Best Wines For Christmas Dinner, Course By Course Guide
What Are the Best Wines to Serve With Christmas Dinner?
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
Light, refreshing wines are the best way to open the meal and awaken the palate. Sparkling wines work especially well here, offering bright acidity and lively bubbles that pair effortlessly with festive nibbles such as prawns, cheese platters, or canapes. Explore options in the Sparkling Wine collection to find a bottle that sets the perfect celebratory tone.
Soup Course
Creamy soups like butternut squash, potato leek, or French onion benefit from a white wine with richness and texture. A well‑balanced Chardonnay brings gentle oak, citrus, and stone‑fruit notes that complement the warmth and creaminess of the dish. Browse the Chardonnay collection for styles that elevate this comforting course.
Main Course
Whether your centrepiece is roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a festive nut roast, a versatile red wine is often the ideal match. Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruit and silky tannins, enhances both traditional and vegetarian mains without overpowering them.
For guests who prefer white wine, a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc offers refreshing acidity and citrus notes that pair beautifully with poultry and plant‑based dishes.
Side Dishes
Christmas sides of roasted vegetables, stuffing, potatoes, and seasonal herbs - often carry deep, savoury flavours. A fuller‑bodied red wine with dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones complements these dishes beautifully. Explore the Full‑Bodied Red Wine collection to find options that bring warmth and richness to this part of the meal.
Dessert
Classic Christmas desserts such as Christmas pudding, yule log, and fruitcake call for a wine with sweetness and intensity. Dessert wines like Pedro Ximenez Sherry offer flavours of raisins, figs, caramel, and spice that mirror the richness of festive sweets.
Cheese Course
A cheese board is a wonderful way to finish the evening, and a versatile wine can tie the whole selection together. Riesling, with its balance of sweetness and acidity, pairs beautifully with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and even blue cheeses. The Riesling collection offers styles that work across a wide range of flavours and textures.
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.
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.