The ultimate Christmas wine guide for 2025
Christmas wine is essential to complement the delicious dishes that make up the Christmas dinner. In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips for choosing the perfect Christmas wine to pair with a wide variety of cuisines, from classic turkey to traditional Asian or Hispanic dishes.
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The 10 best Christmas wines for the perfect holiday cheers
Bordeaux – Château Margaux 2010
France
Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles Grand Cru – Louis Latour 2019
France
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru – Bouchard Père & Fils 2022
France
Amour de Deutz Brut Rosé – Deutz Champagne 2013
Champagne, 10% Chardonnay, 58% Pinot Nero
Petrolo Galatrona 2023
Italy
Chateau Cos d’Estournel Blanc 2022
Costa Arente – Amarone della Valpolicella 2018
Italy
Roger Goulart The Roger 2013
Spain
Schloss Johannisberg Grunlack Rausch Riesling Spatlese 2023
Germany
Nals Margreid Punggl Pinot Grigio 2022
Italy
Our 10 best Christmas wines list includes red and white wines, as well as delicious dessert wines and Champagne that are great for celebrating and appreciated as thoughtful gifts. You can find elegant French Christmas wines to pair with red meat, game, turkey and fish. We also selected sophisticated Italian Christmas wines and more affordable options for more casual Christmas dinners.
A Christmas wine for every Christmas course
For American families, the Christmas dinner takes different shapes and flavors. Some families stick closely to the classic American Christmas menu, featuring a main course such as stuffed turkey, glazed ham or roast beef, accompanied by blueberry sauce, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Others prefer the flavors of their homeland. In this guide, we’ll explore Christmas menus inspired by European, Asian, Hispanic and Native American cuisines to find the best Christmas wines to pair with each dish.
American European tradition inspired Christmas pairings
The classic American Christmas menu has its roots in European cuisine. Turkey, duck and glazed ham originated with the culinary traditions of European settlers, particularly the English, Germans and the French. Added to these are Italian immigrant traditions that have evolved to incorporate American ingredients and tastes. In honor of this rich heritage, we have selected excellent European wines to pair with the most popular American Christmas main dishes. See below our recommendations tailored to each American European specialty.
To enhance the flavors of glazed ham with mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, we recommend a good bottle of Riesling. This German Christmas wine boasts a natural acidity and a hint of sweetness that complements the richness of the ham, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 2021 – Germany
Tasting notes: A delicate Riesling with aromas of white peach, apricot and lemon zest. It has a vibrant acidity, a refined sweetness, and a long, delicate finish.
Roasted turkey and cranberry sauce are a perfect match for Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a perfect French Christmas wine thanks to its red fruit aromas, balanced by a silky texture and a good acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat.
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Les Chanlins Premier Cru 2022 – France
Tasting notes: An excellent Pinot Noir with aromas of black cherry and blackberry. The palate is structured with dense tannins and the finish is long and balanced.
Another traditional Christmas main course is roast pork loin with sweet apple sauce. This meat pairs well with a smooth, versatile wine, such as Merlot, which enhances the pork’s light flavor without overpowering it.
Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2020 – Italy
Tasting notes: A Tuscan Merlot with aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherry, violet and subtle notes of clove and sandalwood. The palate is silky and vibrant, with polished tannins and a lively acidity.
A Christmas inspired by Native American traditions
Many Native American families celebrate Christmas by serving traditional indigenous cuisine, which varies greatly depending on the tribe and region. For instance, bison was a primary source of protein for Native communities in the Upper Great Plains before it was systematically eradicated, and it remains a staple ingredient in many Osage dishes.
In celebration of these traditions, we recommend a delicious bison dish paired with an Italian Christmas wine, such as Barolo. With its vibrant freshness and delicate aromas, Barolo perfectly complements the flavors of bison.
Gaja DaGromis Barolo 2021 – Italy
Tasting notes: A sophisticated Barolo with aromas of plum, rose petals, sweet licorice and balsamic herbs. It offers soft juicy tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish with violet and spice echoes.
The perfect Christmas wine for Asian American culinary traditions
The Christmas dinner of Asian-American families is a mix of Eastern and Western flavors. Alongside traditional American Christmas dishes, you can find dishes that reflect Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian culinary traditions. Below is a selection of Asian recipes, each paired with the perfect Christmas wine.
For Peking duck based dinners, we selected an intense and powerful Shiraz from Eden Valley in Australia. Its aromatic notes enhance the flavor of the Peking duck sauce, and its creaminess and body tone down the sweetness of the dish.
