Best Wines For Christmas Dinner, Course By Course Guide

Christmas dinner is a time for celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food and wine. Selecting the right wines to complement each course can lift the dining experience and impress your guests.

Whether you’re serving a traditional feast or exploring creative dishes, our guide will help you choose the best wines for your Christmas dinner, course by course.

Appetisers

As guests arrive and gather around, the first impression is often made with the appetisers. Light and refreshing wines work best to whet the appetite.

Wine Pairing: Masia D'Or Brut Nature Cava

This sparkling cava offers bright acidity and fresh flavours of green apple and citrus. The lively bubbles are perfect for enhancing a variety of appetisers, from shrimp cocktails to cheese platters, making it a delightful start to your Christmas gathering.

Soup Course

A warm, hearty soup can set the tone for the meal. Common options include butternut squash or classic French onion soup.

Wine Pairing: DAOU Reserve Willowcreek

This rich and full-bodied white wine features aromas of stone fruit and floral notes, with a touch of minerality. Its creamy texture and balanced acidity make it an excellent companion to creamy soups, such as butternut squash or potato leek.

Main Course

The main event often includes a centrepiece dish, such as roasted turkey, ham, or a festive nut roast for vegetarian guests.

Wine Pairing: Whale Point Pinot Noir

This elegant pinot noir is known for its bright red fruit flavours, silky tannins, and hints of spice. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a rich vegan roast, enhancing the flavours of the main course while providing a delightful mouthfeel.

Alternative Wine Pairing: Cloud Factory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

For those preferring white, this crisp sauvignon blanc is vibrant with flavours of passion fruit and citrus. Its refreshing acidity works well with both turkey and vegetarian dishes, ensuring that every guest finds a delightful pairing.

Side Dishes

Christmas dinners often feature an array of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Pairing wines with these dishes can boost the overall experience.

Wine Pairing: Numanthia Red Wine

This full-bodied red offers bold flavours of dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes. Its rich character complements hearty side dishes like roasted root vegetables and herbed stuffing, making it a great choice to round out your festive meal.

Dessert

As the meal winds down, dessert is often a highlight. Traditional options like Christmas pudding, yule log, or fruitcake deserve special attention.

Wine Pairing: Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez Sherry

This rich, sweet sherry is a delightful match for dessert. Its flavours of raisins, figs, and caramel perfectly complement the sweetness of Christmas pudding or chocolate desserts.

Cheese Course

If you’re serving a cheese platter after dessert, consider a wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Wine Pairing: Dandelion Vineyards Enchanted Garden Of The Eden Valley Riesling

This versatile riesling not only pairs beautifully with dessert but also complements a wide range of cheeses, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars. Its sweetness can balance the saltiness of the cheese, making it a delightful end to your Christmas feast.

Tips For Selecting Wines For Christmas Dinner

• Balance Flavours: Consider the richness and flavours of each dish when selecting your wines to create a harmonious dining experience.
• Offer Variety: Provide both red and white options to cater to different tastes and preferences among your guests.
• Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Options: Include festive non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling water or holiday mocktails, for guests who may not drink alcohol.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wines for your Christmas dinner can transform your festive gathering into a memorable culinary experience. Raise a glass to a wonderful festive season filled with good food, great company, and exceptional wine.