Wine is a part of life. And life is a series of celebrations, duties, challenges, romantic dinners, love, and holidays. Especially holidays. This time of year is full of them. And the question on everybody's mind is "What kind of wine do I bring?"

The correct answer is "That depends." What kind of occasion? What's the food? Who's coming? Do they know wine? Do they want to know wine, or would they appreciate a liqueur or good beer more? Some suggestions for the right drink to bring to any holiday party.

The Dreaded Office Related Business Party

No one should ever bring Chateau La Tour to an office party. It screams "I'm vastly overpaid." Instead, opt for something everyone will enjoy, is readily available, and a real value. You'll be the envy of Accounting.

If you hate your job bring a six-pack of Rolling Rock--good old American beer. It has a clean, fresh taste, attractive green bottle. Everybody loves "33." This has "Team Player" written all over it.

If your attitude is, "These people are nice, but, hey, it's still a job," bring Clos La Perriere Sancerre, $12.99. A mostly Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, it's nuanced enough to go with pepperoni and cheese cubes and still have people say, "Oh! What kind of wine is this?" It has hints of pears and watercress and a steely finish.

If you're thinking, "Next year I'll have her job!" go with Silverado Chardonnay Napa, $16.99. It's buttery with a firm finish and is great with food or alone. You'll taste oak, melon, and chamomile tea.

If your situation is "all these people work for me," try Walnut Crest Chardonnay, a nice everyday wine from Chile of consistent quality and flavor at Wal¥Mart prices. It says you care, but sorry, the real money goes for the Board of Directors party. Lemony notes with a hint of marjoram. $7.99 for 1.5 liter.

Family Gatherings

To avoid those alcohol fueled family dust ups, bring lots of little things to taste. Champagne is a refreshing, out-of-the-ordinary wine that puts people in a good mood.

Try Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir, a pink domestic--one of the best wine values around at $15.99. It has flavors of old fashioned white grape juice, Chardonnay with a hint of maltiness. Make a toast, and be sure everybody gets a taste.

If you're a beer family, try Hopf Helle Weissen, a wheat beer. Or a dark, chocolatey Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout. From $7.99 to $10.49.

(italic): Will they open it or cellar it?

I spend a little more if I know the hosts will open it and share. It's mercenary, but why spend $34.99 on a fifth of Hangar One Kaffir Lime Vodka if they don't offer you a taste? (Unless you're at your significant other's parent's house and you hope they let you share a room.) Nice "butter them up" gifts for parents and other powerbrokers are:

Makers Mark Kentucky Bourbon, $19.99. A great sipping whiskey.

Oban 14-year-old Single Malt Scotch, $39.99. Fiery peat flavors and the taste of fine leather.

Don Julio Anejo Tequila $41.99. The ultimate after-dinner drink with spicy food. A glass of this dark, incredibly smooth tequila before dessert make's room in your tummy and stimulates the palate. The French call the effect "The Normandy Hole" and they drink Calvados, an apple brandy.

Silver Oak 1998 Alexander Valley Cabernet, $58.99. "A Thanks for the Lexus, Dad" gift. Structured with the well-aged tannins of any $100 Bordeaux and the subtlest hint of fruit.

This time of year, remember what the revered wine expert Michael Broadbent said, "In choosing wine with food, first decide; who's the soloist and who's the accompanist."

For the holidays, it's about friends and families. Everything else is second fiddle.