How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Wine: Pairings and Tips
To choose Christmas wine, start with the food and the people at the table. Sparkling wine is great with starters, Pinot Noir works with turkey, structured reds stand up to beef and lamb, and
sweet wine suits pudding. Humble Grape's guide covers every course, plus how much to buy. Christmas is the season of cosy gatherings, second helpings and deciding which bottles to put on the table. Choosing them can be simple. Whether you're hosting the whole family, bringing a bottle to a friend's or treating yourself, here's our no-nonsense guide to getting the wine right without overthinking it. If you'd rather leave the hosting to us, see what's on for Christmas at Humble Grape.
Christmas Wine Pairings for Every Course
Food and wine pairing is there to make the meal more enjoyable. Think about the main flavours on the plate, then the wines your guests love: if someone has a favourite bottle, put it on the table. For a crowd, a versatile red and a crisp white will usually go further than a long list, with something light and something fuller so everyone finds a glass they enjoy. Want to try a few before you decide? Join one of our Christmas wine tastings.
Starters and the First Toast
A glass of Champagne or another good sparkling wine gets everyone in the mood and is versatile enough for most starters. Smoked salmon, prawns and lighter first courses also work well with Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp, mineral white.
Wine with Christmas Dinner
Turkey and all the trimmings: Pinot Noir is a favourite for good reason. Its bright fruit and gentle tannins work with roast turkey, stuffing and cranberry, and our Pinot Noir guide has more on the style. A textured Chardonnay is a lovely white alternative. Glazed ham: Try a fresh, fruity red such as Beaujolais, or a Riesling when there's sweetness in the glaze. Roast beef or lamb: A more structured red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or a savoury Italian red, stands up to richer meat and gravy.
Cheese, Christmas Pudding and Dessert Wine
For the cheeseboard, match the wine to the cheese: crisp whites lift creamy cheeses, mature hard cheeses welcome fuller reds, and blue cheese is a classic match for sweet wine. With Christmas pudding, mince pies and other rich desserts, look for a wine at least as sweet as the dish. A Sauternes-style dessert wine brings a honeyed finish to the meal. Ready to stock up? Browse Christmas wine in our online wine shop, or pop into one of our London wine bars and our team will help you find bottles to suit your menu and budget. Buying for someone else too? Our Christmas wine gift guide has plenty of ideas.
Christmas Wine FAQs
How much wine should I buy for Christmas dinner?
A standard 750ml bottle pours about five 150ml glasses. Use that as a starting point, then think about how many adults are drinking, how long the celebration lasts and whether you're serving other drinks. A mix of red, white, sparkling and alcohol-free options is more useful than lots of one style.
What wine goes with a vegetarian Christmas dinner?
Match the wine to the sauce and seasoning as much as the main ingredient. Mushroom and chestnut dishes suit lighter, earthy reds, while roasted squash and herby dishes work well with Chardonnay or an aromatic white.
How should I serve wine on Christmas Day?
Chill sparkling and white wines in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Serve lighter reds slightly cool and fuller reds at room temperature, and open bigger reds a little before dinner so they have time to breathe.
How far ahead can I buy Christmas wine?
As early as you like. Store bottles somewhere cool and dark, away from vibration, and lie them down if they have a cork. If you're ordering online, check the latest delivery dates so everything arrives in time.
