Christmas Wines: The Best Reds, Whites, and Champagnes to Stock Up On
Holiday reds, festive whites, or champagne: our guide by category, and the ideal glass for each.
The essentials, in short
In short
Holiday red: Bordeaux (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) for rich meals, Côtes du Rhône for a more modest budget.
Festive white: Meursault for something exceptional, Gewurztraminer for pairing with cheese and spiced desserts.
Champagne: the essential of the celebration, served in a flute or tulip to preserve the bubbles.
Choosing your Christmas wines doesn't necessarily mean chasing the most expensive bottle: each category has its own guideposts, and above all, every wine deserves the glass that matches it to fully reveal its qualities.
The holiday red
To pair with a saucy meat dish or a rich holiday meal, reds from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, in the Bordeaux region, remain safe bets: Merlot-dominant blends, round and full-bodied, that pair naturally with winter's slow-cooked dishes. For a more modest budget without sacrificing enjoyment, Côtes du Rhône, based on Syrah and Grenache, offer a spicy, generous profile that's entirely at home on a Christmas table.
The festive white
Meursault, a great white Burgundy made from Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with holiday poultry and fish in creamy sauces — an exceptional choice for a memorable meal. Gewurztraminer from Alsace, more aromatic and slightly sweet, pairs particularly well with foie gras or certain spiced desserts typical of the holiday season.
Champagne, the essential of the celebration
No New Year's Eve table is truly complete without a bottle of champagne, whether for the aperitif or to toast at midnight. To dig deeper into choosing the right champagne based on the dishes served, our expert champagne tasting guide covers the criteria worth knowing.
The right glass for each wine
Every holiday wine deserves the glass that suits it: the wrong glass can dull the qualities of even the finest bottle.
A balanced bowl, suited to both a Bordeaux and a great white Burgundy.
Ideal for aerating a young Bordeaux or a full-bodied Côtes du Rhône before serving.
A slender silhouette that keeps the bubbles going all evening long.
To explore the full range, our wine glasses, wine decanters, and champagne glasses collections cover all of your holiday needs.
