Find the Best Christmas Dinner Wine For a Flawless Feast

As the holiday season approaches, planning the best Christmas dinner becomes a delightful endeavor, especially when it comes to choosing the best Christmas dinner wine to complement your festive feast. The right wine not only enhances the flavors of your carefully prepared dishes—whether it's classic turkey and ham or an array of delectable sides—but also adds warmth and celebration to your gathering, creating lasting memories.

However, choosing a good wine for Christmas dinner isn't always easy. It needs to be a perfect match with your food; otherwise, one may overshadow the other. But worry not! To help you out, we've penned down this complete Christmas dinner wine pairing guide. From considering the variety of dishes on the table to the mood of the evening and your guests's preferences, you'll discover a range of wines that will take your Christmas dinner scene to new heights of indulgence, joy, and togetherness. Whether you're in search of the best red wine for Christmas dinner, delicate whites or roses, glitzy sparklings, or indulgent dessert wines, we have it all, making this Christmas dinner wine pairing guide a one-stop solution to whoever scrolls through it.

As a cherry on top like one you can't resist picking off your Christmas cake, we've included deliciously satisfying bottle recommendations and expert tips on how to choose the ideal wine and determine the right quantities—because, trust me, creating a wine shopping list can make even a math geek nervous.

Red Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Start the countdown to a memorable holiday feast with red wines that excel as the best wine to drink with Christmas dinner, particularly those badged for having a full-bodied profile. Their bold, rich flavors stand up well to the heartiness and savoriness of a variety of hearty Christmas dishes like roast meats, gravy, and stuffing, cutting through the richness with their large, structured tannins. On top of that, these red beauties, with their passionate hues and luxuriousness, blend beautifully with the Christmas spirit and also add a cozy touch to the celebration by bringing a naturally warming effect amid the chilly backdrop with its audacious flavors and higher ABVs.

Synopsis Of Why Reds Are The Best Christmas Dinner Wine: Bold, Pairs With Roasts, Warms In Winter

Best Red Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Pinot Noir

Keeping reds in one frame, Pinot Noir is the best red wine for Christmas dinner because its light body, silky texture, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors, such as cherry and raspberry, make it superbly adaptable. Its balanced tannins allow it to vibe with various flavors without masking them, while earthy notes like mushroom and spice add complexity to the festive meal.

Pairs Well With: Glazed Roast Turkey, Roasted Chicken, Duck Breast With Cherry Sauce

Cabernet Sauvignon:

Moving on to Cabernet Sauvignon, it can be considered the big brother of red wines because of its bold structure, high tannins, and dark fruit notes like blackberry and blackcurrant. That’s why it is ideal to add depth to your Christmas dinner, as its big-grippy backbone and hints of cedar and pepper will cut through the richness of the meal, making it feel less heavy.

Pairs Well With: Perfect Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Vegetables, Herb-Crusted Lamb

Syrah/Shiraz:

Syrah, or as Aussies call it, Shiraz, is a beautiful middleground between the feverish fruitiness of Pinot Noir and the tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon—flaunting a full-bodied profile, rushed with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spicy black pepper with each sip. A good red wine for Christmas dinner when you want your red downright bold yet harmonious.

Pairs Well With: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Peppery Roast Beef, Roasted Fennel-and-Beet Salad

Best White Wine For Christmas Dinner:

While red wines attract more attention, white wines are also the best wine to have with Christmas dinner. Unlike the daring, grippy reds that boldly clash with the richness of heavier Christmas dishes like creamy sides and roast meats, white wines offer a crisp and refreshing contrast with their bright acidity, which also does that neat palate scrub after each bite. Furthermore, these wines add a lively, festive energy to the table with their vibrant flavors, as well as enhance lighter fare like seafood and vegetable sides without overpowering them with their subtle flavors, expressing their feverish versatility in food pairing.

Synopsis Of Why Whites Are The Best Christmas Dinner Wine: Crisp, Complements Creamy Sides, Cuts Richness

Best White Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Chardonnay

If Pinot Noir is the go-to Xmas red, Chardonnay is the best white wine for Christmas dinner. That's because it can adapt to various dishes, with a wide range of flavors available. Oaked Chardonnays with apple, pear, and citrus flavors and creamy textures are excellent all-rounders to pair with both light and hearty festive fare. Contrarily, choose Unoaked Chardonnays for that razor-sharp acidity.

Pairs Well With: Baked Brie With Cranberry, Lobster Bisque, Truffle Mac and Cheese

Sauvignon Blanc:

Among the suggested whites, the wine that holds the refreshing power of your pocket mints has to be Sauvignon Blanc—intertwined with high acidity, herbaceous notes, and light yet tangy flavors of tropical fruits, zesty lemon, and lime. If you're seeking a straightforwardly bright and palate-cleansing white wine for Christmas dinner, consider Sauvignon Blanc.

Pairs Well With: Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Herb-Crusted Turkey

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio:

Pinot Gris, or as the Italians call it, Pinot Grigio, draws upon the fruitiness and acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc while incorporating the body and texture of Chardonnay, holding a perfect mix with its crisp acidity and notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. This is a good white wine for Christmas dinner, as it perfectly balances both rich and light flavors.