Ginger-scallion lobster, another festive Asian dish, pairs perfectly with the Viognier. This aromatic white wine, with its fruit and floral aromas and good acidity, complements the dish’s sweet and spicy flavors.
Japchae, a popular traditional Korean dish consisting of stir-fried glass noodles with assorted vegetables, mushrooms and meat (often beef) seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, pairs beautifully with Pinot Grigio that, with its citrusy freshness, harmonizes the sweet and savory notes of Japchae
Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2017 – Australia
Tasting notes: A full bodied Shiraz with aromas of dark cherries, blackberry, cocoa powder and spicy perfume. It has a rich and concentrated texture with a long finish.
Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Les Chaillets 2023 – France
Tasting notes: A fresh Viognier with with aromas of apricot, peach, white flowers and sweet spice, underlined by subtle honey and mineral hints.
Albert Boxler Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2018 – France
Tasting notes: A rich, full bodied Pinot Gris with aromas of ripe pear, citrus, sweet peach, and spiced ginger.
Hispanic Christmas Cuisine and wine pairings
The Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) dinner celebrated by Hispanic families in the United States is a riot of bold and vibrant flavors. The main dishes, lechón asado or pernil, are accompanied by classic side dishes such as yuca or moros y cristianos, a dish of black beans and white rice with sofrito made with garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, and green pepper.
For the lechón, we selected a Spanish Tempranillo with fruity aromas and good acidity that pairs perfectly with the crispy skin and fatty meat of this course.
Dominio de Pingus Flor de Pingus 2022 – Spain
Tasting notes: An exceptional Tempranillo with aromas of red and black plum, wild berry, violet and a touch of mint and cassis. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with fine, tannins and a long finish.
Spotlight on the best Italian Christmas red wines
American families love Italian red Christmas wines for their versatility and incredible aromatic range. They pair well with the European dishes mentioned at the beginning of our guide, such as glazed ham or roasted turkey, but they also taste great with Asian and Hispanic dishes. Barolo, for example, is a fantastic pairing for Peking duck and the many fried dishes characteristic of Asian cuisine. Its lively acidity balances fats and spices and its fruity aroma doesn’t overpower flavors. Sangiovese pairs well with dishes inspired by Native American traditions, especially those made with bison meat. The silky tannins and cherry aromas of this wine pair well with the slightly sweet, lingering taste of bison.
Poggio San Polo Podernovi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 – Italy
Tasting notes: A Tuscan Sangiovese Brunello with aromas of violet, jasmine, blackberry and dark cherry lifted by hints of menthol and dried herbs.
Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi 2019 – Italy
Tasting notes: A Barolo from the famed Cannubi cru with aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, rose petal, sandalwood, clove and gentle oak spice.
A connoisseurs selection of sparkling wines for Christmas
Nothing sets the holiday mood like a great sparkling wine for Christmas. It is impossible to imagine a Christmas dinner without the classic toast with a glass of sparkling wine, but sparkling wines are also perfect with fish and vegetable appetizers and are ideal for red fruit desserts or enjoyed with butter biscuits. France is home to Champagne, one of the best sparkling wines for Christmas, and the epitome of holiday elegance. However, if you’re looking for more accessible and diverse options, we’ve also selected excellent Spanish and Italian sparkling wines.
Champagne Palmer Grands Terroirs 2015 – France
Tasting notes: An excellent Champagne with aromas of orange blossom, acacia and yellow fruit, evolving into delicate notes of caramelized pineapple and tonka bean. It delivers fresh citrus and brioche on the palate, with a creamy mousse texture and a persistent finish.
Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius Brut 2009 – France
Tasting notes: An elegant Champagne with aromas of white peach, yellow apple, brioche and light toasted pastry.
Roger Goulart The Roger 2013 – Spain
Tasting notes: A vintage Spanish sparkling wine with aromas of dried fruit, brioche, ripe stone fruit and toasted almond. It offers a creamy mousse, bright acidity and a long finish marked by fine bubbles.
Ferrari Riserva Lunelli Extra Brut 2015 – Italy
Tasting notes: A refined vintage sparkling wine with aromas of brioche, baked apple, pear, toasted hazelnut and a hint of almond and spice.
Christmas wines for dessert and sweet endings
Dessert wines are the perfect way to end a Christmas dinner on a sweet note. The list below features some of the best options for pairings with rich, traditional American desserts. Among them is an incredible sherry with warm and spicy notes that pairs well with pumpkin pie or apple and cinnamon cake, as well as a port that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate pudding or ginger cookies. We have also selected other incredible dessert wines to pair with your favorite holiday treats.
