Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi reports from the former Soviet republic of Georgia, regarded by scholars as the birthplace of wine. Alfonsi delves into its deep history of winemaking and the enduring vineyards that have survived thousands of years of invasions, wars and communist rule. She visits the lush wine region of Kakheti to meet monks protecting these ancient vines and one American vineyard owner who is committed to bringing Georgian wines to the rest of the world.

Wine writer Betsy Andrews makes the compelling case that Georgian wine is the best option for your holiday table. Georgia may be best known for its amber wines aged in traditional clay pots, or qvevri, but the country produces a broad spectrum of styles, from aromatic dry whites and delicate sparklers, to richly spiced reds. No matter what you’re serving, there is a Georgian wine fit to pair.

Dry isn’t necessarily better. Turn your nose up at sweetness and you’ll bypass some delicious drinking. Here, our wine columnist’s palate-expanding list of top sweet wines for the holiday season or anytime.