With the festive season fast approaching, deciding which wines to serve at Christmas can cause as much debate as the menu itself. Should you opt for crowdpleasing all-rounders or take the opportunity to try something new?
Either way, whether you’re planning a cosy family gathering or hosting a large crowd, the right bottle can elevate any occasion, and it pays to choose bottles that are both versatile and a little bit special.
This guide is designed to help you shop with confidence over the festive period, with selections to suit every taste and budget, from vibrant prosecco to elegant reds and aromatic whites. Read on to discover our pick of the best wines for Christmas, including some non-classic alternatives that promise to make your festive drinking deliciously memorable.
For more wine recommendations, don’t forget to check out our guides to the best prosecco, best pinot grigio, best pinot noir and best malbec.
Best wine for Christmas 2025
Crémant
If you’re after a budget-friendly alternative to champagne, a bottle of crémant is ideal. Made using the same traditional method as champagne but from regions like the Loire, Alsace or Jura, it offers refined bubbles and a fresh, lively palate at a fraction of the price.
Its lightness and gentle fruitiness make it a surefire crowdpleaser, great for festive parties or as a partner to seafood, white meats and nibbles. It also works well as a base for festive cocktails like bellinis or spritzes.
We recommend:
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a classic white wine choice for Christmas, especially those that offer a little richness and restrained oak. Its rounded body and notes of citrus, melon and occasional hint of spice make it the perfect partner for roast turkey, creamy sauces and smoked fish.
We recommend:
Pinot grigio
A popular choice, pinot grigio has a light, floral profile with notes of pear and melon, and a refreshing crisp finish. It works well with seafood and light starters like smoked salmon and also complements mildly spiced or Asian-inspired foods. Why not pair it with a leftover turkey curry, the ultimate Boxing Day dish?
We recommend:
Pinot noir
Pinot noir is a red wine that shines at Christmas thanks to its light to medium body, fresh red fruit and silky tannins. It’s a classic match for turkey, but also works well with ham, cold meats and even vegetarian dishes. Its lightness means it shouldn’t overpower a dish and it’s also a safe bet when catering for guests with diverse tastes.
We recommend:
Sangiovese-based red wine
Sangiovese-based wines like Chianti or Toscana Rosso offer ripe blackcurrant, damson and a touch of spice, making them robust enough to stand up to meaty feasts and flavourful sides.
These reds have a natural acidity that refreshes the palate, making them ideal for the riot of flavours on a Christmas plate. Their versatility also sees them through to Boxing Day, pairing well with cold meats and other hearty leftovers.
We recommend:
Prosecco
With a light, slightly sweet profile and more affordable price tag, prosecco remains a firm favourite for festive gatherings. It tastes excellent served on its own, or in cocktails like a bellini. Its refreshing style also makes it a great match for lighter starters, smoked salmon or even as an accompaniment to dessert.
We recommend:
Orange wine
If you’re after something a little more unique, orange wine is an alternative that pairs well with Christmas staples like cheeseboards and charcuterie.
Made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, orange wine has gentle tannins, a hint of dried fruit and a savoury edge. Its unique profile bridges the gap between white and red, making it a versatile choice for gatherings where tastes can vary.
We recommend:
More drinks reviews
Best malbec
Best English sparkling wine
Best red wine for cooking
What is orange wine?
Best non-alcoholic wine
Best wine gifts
Best cava
Best sloe gin
Best bottles of gin to buy as gifts
Best rum
Best classic gin
Best vodka
Best tequila
Best prosecco
Best pinot grigio
Best wine deals
Best wine glasses
Best champagne glasses
Best whisky glasses
Best champagne deals
Best cava deals
Best prosecco deals