Maynard’s 40 Years Old Aged Tawny Port – Portugal
Tasting notes: A delicious Tawny Port with aromas of toasted hazelnut, walnut, dark chocolate, warm roasted coffee and cinnamon. It has a silky, velvety texture, balanced acidity and a long, nutty finish with hints of orange rind.
Chateau Climens 2014 – France
Tasting notes: An incredible dessert wine with aromas of honeyed peach, apricot jam, candied citrus and orange blossom.
Osborne VORS Sibarita 1792 VORS Oloroso Sherry (500ML) – Spain
Tasting notes: An intense sherry wine with aromas of roasted coffee, tar, incense, dried fig, walnut and toffee. The palate is powerful yet elegant, with structured acidity, deep nutty‑spice character and a complex finish.
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375ML half-bottle) 2011 – Italy
Tasting notes: A dessert wine with aromas of dried apricot, fig, candied orange peel, and honeyed caramel. The palate is rich and luscious, with vibrant acidity balancing the sweetness, and a long, nutty‑spice finish.
Dolce (375ML half-bottle) 2019 – California
Tasting notes: A creamy dessert wine with apricot, tangerine, and cardamom.
Serving Christmas wine with elegance
To elevate a bottle of wine this Christmas, it’s essential not only to choose the right variety but also to know how to serve it. The first thing to consider is the glassware, which must have certain characteristics depending on the type of wine. Light white wines should be served in narrow, small glasses to preserve their freshness, while full bodied red wines require large glasses to promote oxygenation. We also recommend transferring full bodied red wines to a decanter and letting them rest before serving to release deeper aromas, soften the tannins, and create a more harmonious tasting experience. Temperature is also important: Serve light white wines at 50 °F, full bodied red wines at 52-60 °F and red wines at a temperature between 60 and 68 °F.
Finally, remember to offer a different wine with each course to create an incredible pairing experience. The ideal amount is one glass of wine per dish to complement the food without overwhelming the palate. This allows guests to fully enjoy the pairings, take a short break between courses, and be ready for the dessert wine, which is sweet and enveloping.
Tips: add a touch of elegance when serving wine by holding the bottle by its base, pouring with a smooth, controlled movement and slightly rotating your wrist at the end to avoid drips. These small gestures can transform wine service into a true ritual of hospitality.
FAQs on Christmas wine
How to choose the best Christmas wine?
When choosing the best wine for Christmas, consider your guests' tastes and the menu. For grilled or braised meats, choose a textured, tannic red wine, and for more delicate white meats like turkey, opt for a dry, fruity white wine.
What is the most popular Christmas wine?
The most popular Christmas wines are Cabernet Sauvignon reds and Chardonnay whites. Champagne or Prosecco is essential for toasting. Dessert wines, such as Muscat, are also perfect for accompanying typical Christmas desserts.
What is a traditional Christmas wine?
A traditional Christmas wine is mulled wine or spiced wine. It is a warm red wine flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus fruits. It is very popular in Europe, but it is also becoming popular in the United States, where it is usually served at Christmas markets.
What is the most versatile wine for Christmas dinner?
Among the most versatile wines for Christmas dinner is Pinot Noir, a light, fruity red that pairs well with roast turkey, glazed ham, and roast beef. It also pairs well with traditional dishes from other cultures, such as lechón.
What is the traditional German Christmas wine?
The traditional German Christmas wine is Riesling, which can be both sweet and dry. It is characterized by notes of green apple and citrus, and its acidity makes it perfect for balancing the sweetness of many Christmas dishes.
What is the traditional UK Christmas wine?
There is no traditional Christmas wine in the UK.Wine should be chosen based on the dishes in the Christmas menu. However, it has become traditional to enjoy a glass of Port with Stilton cheese as an aperitif at Christmas dinner.
What is the traditional French Christmas wine?
Traditional French Christmas wines include Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône, which pair well with roasts and grilled meats. Among the white wines, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are notable. And how can we forget the famous Champagne, which is perfect for toasting with friends or family.
What is the best Italian Christmas wine?
Chianti is one of the best Italian Christmas wines, but there are many other good options. Barolo and Barbaresco are ideal red wine choices for roasts and braises, while Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Negroamaro are more versatile options. For appetizers and fish or vegetable dishes, we recommend a good Prosecco. Moscato d'Asti is perfect for dessert.