Cozy, elegant and filled with festive wine inspiration.
The holiday season is made for slow moments. Twinkling lights, comforting food, and glasses clinking around a warm table. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, planning a holiday party or enjoying a quiet winter night at home, choosing the right Christmas wine pairings can elevate every moment.
Heres your cozy, curated guide to the best wines for Christmas, from sparkling holiday toasts to comforting winter reds and festive dessert favourites.
- Begin With Sparkle: Festive Wines for the Welcome Toast
There’s no better way to start Christmas celebrations than with a glass of sparkling wine.
Best Sparkling Wines for Christmas:
- Prosecco – bright, fresh, perfect for Christmas appetizers
- Crémant – French sparkle with incredible value
- Cava – fruity, festive, and budget friendly
- Champagne – timeless luxury for holiday moments
Pair With:
- Smoked salmon
- Brie with honey
- Cranberry crostini
- Holiday aperatifs
Hosting Tip:
Add rosemary or pomegranate arils to each glass for a beautiful festive touch.
2. Wines for the Christmas Dinner Table
The main course is the heart of your Christmas dinner and choosing the right wine can make it unforgettable.
For turkey or chicken:
Pinot Noir
Light, silky, berry-forward. A perfect match for holiday herbs.
For beef or lamb:
Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah/Shiraz
Bold and warming. Ideal for hearty winter meals.
For vegetarian Christmas dinners:
Chardonnay
Creamy, elegant and wonderful with roasted vegetables, creamy sauces or truffle dishes.
For seafood-focused meals:
Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh, crisp and festive
3. Christmas Cheese Course: The Coziest Pairing of All
A cheese board adds warmth and elegance to any Christmas celebration, especially after the main course.
Top Wines for a Christmas Cheese Board:
- Red Blends – soft, smooth, crowd-pleasing
- Port – sweet, rich, incredible with strong cheeses
- Late Harvest Riesling – dreamy with brie, honey and figs
Pair With:
- Fig jam
- Honeycomb
- Walnuts
- Dark chocolate
4. Sweet Finishes: Christmas Dessert Wines That Shine
Dessert wines are one of the easiest ways to make your Christmas table feel truly magical.
Best Dessert Wines:
- Moscato d’Asti – light, sparkling, ideal with panettone
- Ice Wine – sweet, wintery richness
- Ruby Port – perfect with chocolate desserts
5. Quiet Evenings by the Tree: Cozy Christmas Night-In Wines
Some of the most memorable Christmas moments are the quiet ones. Soft blankets, glowing lights and a good glass of wine.
Best Wines for Cozy winter Nights:
- Merlot – velvety and comforting
- Zinfandel – warm and rich
- Mulled wine – the ultimate Christmas comfort
- Rosé – surprisingly lovely in winter
My Christmas Wine Picks from Vinotasia
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- Festive Crémant (holiday toasts)
- Pinot Noir (perfect with turkey)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (for rich Christmas dinners)
- Riesling (for cheese courses)
- Moscato d’Asti (beautiful with dessert)
- Merlot (for cozy nights by the tree)
A Season for Wine, Warmth & Beautiful Moments
Christmas isn’t just a holiday. It’s a feeling. A warm glow that fills your home and lingers long after the season ends.
Whether you’re planning a festive feast or enjoying the quiet magic of winter evenings, may your wine be delicious, your table cozy and your moments unforgettable.
Cheers to a beautiful Christmas season.
