietal.

4. Your boss collects wine?

What do you buy? A bottle of Petrus would drain your entire bonus, so "think vintage." Learn about a recent banner vintage—something that your boss can cellar and enjoy years from now. Perhaps he'll crack it open when you've made partner. There are a handful of resources out there for collectors, www.vinfolio.com and www.liv-ex.com are good places to start.

As with any product or service, the market usually determines the fair price. Wines of any special vintage are no exception, but you want to stay in the ballpark when it comes to the right price. Log on to wine-searcher.com to get an idea of how that special wine is being priced at specific retailers around the country.

5. 'Tis the season—for toasts!

Love 'em or dread 'em, the holiday season abounds with platitudes. When it’s your turn to say a few words, be remembered fondly as the toastmaster who hit it and quit it. Deliver the two or three points you’ve already rehearsed in your head at a gracious, comfortable pace without rambling on—two minutes maximum. As a CEO who speaks in public at least 100 times a year, I can tell you that Shakespeare knew what he was talking about: brevity.

If you can’t think of your own toast this time, don’t sweat it. Use the toast my father makes at every holiday gathering, one that every person in the room can appreciate: “To your health. The rest is easy.”

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Christopher Silva is the president and CEO of St. Francis Winery.