Katie Gardner of Birmingham Wine School reveals her top wines to try for Christmas – and New Year’s Eve!
As the festive season begins to get into full swing, it’s time to think about wines that will elevate our celebrations and bring joy to our tables. For both Christmas and New Year’s Eve, wine plays an integral role, not just as a celebratory tipple but as a complement to seasonal foods and traditions. So, whether you’re toasting to family on Christmas Day or ringing in the New Year, here are some fantastic wine options to enhance your festive gatherings.
Christmas Traditions and Wine
The classic Christmas meal is a lavish spread of roast turkey, stuffing, rich sides, and indulgent desserts, all of which pair beautifully with a range of wines. Reds with depth and character, such as a good Rioja or Bordeaux, are classic choices to match the weight of the meal. White wines with bright freshness, like a Sauvignon Blanc, can add a refreshing contrast to rich foods. And, of course, no Christmas feast is complete without a bottle of something sparkling to kick things off.
Wine Pairing Ideas for Christmas Dinner
To choose wines for a Christmas meal, consider both the flavours and the variety of dishes. Roast turkey, with its lean texture, pairs well with both medium-bodied reds and rich whites. If you fancy splashing out a bit then Burgundy Pinot Noir complements the turkey without overpowering it, while a Chardonnay can balance the creaminess of sauces or side dishes. For the festive puds and desserts, a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a rich, fortified wine like a Tawny Port is an excellent way to finish the meal.
New Year’s Eve: Ringing in 2025 with Style
New Year’s Eve calls for a bit of glamour and is often a celebration focused on quaffing and canapés rather than full meals. For New Year’s, think bubbles. Rosé Champagne is an excellent choice for pairing with snacky foods, particularly shellfish. If you are looking for a great value alternative, then pick up a bottle of Crémant – it’s basically Champagne but from a different region in France. My favourites are Crémant de Loire or Crémant de Jura.
KATIE’S 5 FESTIVE WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chablis ¬– £13 (Perfect for turkey, goose and creamy side dishes)
This Chablis is a classic choice that brings elegance and versatility to the table. Chablis, from the Burgundy region, is known for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven flavours, which make it an excellent pairing for lighter meats like turkey or goose, as well as creamy potato or root vegetable sides. The wine’s fresh citrus and green apple notes cut through rich flavours, keeping the palate refreshed throughout the meal. If you’re serving a traditional Christmas turkey, this Chablis will be a winning choice to balance the feast.
2. M&S Found Touriga Nacional – £8 (Perfect for roast beef with hearty sides or nut roast)
M&S’s Found range includes this excellent Touriga Nacional, a grape known as the backbone of Portuguese wines. It delivers excellent value and depth with flavours of dark berries, plum and subtle spices. The wine pairs beautifully with the stronger flavours of roast beef or a vegetarian nut roast, as well as side dishes like spiced red cabbage or roasted root vegetables. Touriga Nacional has a medium to full body, with soft tannins that bring warmth and depth to a winter meal, making it a stand-out choice for Christmas dinner.
3. Waitrose No.1 Côtes du Rhône Villages – £12 (Perfect for turkey, ham and root vegetables)
Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are celebrated for their versatility, and this one from Waitrose is a fantastic example. Rich yet well-balanced, this red combines notes of ripe red fruits with hints of herbs and spice. The soft tannins and medium body make it a lovely pairing with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, as well as gamier meats like ham or lamb.
4. Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Crémant de Loire – £12 (Perfect for your New Year’s Eve party)
An elegant blend of Chardonnay and the local Chenin Blanc variety, both grapes are well-suited for making traditional method sparkling wine. This wine has a zesty freshness combined with a complexity on the palate that will fool any of your guests into thinking it cost double the price!
5. Morrison’s The Best 10-Year-Old Tawny Port – £15 (Perfect for traditional Christmas pudding or cheese boards)
This is an own-brand steal made by one of the top Port-producing dynasties. Rich and sticky sweet with flavours of raisins and toffee, it’s fantastic chilled down in the fridge (although beware, it makes it much more quaffable at 20 per cent abv!) and a brilliant foil to puds and cheeses.