Pairs Well With: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms, Pumpkin Soup

Best Rosé Wine For Christmas Dinner:

Rosé wines, with their bright fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, strike a perfect balance between the boldness of red wines and the crispiness of whites. This middle ground makes them the best wine to have with Christmas dinner, offering a refreshing palate wash and light contrast that prevents meals from feeling too heavy, whether you’re planning to serve roasted meats, seafood, or festive sides. Beyond this flavorful versatility, their petal-soft pink hues add a delicate charm to the Christmas dinner setting, and their approachable taste makes them a true crowd-pleaser, a great choice for accommodating guests with varying taste preferences.

Synopsis Of Why Rosés Are The Best Christmas Dinner Wine:Versatile, Balances Savory and Spiced Dishes

Best Rosé Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Sparkling Rosés:

How about Sparkling Rosés—combining their vibrant berry flavors with effervescent bubbles and refreshing acidity? These stand out as good rosé wines for Christmas dinner, initially captivating with their dazzling dance of bubbles and then balancing the richness of holiday dishes with their vibrant fruit flavors and refreshing acidity.

Pairs Well With: Mashed Potatoes, Christmas Cake, Gingerbread Cookies

French Rosés:

France is undoubtedly the hub for the finest rosé wines, adding spectacular blushful flavor and elegance to your Christmas dinner. Let’s start with the most renowned Provence Rosé, famous for its delicate body and fresh notes of strawberry, melon, and floral aromas—ideal to introduce lightness to the table, balancing rich dishes like garlic-mashed cauliflower, roasted butternut squash, and stuffed pork loin with its crisp acidity.

Next, we have Sancerre Rosé, made from Pinot Noir, which combines vibrant acidity with red fruit flavors like cranberry and strawberry. This versatile wine enhances both delicate and bold dishes, pairing perfectly with smoked salmon, roasted fennel-and-beet salad, and garlic butter roasted mushrooms.

Finally, the quirky neonish red Clairet Rosé bridges the gap between red and rosé wines. Boasting lush berry flavors and mild tannins, it beautifully complements festive fare, making it a perfect match for Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Pilaf, and Figgy Pudding.

Best Sparkling Wine for Christmas Dinner:

Looking forward to amplifying the festive buzz of your Christmas wine and dine scene? Consider switching from still to sparkling wines—famed to orchestrate the elements of luxury, celebration, and liveliness with their dazzling bubbles. In addition to celebratory toasts and setting a festive mood, sparkling wines also stand out as a good wine for Christmas dinner, taste-wise. Their crisp acidity and palate-cleansing qualities, combined with a light-bodied profile, ensure they don’t overwhelm lighter dishes while providing a welcoming contrast to heavier options, awarding them all-roundedness in Christmas dinner wine pairing, from appetizers and seafood to poultry, creamy sides, and even light desserts.

Synopsis Of Why Sparklings Are The Best Christmas Dinner Wine: Fresh, Cleanses Palate, Adds a Festive Touch

Best Sparkling Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Champagne:

In any conversation about Sparklings, one can't overlook the world-favorite Champagne. It is the best sparkling wine for Christmas dinner, as everyone will love it for its luxuriousness, dazzle, and crowd-pleasing taste. It is also practical, as it cleanses with its crisp, zesty profile and adds complexity with its notes of apple, brioche, and citrus.

Pairs Well With: Deviled Eggs, Bacon Pinwheels, Christmas Cake

Prosecco:

Apart from Champagne, its Italian cousin Prosecco makes a good Sparkling wine for Christmas dinner if you're looking for a more approachable option. Its lighter, fruitier profile, with flavors of pear, apple, and floral notes, will add a playful touch to the feast, while its softer bubbles and slightly sweeter finish will offer a refreshing contrast, making it an excellent palate cleanser. Also, it's more affordable!

Pairs Well With: Sweet Cornbread, Honeyed Hasselback Carrots, Fruit-Based Desserts

Best Dessert Wine for Christmas Dinner:

Finally, we have dessert wines—the sugary face of the wine world—ideal for thoughtfully complementing the sugary side of your Christmas dinner, including pies, cakes, fruit tarts, and other classic holiday desserts. These wines not only keep your decadent holiday treats from tasting overly heavy or cloying by balancing their richness with sweetness and acidity, but also add depth with their complex flavors of caramel, honey, dried fruits, and spices. And bear in mind that even if your table is not brimming with sweet tooths, you can still select a dessert wine and pair it wonderfully with savory options like cheese plates and foie gras.

Synopsis Of Why Dessert Wines Are The Best Christmas Dinner Wine: Sweet, Perfect For Rich Desserts and Cheese

Best Dessert Wines For Christmas Dinner:

Sauternes Wine: A French sweet wine from the same name region in Bordeaux's Graves section. It is richly sweet, balancing flavors of apricot, honey, and marmalade with lively acidity, making it a good dessert wine for a lusciously elegant climax of Christmas dinner, including pecan pie, chocolate yule log, and bread pudding.

