Unshackled Wines Bring Easygoing, Crowd-Pleasing Options to Holiday Gatherings Chris Lehoux, October 24, 2026 The Prisoner Wine Company’s Unshackled range offers three California Central Coast wines aimed at both experienced wine drinkers and newcomers. The collection includes Chardonnay for $17.99, Pinot Noir for $22.99, and Cabernet Sauvignon for $19.99—less than the company’s traditional wines, which generally cost $35.99 to $40. The lineup was created to make wine more approachable for everyday meals and gatherings. It also uses lighter glass bottles and skips foil around the neck, packaging choices intended to reduce its environmental footprint. A versatile pick for Thanksgiving The lighter-bodied Pinot Noir is recommended as an especially flexible choice for holiday meals. It can complement turkey, duck, chicken, gravy-based dishes, and spiced foods. Chardonnay with a twist The Chardonnay includes a touch of Viognier, an aromatic white grape. The blend brings pear aromas, green-apple notes, and a richer, buttery mouthfeel. Its acidity can work well with creamy dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo. Winemaker Todd Ricard developed Unshackled to welcome more people to wine. For beginners, the advice is to focus on what tastes good rather than the bottle’s price—and use preferred regions and styles as a guide for future choices. More details are available on The Prisoner Wine Company’s website. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine