The Best Christmas Food and Wine Pairings: A Guide
The holiday season is here, and Christmas brings more than just presents and cozy gatherings—it’s a celebration of flavors! Whether you’re planning a traditional roast dinner, an elaborate seafood spread, or a vegetarian feast, pairing the right wine can elevate every dish on your menu. Let’s dive into the best Christmas food and wine pairings that will make for an unforgettable holiday feast.
For Starters
Your holiday meal begins with the appetizers, and the goal is to set the tone for the feast ahead. Before you get to pairing, it’s good to remember your best Christmas food and wine pairing basics. First, you need to match weight and intensity – remember that lighter dishes need lighter wines, while rich dishes shine with full-bodied options. Then, think Italian – which means think seasonally. Christmas flavors are often warm and spiced, so opt for wines with complementary wine profiles.
Finally, experiment! The whole fun and beauty of wine pairing lies in trying different combinations—let your own palette guide you! But, if you need a few ideas to get you started – here are a few of ours:
If opting for a good cheese and meat bored, try dry Prosecco or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. These wines’ acidity balances the richness of cured meats and creamy cheeses. For seafood appetizers, try a Champagne, Franciacorta, or high-acid white wine to complement the delicate seafood flavors. For vegetable-based starters, a Pinot Grigio works beautifully with bruschetta or roasted vegetable dips, like hummus or even a simple olive oil taste.
The Main Act
Whether it’s a roast or a turkey, the centerpiece of Christmas dinner deserves the perfect wine pairing. Naturally, there will be a few types of wine to choose from depending on what you’re eating. Pick one or have them all!
When it comes to turkey, a go-to pairing would be a medium-bodied wine that enhances its mild flavor without overpowering it. A Chardonnay with subtle oakiness or a fruity Pinot Noir is a safe and delicious choice. If you’re heading for a meatier Christmas dinner, full-bodied wines that match their intensity. We love a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Syrah/Shiraz that complements the umami-packed flavors.
For those going for a classic Christmas ham, its salty-sweet glaze pairs well with wines that have a hint of sweetness or fruitiness. Choose for an off-dry Riesling or a fruity Zinfandel to balance the flavors.
And finally – for those veggie-filled Christmas feasts, head for wines that will highlight the earthy savory notes of vegetarian dishes like a lentil loaf or mushroom wellington. A smooth, medium-bodied Merlot or even Grenache will elevate each bite with a little festive touch.
The Side Actors
Side dishes are nothing but boring. With their variety of flavors from sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy, it can be a little tricky to find the perfect pairing. So, we have the best Christmas food and wine pairings guide for you to master your side dish wine selection.
The crowd’s favorite mashed potatoes and gravy calls for a creamy Chardonnay or a buttery Viognier. The richness of both elements complements each other and enhances the flavors in both the wine and the side dish. When it comes to simple roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips, they call for equally earthy pairings like a Pinot Noir or a Barbera.
And, finally – the grand finale, the holiday classic: stuffing. We love a Beaujolais that complements herbaceous and meaty stuffings alike.
A Sweet Finish
No Christmas dinner is complete without indulging in some holiday sweets. Dessert wines add a luxurious finish to your meal, and sometimes even make the best Christmas food and wine pairings.
For chocolate desserts, you can go for a dry red like a velvety Malbec or a sweet wine like a decadent Ruby Port. Each will complement the chocolate’s depth. If chocolate isn’t your thing but fruit tarts or cheesecake is, try a refreshing Moscato d’Asti or a Sauternes to enhance fruity and creamy desserts. If you’re going real classic with a Christmas pudding, pair it with a rich Port or a sweet Sherry to match the pudding’s spiced flavors.
Or a Salty One!
Some like to start with a cheese board, others like to end with one. No matter what floats your boat, these cheese and wine pairings will end your holiday meal with major delight.
- Hard Cheeses: Pair with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a tangy Chianti.
- Soft Cheeses: A Champagne or Chenin Blanc offers a bright, acidic counterpoint.
- Blue Cheese: A sweet Port or Sauternes creates a beautiful contrast.
This Christmas, let wine pairing add a heavenly touch to your holiday feast. We hope that these best Christmas food and wine pairings helped you develop the most magical holiday menu.
