The best wine pairings for Christmas
Head of beers, wines and spirits
Caroline Thompson-Hill
"Whether it’s crisp and delicate whites to go with your seafood starter, or full-bodied French reds that pair perfectly with meaty mains, our extensive range of great-value wines has every seasonal moment covered, from the big-day feast to spontaneous get-togethers. One of my favourite parts of my role as Head of Beers, Wines and Spirits is seeing our expert in-house winemakers work with some of the world’s best wineries to bring you top-quality, award-winning bottles that you won’t find anywhere else."
The best red wine for Christmas dinner
Looking for a cracking red to serve alongside your turkey? Our Classics Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a full-bodied red crafted from handpicked Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes. With ripe strawberry, clove and baked herb notes, plus a smooth, elegant texture, it's a festive favourite that pairs beautifully with turkey, red meat and game dishes.
The best white wine for Christmas dinner
If you’re going white, the delicate flavours of your turkey call for our Classics Chablis. Crisp and refreshingly dry, with bright citrus, green apple and subtle flinty notes, it’s crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown in limestone soils, giving it its distinctive mineral character.
Looking for a delicious white, minus the alcohol? Our 0.5% Divin Sauvignon Blanc is an unbeatable low-alcohol option.
The best sparkling wine for Christmas parties
Searching for a party-starting fizz? I'll be opening a bottle of our Champagne Delacourt Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Vintage. Crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown in Grand Cru vineyards, this elegant Champagne has fine bubbles, fresh citrus notes and a refined mineral finish, making it a sophisticated choice for festive celebrations and canapés, like these dressed smoked salmon vol au vents.
The best-value wine for Christmas parties
Hosting a festive get-together? Then an ice bucket full of our Classics Crémant de Bourgogne is a must. Made in the same way as top-end Champagne but at a fraction of the price, it has soft, creamy bubbles and flavours of peach blossom, apricot and redcurrant. For something a little different, our Classics Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé offers delicate berry flavours and has a beautiful blush-pink hue that's perfect for festive celebrations. Both are great served with nibbles and offer fantastic value if you've got a crowd coming.
The best mulled wine for Christmas
It wouldn't be Christmas without a steaming cup of mulled wine, heady with the aroma of festive spices. Our Rosé Mulled Wine is back, with notes of orange, vanilla and traditional mulling spices for a deliciously warming winter serve. New for this year, we've also introduced an Alcohol-Free Rosé Mulled Wine, so everyone can enjoy the flavours of Christmas. Prefer to keep things classic? Our rich and fruity Red Mulled Wine is Christmas in a mug. Simply heat and serve with an orange slice or cinnamon stick for instant festive cheer. Find them all in store from 23 September. Fancy making it yourself? Check out the recipe below.
The best wine for Christmas picky bits
When it comes to festive picky bits and grazing boards, our Lambrusco Reggiano Secco is a brilliant pairing. Sourced from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, this lively sparkling red has delicate violet and berry aromas, a refreshing, crisp finish and just enough complexity to pair beautifully with everything from charcuterie and cheese to sausage rolls and party nibbles. Easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing, it’s made for sharing over the party season.
The best wine for Christmas seafood
We’ve got some fantastic seafood this year and I’ll be serving mine with a bottle of Provence rosé. Our La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé is filled with notes of white peach, strawberry and wild herbs – it's a complex wine that is as wonderful with fresh seafood starters as it is served as an aperitif.
Or try our Coteaux Varois en Provence – a dry, distinctly fruity rosé, which will pair fantastically well with seafood and nibbles.
The best wine pairing with beef
If you're serving exceptional beef over Christmas, our Collection Susana Balbo Malbec is the perfect pairing. Made with grapes from Argentina's renowned Valle de Uco region, this full-bodied red is packed with notes of dark berries and a hint of spice. Rich and characterful, it's a natural match for beef dishes, from a festive roast to perfectly grilled steak.
The best wine for Boxing Day
Whether you’re tucking into a ham or leftovers, our Classics No.38 New Zealand Pinot Noir is ideal for Boxing Day. This soft, medium-bodied red – made with grapes from the prestigious Marlborough region on New Zealand’s South Island – has hints of cherries and cranberries, making it super versatile.
The best wine for your Christmas cheeseboard
I love a Christmas cheeseboard, and always serve mine with our Collection Late Bottled Vintage Port. After up to six years of ageing in large wooden casks, it develops rich flavours of blackberry, spice and dark chocolate. A treat to enjoy throughout the season, it also works brilliantly with rich, chocolatey desserts.
The best wine to pair with Christmas desserts
From festive trifles to rich cheesecakes and Christmas pudding, our L'Or du Ciron Sauternes is a delicious way to end your meal. Crafted in France's renowned Sauternes region, it balances fruity sweetness with a fresh finish and pairs beautifully with desserts or blue cheese.
Looking for something extra special? Our expertly selected Christmas Food to Order wine range includes the exceptional La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey 2015 Sauternes, perfect with ripe cheeses and fruity desserts.
The best bottle to bring as a gift
Looking for a thoughtful gift for a host or wine lover? Our Rockferne Sparkling Wine is sure to impress. Expertly crafted in England from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, this elegant fizz offers notes of baked apple, ripe peach and a hint of honey. Perfect for sharing over the festive season, it pairs beautifully with canapés, seafood, chicken and cheese, making it a versatile bottle to bring to any Christmas gathering.
Published 17/09/2026
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