Wine for Christmas Dinner: The Perfect Pairings for a Christmas Feast

As the festive season approaches, choosing the right wine for Christmas dinner can seem daunting. With the multitude of dishes and the anticipation of a memorable meal, getting the wine just right is crucial. But worry not! We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you mix the ideal wine with every course of a traditional Christmas dinner.

Starter: Smoked Salmon and Caviar 

Kick off your Christmas dinner with a classic starter, complemented by the brightness of a Sauvignon Blanc or the bubbling charm of Champagne. Champagne is a classic choice for caviar due to its effervescence and acidity, which complement the briny and salty nature of the caviar. The bubbly nature of sparkling wine also pairs well with the smokiness of the salmon. We recommend Champagne Roger Coulon L’Hommee Premier Cru. Sauvignon Blanc, is also an excellent match for both dishes. With its bright acidity and citrus notes, it can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of both the salmon and caviar. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc like Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2024 from New Zealand, that offers an elegant, crisp mineral finish.

Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings

A beautifully prepared Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is a work of art that the whole family can enjoy and appreciate. Imagine a golden turkey with parsnips, potatoes, cauliflower florets, and Brussels sprouts, all doused in gravy; does Christmas get any better than that? Well, with the tight bottle of wine accompanying this tasty dish, it does. For this traditional Christmas meal, we recommend a Zinfandel or a Chardonnay. For those who enjoy red wines with more body and spice, a Zinfandel, like the Boneshaker Zinfandel 2021 can be a great choice. It pairs nicely with the flavors of roast turkey and can handle the various seasonings used in the trimmings. For white wine lovers, we suggest the Mayacamas Chardonnay 2020, a beautifully structured Californian wine with notes of green apple, pear, acacia blossom and marzipan. Aged in neutral oak, it brings a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity—perfect for cutting through the richness of the turkey and complementing indulgent sides like mashed potatoes and gravy.

Roast Goose

The rich and gamey flavours of roast goose, a festive favourite, pair exquisitely with deep, earthy notes. Closer to home, the Great Moor 2022 from Pattingham Vineyard in Staffordshire offers a delicate yet characterful English alternative to the classic Burgundy Pinot Noir. Made from 100% Pinot Noir Précoce, this award-winning wine is light, fruity and fresh, with notes of redcurrant and raspberry that bring a lively contrast to the richness of the goose. Its gentle acidity and soft tannins make it an easy-drinking yet thoughtful pairing. For those who favour Syrah, try the Korlat Syrah 2019 from Dalmatia—a beautifully balanced new-world meets old-world style, boasting aromas of blackberry jam, tobacco and spice, and velvety tannins that stand up elegantly to hearty roast goose  

Honey Glazed Ham

Pairing wine with honey-glazed ham can be a delightful combination, as the sweetness of the ham glaze contrasts with the saltiness and smokiness of the meat. A slightly sweet Riesling can be an excellent choice to complement honey-glazed ham. The wine’s natural sweetness can balance the sweetness of the glaze while its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. Try the Allram Ried Heiligenstein Riesling 2022 from Austria, and see for yourself. Alternatively, for something closer to home, consider the Dillions Bacchus 2022 from Sussex. With its bright citrus and elderflower notes, this award-winning English white is crisp, aromatic and fresh—an uplifting match for both the sweet and savoury elements of glazed ham.

Roast Beef or Venison

Roast beef and venison are hearty, flavourful meats that the right wine can wonderfully complement. Since these dishes are both very strong, we’re looking for wines that can stand up to the flavors of the meats. Australian Shiraz wines, with their bold, spicy, and fruity characteristics, can be an excellent match for roast beef, mainly if the dish includes more intense seasonings. For a combination guaranteed to make your guests’ mouths water, we recommend the Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2022. For a more elegant and structured option, consider Barolo, a wine made from Nebbiolo grapes. Its intricate layers and robust character can complement the depth of flavour in venison. Try the Giovanni Corino Barolo Vigna Giachini 2017, but remember to decant it for at least 30 minutes before sipping so it can unveil its true character.

This guide offers professional suggestions for the most suitable wines to serve with Christmas dinner. Keep in mind that the wine that you enjoy drinking the most is always the finest decision. I raise a glass to a merry feast and perfect wine pairings.

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FAQs

What wine goes with Christmas dinner?

That depends on your menu, but a few reliable favourites include Chardonnay (like Mayacamas Chardonnay 2020) for roast turkey, Pinot Noir for ham or goose, and bold reds such as Barolo or Syrah for roast beef or venison. The key is to match the weight and flavour of the wine with the richness of the dish.

Which wine is best for Christmas?

There’s no single “best” wine for Christmas—it’s all about what you’re serving and what you enjoy. That said, festive favourites often include sparkling wines for toasts, rich reds like Barolo for hearty meals, and aromatic whites like Bacchus or Riesling for lighter fare. Wines with a sense of occasion and good food pairing ability tend to shine.

What is a traditional Christmas wine?

In many British households, Claret or Bordeaux has long been considered a traditional choice, especially with roast beef or turkey. However, traditions are evolving, and many now opt for regional favourites or English wines such as the Great Moor 2021, a Pinot Noir Précoce that pairs beautifully with roast goose or ham.

What is a good wine to take to a Christmas party?

Look for something crowd-pleasing and versatile—sparkling wines like Crémant or English sparkling wine are always a hit. A soft, fruit-forward red or a fresh, food-friendly white like Dillions Bacchus 2022 will also be well received. Bonus points if it’s a conversation starter from a local or independent producer!

What wine goes with Christmas dinner?

That depends on your menu, but a few reliable favourites include Chardonnay (like Mayacamas Chardonnay 2020) for roast turkey, Pinot Noir for ham or goose, and bold reds such as Barolo or Syrah for roast beef or venison. The key is to match the weight and flavour of the wine with the richness of the dish.

Which wine is best for Christmas?

There’s no single “best” wine for Christmas—it’s all about what you’re serving and what you enjoy. That said, festive favourites often include sparkling wines for toasts, rich reds like Barolo for hearty meals, and aromatic whites like Bacchus or Riesling for lighter fare. Wines with a sense of occasion and good food pairing ability tend to shine.

What is a traditional Christmas wine?

In many British households, Claret or Bordeaux has long been considered a traditional choice, especially with roast beef or turkey. However, traditions are evolving, and many now opt for regional favourites or English wines such as the Great Moor 2021, a Pinot Noir Précoce that pairs beautifully with roast goose or ham.

What is a good wine to take to a Christmas party?

Look for something crowd-pleasing and versatile—sparkling wines like Crémant or English sparkling wine are always a hit. A soft, fruit-forward red or a fresh, food-friendly white like Dillions Bacchus 2022 will also be well received. Bonus points if it’s a conversation starter from a local or independent producer!