Ice Wine: Made from frozen grapes in cold countries such as Germany and Canada. It offers concentrated sweetness, high acidity, and flavors of ripe peach, lychee, and tropical fruits, making it wonderful to bring a vibrant finish to the meal and balance the richness of figgy pudding, gingerbread cookies, and apple butter glazed ham.

Tokaji Aszu Wine: Produced in Hungary from late-ripened grapes affected by a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. Ultimately, it offers sweetness, characterized by flavors of orange peel, apricot, and honey, balanced by firm acidity, making it a superb pairing for roasted goose and christmas cake.

Port Wine: Port’s rich, sweet, and fortified nature, with flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices, pairs perfectly with the indulgence of cheese plates and desserts like chocolate yule log and bread pudding. Its boldness and viscosity create a warm, comforting finish, enhancing the overall dining experience with its luxurious and long-lasting flavors.

Malvasia di Casorzo d’Asti: This light, sweet red dessert wine, with flavors of cherry, rose petals, and berries, brings a unique floral and fruity freshness to servings like fruit tarts and light cheeses. Its slight effervescence and balanced sweetness offer a refreshing finale, harmonizing beautifully with the festive sweetness in the air.

Moscato D’Asti: Its sweet, floral aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and honey offer a lively yet delicate conclusion to spicy dishes, Christmas cake and fruit-based desserts. Its low alcohol and gentle bubbles enhance the sweetness, while its bright acidity ensures the wine’s sweetness remains refreshing and not cloying.

How To Decide What Is a Good Wine For Christmas Dinner?

To select the best wine for your Christmas dinner, consider your main course and choose a compatible wine. For example, the best wine for a turkey Christmas dinner will differ from the best wine for a ham Christmas dinner and if you misjudge, can spoil dinner as well as diners.

Think of pairing lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with lighter meals such as seafood or chicken to balance subtle flavors. Contrarily, pair heartier wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Oaked Chardonnay with rich dishes like ham, lamb, or beef to complement bold flavors. If you're confused or have many guests, rosés and sparkling wines are reliable all-rounders, while dessert wines make perfect dessert companions.

Finally, remember that great wine doesn't have to be expensive; there are excellent options available at every price point, allowing you to find quality without going overboard. Balancing your ideal budget with a mix of affordable and premium selections can ensure an impressive spread without stretching too far.

How Much Wine Do You Need For Christmas Dinner?

Calculating how much wine to serve at your Christmas dinner can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry—we've got you covered! A good rule of thumb is to allow about half a bottle per guest, which is around 375 ml, serving 2-3 glasses. You can adjust this based on your guest count and the flow of the evening, especially if you plan on encouraging wine sipping before dinner, pairing it with meals, and enjoying post-dinner toasts.

If your dinner features multiple courses or lasts longer, consider serving at least three-quarters of a bottle per person. To keep the evening lively, plan a bit extra and offer a variety of wines—like red, white, sparkling, rosé and dessert—to accommodate different preferences.

If wine is a highlight of the evening or you have wine enthusiasts attending, it's better to round up. For ten guests, having 5-6 bottles is sufficient, though 7-8 ensures you’re fully prepared.

How To Store Your Christmas Dinner Wine?

To avoid the last-minute rush of planning and errands, people stock up on wine well in advance. This means you'll have a big window of time between buying your Christmas dinner wine and pouring it.

To store your Christmas dinner wines correctly, place them horizontally in a dark, cold, mildly humid place, free from sunlight and vibrations. Make sure it’s nicely cold around 55°F (13°C), as a big dip below this will freeze your wine—a total blunder!

How To Serve Your Christmas Dinner Wine?

Serving wine correctly involves not only impressing your guests with its aesthetic appeal, but also refining the wine drinking experience—from chilling it to the perfect temperature to selecting the appropriate glasses and pouring them in the correct order and portions with the right food.

Check out this table to serve your Christmas Dinner wine like a pro:

What If You Are Left With Leftover Wine?

With Christmas gatherings often leading to extra wine, leftover opened bottles can still be enjoyed later. Proper storage is key— Reseal the wine bottle with a cork, stopper, or vacuum pump to prevent oxidation, then place it in a cold, dark place like a refrigerator or wine cellar to guard the freshness and extend the drinkability as much as possible.

Note that Sparklings last 1-2 days, Reds/Whites/Rosés for 3-5, and Dessert Wines for 5-7. Afterward, savor the wine, pair it with leftovers, or use it for cooking or cocktails!

Final Thoughts

On a parting note, we hope this blog helps you find the best Christmas dinner wine, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or gifting a special bottle to your beloved host. We've addressed all possible queries—from wine selection to the right quantity, storage, serving, and leftover precautions—to let you set a perfect dining scene.

And yes, don't forget to check out our Christmas wine gifts collection, offering these excellent Christmas dinner wines and more at competitive prices, all with the convenience of nationwide delivery.

For that personal touch, customize your wine bottles with custom printed messages or hand-painted designs, or how about pairing them with chic glassware, accessories, and gift baskets of mimosa, spa, cheese, chocolates, and more.