The holidays are all about slowing down, gathering around the table, and celebrating the flavors that make this time of year special. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, the right wine can turn a good meal into something unforgettable. Choosing the right bottle isn’t about rules or formality, it’s about finding what complements the dishes you love, and enhances the moment.

Whether your Christmas menu leans classic with roast turkey and trimmings, or modern with fresh seafood and vibrant sides, this guide will help you find the perfect pairing for every dish. Pour a glass, pull up a chair, and let’s explore the wines that make the season shine.

The Aperitifs

Of course Christmas is the season for Champagne – there is no better excuse to crack a bottle than toasting the festivities with family on Christmas morning. There are certainly no shortage of options when it comes to great fizz, personally I will be starting my day off with a glass of Champagne Lilbert, an airy, vibrant non-vintage Champagne with notes of jasmine, peach and lemon meringue. It is intense, yet elegant and fresh enough to drink alone before delving into your festive feast.

For those searching for an alternative to Champagne, why not try a crisp, classic Cremant. The Arthur Metz 1904 offers an affordable, yet intriguing glass of fizz. Its fine structure and delightful citrus aromas are balanced by hints of toasted biscuit and a creamy texture. A glass of this wine will add sparkle and charm to your Christmas celebration!

Turkey: The Main Event

No Christmas feast feels complete without the centrepiece: the turkey. Choosing the right wine to accompany it is arguably the most significant part of your holiday pairings, as it sets the tone for the main event. Classic white wines like a rich, buttery Chardonnay complement the roast, highlighting the savoury flavors and the subtle sweetness of any glaze or stuffing. On the red side, a Pinot Noir offers bright red fruit and gentle acidity that accentuate the turkey without overpowering it.

For the whites, I will be reaching for classic Burgundy, namely the Domaine Gaelle et Jerome Meunier, Mercurey Blanc. This wine is rich, yet simultaneously easy-going and refined. Expect notes of yellow apples, citrus zest, coconut shavings and peach. It is poised, elegant, and the perfect accompaniment to your traditional Christmas dinner.

If you fancy trying something alternative to Burgundy, look no further than Oregon for Pinot Noir. The Valley View estate offers a juicy, earthy, complex expression which is just so food-friendly. The lively acidity and red fruit flavours make the perfect match for not only turkey, but also cranberry sauce. It is fresh, harmonious and the perfect holiday pairing.

Together, these two varietals provide a perfect balance – Chardonnay for warmth and richness, Pinot Noir for freshness and depth – ensuring every bite of your holiday bird is elevated to its fullest.

Your Seasonal Centrepieces

For those who favour a hearty roast beef over turkey, a red Bordeaux is an ideal companion. With its structured tannins, dark fruit flavors, and subtle earthy notes, Bordeaux has the depth and complexity to stand up to the richness of the beef while enhancing its savoury character. The Chateau Tour St Christophe 2020 offers a balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin which ensures that each bite is complemented rather than overwhelmed. Serving a Bordeaux with roast beef transforms the meal into a luxurious, full-bodied experience, perfect for diners who crave a more robust holiday centrepiece.

If roast ham is more your style, try it alongside a stylish Rioja. The sweet, savoury glaze calls for a wine which can match booth the richness and spice levels. The bright cherry and red fruit notes, complemented by gentle oak and hints of spice, enhance the ham’s caramelized edges while balancing its saltiness. Whether served hot from the oven or as part of a festive buffet, a Rioja adds depth and warmth to the meal, turning each bite into a celebration of flavour. I would certainly go for the Crianza from Lopez de Heredia!

The Festive Finale

The grand finale of your Christmas feast deserves wines which are just as indulgent as the food on the table. Whether you opt for something sweet, or a classic cheeseboard, dessert wines and Ports can truly elevate the end of your meal.

For the traditional figgy pudding, a rich, nutty sherry balances the bold flavours and adds a luscious sweetness. I would opt for a Pedro Ximenez to enhance the sweet profile and the intense dried-fruit flavours. Whilst the classics from Jerez are great, I would try the Turkey Flat from Australia – a wine with an abundance of flavour reminiscent of Christmas spices, as well as a lovely freshness and delightfully long finish.

If you prefer an indulgent chocolate-based dessert like yule log, or simply a tin of quality streets – there is no better match than Port. Sweetness and richness are harmonious when these two are paired together. A simple, but elegant Late Bottled Vintage Port works perfectly, perhaps try Graham’s.

Four your cheeseboards, the Chateau Nadal Hainaut Rivesaltes, sweet and salty flavours abound with this decadent pairing. On the nose, there are notes of candied fruit, burnt orange and gingerbread. The high acidity works so well with rich blue cheeses, making for a fantastic conclusion to your Christmas dinner.

The Leftovers

The joy of Christmas doesn’t end when the last slice of turkey is carved – leftovers open up a whole new world of delicious pairings. We still have plenty of suggestions for your Boxing Day leftovers.

For example, why not utilise leftovers to make a turkey curry, paired with an aromatic glass of Gewurztraminer. The off-dry style of the wine and intense flavours of lychee, rose and citrus match the subtle spice and intensity of the curry. Matawhero’s expression is one of my firm favourites, it is rich, clean and full of character.

If you typically live off turkey sandwiches for those days in between Christmas and New Year, why not step up your snack with a lovely glass of Chardonnay. Pierre & Antonin’s crisp, dry white from the South of France works perfectly, with the refreshing style cutting through the tangy cranberry sauce, without overwhelming the flavours of the meat. It makes for an easy-going pairing which keeps the festive flavours alive.