Last week, I wrote about the Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc that was such a bargain — now I’ve got their Chardonnay. The Chateau St. Jean 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14) would be a great choice for holiday gatherings — it’s medium-bodied melon and pear flavors are accented with juicy tropical citrus and touches of aromatic baking spices and creamy vanilla. Finishes clean and easy. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Looking for a tasty nibble to go with? Take advantage of autumnal produce by keeping a batch of these on hand:

Recipe: Nibbles: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
These childhood favorites are even better now with the additions of coarse salt and rosemary. Makes 2 cups.

2 cups pumpkin seeds, rinsed well and patted dry
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon minced dried rosemary

Preheat oven to 350F.

Toss pumpkin seeds with oil and melted butter and a generous teaspoon (or more, to taste) of kosher or other coarse salt, and rosemary. Stir well to coat. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste for seasonings, sprinkling with additional coarse salt if necessary.