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Christmas Lunch and Dinner Wines
The table’s set, the trimmings are planned, but the big question remains – what’s in the glass this Christmas? Whether you’re hosting the full feast or keeping things beautifully simple, the right wine can transform the whole meal from lovely to unforgettable.
From the first festive pop of a cork to that final sweet sip with pudding, wine has a way of marking each moment. Everyone’s tastes are different, of course, so think of these Christmas wine ideas not as rules, but as inspiration. Yes, there are some classic pairings worth knowing – bubbles at the start never hurt – but the real joy comes from discovering what you love at the table.
Wines for Christmas starters
For many Christmas is a time for the finer things in life, and there’s no better way of getting the party started than a fine glass of bubbly (see all our organic sparkling wines here). Some push the boat out or always stick to Champagne, while others for something different like Cremants, Cava, or good old Prosecco.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to sparkling wines, and they also make excellent pairing wines for starters of all kinds, like canapes and other finger foods. Here are some simple wine pairing ideas for Christmas starters and sparkling wine:
Starters at Christmas can range from light and fresh to rich and savoury, so it’s useful to think in terms of style rather than specific wines.
- With smoked salmon, blinis or fish starters: Sparkling wine is the classic choice here. The naturally high acidity cuts through the richness of smoked fish beautifully and keeps the palate fresh.
- With canapés and hors d’oeuvres: Canapés can cover a huge range of flavours – from beetroot and trout to mushroom, pastry and blue cheese.
- For something that keeps everyone happy, stick with sparkling wine for an all-round crowd-pleaser
- Light, crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.
- With salty nuts, cheese and charcuterie: Salt and fat call for either freshness or savoury depth:
- Dry Sherry-style wines are a brilliant, classic match
- Lighter-bodied reds also work well (look for those labelled A-C for body)
- Or keep things simple with a crisp, refreshing white wine
Wines for Christmas turkey?!
Turkey at Christmas is rarely served alone – it comes with rich stuffing, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and plenty of bold flavours on the plate. Because of this, fuller, fruitier wines tend to work best, while very delicate or treasured old bottles can easily be overwhelmed. It’s also worth keeping the crowd and guests at the table in mind – Christmas often calls for reliable crowd-pleasers.
For the best wines with Christmas turkey, read our full Roast Turkey & Wine Pairings guide here.
Wines for a Christmas roast chicken
Roast chicken is a popular Christmas alternative to turkey and a wonderfully flexible partner for wine. What you choose will depend a little on your trimmings – creamy sauces, herbs, stuffing and roast potatoes all play a part. Here are some reliable suggestions:
For white wine lovers: go for a well-balanced Chardonnay – something oaked works beautifully with roast flavours and creamy sides. If you prefer something fresher, a Sauvingon Blanc or Albariño is excellent with lemon and herb seasoning.
For red wine drinkers: choose something light and silky rather than heavy. Pinot Noir is the classic match, especially from Burgundy or New Zealand. For great value and a festive, juicy style, a good Beaujolais is also spot on.
For a festive twist: don’t overlook sparkling wine – Champagne or Crémant cuts through the richness of roast chicken and feels suitably celebratory for Christmas Day.
Wines to serve with Christmas pork mains
Because ham and gammon are salty, often glazed, and sometimes slightly sweet, they work best with fresh, fruity wines with good acidity. Depending on your glaze, these styles are all classic matches:
Beaujolais or other light, juicy reds – soft tannins and bright fruit balance salt and sweetness
Pinot Noir – especially good with honeyed or spiced glazes
Grenache-based reds – ripe, warming and festive without being heavy
For white wine lovers:
Riesling (dry or off-dry) – one of the very best matches for glazed ham
Zippy whites like Albariño, Picpoul de Pinet or Vermentino
Orange wines– extra texture and savoury depth that work beautifully with both salt and sweetness
And don’t forget fizz:
Wines for Christmas goose or duck
Although not as common as turkey, goose and duck do sometimes appear at the Christmas table. As with turkey, fruit-driven reds like Pinot Noir or Cru Beaujolais make excellent pairings, thanks to their freshness and low tannins.
If you prefer something a little more robust, you can step it up a notch:
For reds, fruit-driven reds like Pinot Noir or Cru Beaujolais
For whites, go for something with freshness and texture such as Chardonnay, Albariño or Viognier
For sparkling wines, Champagne or Crémant work brilliantly again, their acidity cutting through the natural richness of goose and duck
Wines for a Christmas nut roast
Nut roasts vary widely in style and ingredients, but in general they pair much like a traditional roast dinner. You can confidently choose either red or white here, and many of the same wines that work with roast turkey will also suit a nut roast beautifully.
For reds, look for medium-bodied, fruit-forward styles such as Malbec, Pinot Noir or lighter Cabernet Sauvignon. These have enough richness to match the roast without overwhelming it.
For whites, fuller-bodied wines work best, particularly if mushrooms or mushroom gravy are involved. Chardonnay is a classic choice, along with richer styles of Viognier.
What to have with Christmas pudding
We can’t forget the Christmas pudding. The golden rule here is simple – the sweeter the dessert, the sweeter the wine. That means properly sweet styles work best, rather than anything dry or off-dry.
Classic matches include Sauternes and Port, with excellent organic options availble. Or, why not skip dessert altogether (or save it for later) and pour a glass of organic liqueur instead? Both Walcher’s Amaretto Deluxe and their Organic Coffee Liqueur make a wonderfully indulgent finish to Christmas lunch.
Top Festive Wines for 2025 & What to Serve Them With
Here are six recommended wines from this year’s Festive Offers and what to serve them with on the big day.
🥂 Champagne Fleury Blanc de Noirs (Fresh, elegant & gently toasty)
Perfect for:
Christmas aperitifs
Smoked salmon, blinis & seafood starters
Nibbles, canapés & toasting the big moments
Why: Pure Pinot power with finesse – structured, festive and brilliant with food as well as for celebrating.
🍓 Massimo Rivetti Moscato d’Asti (Lightly sparkling, sweet & fragrant)
Perfect for:
Christmas pudding & desserts
Panettone
Fresh fruit
Why: Low alcohol, softly sweet and wonderfully festive – a brilliant alternative to heavier dessert wines.
🍊 Château Maris Rare Orange (Smooth, zesty & gently aromatic)
Perfect for:
Cheese & sharing boards
Salty snacks, charcuterie & festive nibbles
Easy sipping with guests
Why: Textured, playful and extremely food-friendly – ideal for relaxed Christmas cheese boards & grazing.
🍗 Tenuta Cappellina Chianti Classico (Juicy, savoury & balanced)
Perfect for:
Roast chicken
Light Christmas roasts
Boxing Day pasta dishes
Why: Bright cherry fruit, gentle tannins and lovely savoury depth – hugely versatile at the table.
🦌 Fasoli Gino Valpolicella Ripasso (Rich, warming & full of dried-fruit depth)
Perfect for:
Christmas dinner
Roast turkey, goose or duck
Herby stuffing & rich gravies
Why: Big enough for the main event, with richness and spice that suits winter cooking beautifully.
🍯 Château Vari AOC Monbazillac – Half Bottle (Lush, honeyed & beautifully layered)
Perfect for:
Christmas pudding
Sticky toffee pudding
Blue & creamy cheeses
Why: All the indulgence of a classic sweet wine in a neat half bottle – perfect for dessert without overdoing it.
Still looking for ideas?
See our 2025 Festive Staff Picks here, or give us a call or email if you’d like a bit of advice or help choosing the perfect bottle, our wine advisors are always happy to help.
Cheers to thinking and drinking organic 🥂
