The Best Wines for Christmas Dinner (2025)
Published: October 14th, 2025
There is something about Christmas dinner that just feels extra special. The house smells amazing, the table is filled with once-a-year favorites, and the glow of the season makes everything taste a little better. Between glazed ham, roasted meats, buttery potatoes, spiced vegetables, and all those decadent desserts, the holiday meal is a true feast for the senses.
With so many flavors in play, the wine deserves some thought. The best Christmas wines are the ones that can handle a little bit of everything on the table while still bringing their own sparkle to the celebration. They should feel festive, pair easily with a mix of savory and sweet, and add just the right touch of elegance to the evening.
This guide gathers wines that shine during Christmas dinner. From bubbly openers to aromatic whites, bold reds, and even a few unexpected holiday treats, these picks are made to make the season feel even more magical. Looking for more holiday wine recommendations? Check our comprehensive guide on the best holiday wines to learn more!
What Makes a Great Christmas Wine?
Christmas dinner is a mix of comfort and celebration, and the wines poured should reflect both. With the variety of dishes on the table, the best choices are the ones that can go with a little bit of everything without stealing the spotlight.
Here are a few qualities that make a wine especially suited for the holiday table:
- Fresh acidity: Keeps each bite feeling balanced, whether it is rich potatoes or a buttery roast.
- Soft tannins: Reds with gentle structure play well with roasted meats without overwhelming them.
- Fruit-forward flavors: A touch of brightness makes wines approachable and ties together both savory and sweet dishes.
- Medium body: Enough weight to stand up to hearty holiday classics while staying easy to drink.
- Festive character: A little sparkle, spice, or aromatic lift always feels right for the season.
The Best White Wines for Christmas
White wines bring brightness and freshness to the Thanksgiving table. They’re especially great for balancing rich, creamy sides and lighter dishes like salads or roasted vegetables. When choosing a white wine for Thanksgiving, look for options with enough acidity to cut through buttery flavors and a fruit-forward profile that complements everything from turkey to sweet potatoes.
Here are some top white wine picks that pair beautifully with Thanksgiving fare:
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc brings crisp, refreshing energy to a holiday meal, with zesty citrus and green herbal notes that brighten the table. Its vibrant acidity makes it perfect for cutting through rich sauces, creamy sides, and buttery seafood, while its crisp flavors enhance fresh vegetables and herb-forward dishes. Lighter and lively, Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing contrast to heartier Christmas dishes, and its aromatic profile makes it instantly appealing to a wide range of palates.
Why We Love It: Sauvignon Blanc is versatile, food-friendly, and bright — the kind of wine that keeps the meal feeling fresh while complementing bold and subtle flavors alike. It brings vibrancy to the table without stealing the spotlight from the holiday feast.
Food Pairing Highlights: Green beans, roasted vegetables, herb stuffing, shrimp cocktail, fresh salads.
Our Top Picks:
Chardonnay
A true holiday wine classic. Chardonnay offers a creamy texture and layered fruit flavors that make it a natural fit for Christmas dinner. Lightly oaked styles pair beautifully with roast chicken or creamy pasta, while fuller-bodied versions complement lobster, scallops, or baked salmon. Beyond its versatility, Chardonnay brings warmth and richness to the table, offering notes of ripe apple, pear, and tropical fruit, often accented by vanilla or toasted oak. Its medium to full body allows it to stand up to buttery sides and decadent sauces while keeping the palate refreshed.
Why We Love It: Chardonnay balances richness with bright acidity, making it a perfect companion for the wide range of flavors on a Christmas table. It feels festive without being fussy and has the flexibility to pair with almost any dish, making it a holiday favorite year after year.
Food Pairing Highlights: Roast chicken, lobster tail, creamy potatoes, buttery pasta, baked salmon.
Our Top Picks:
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is an aromatic white wine that combines bright freshness with a touch of indulgence, making it ideal for holiday meals. Its flavors often include pear, green apple, and honeyed notes, complemented by crisp acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-friendly. Off-dry styles of Chenin Blanc add subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with glazed or spiced holiday dishes, while dry versions can stand up to roasted poultry and creamy sides. With its versatility and approachable character, Chenin Blanc offers a perfect balance of elegance and warmth, making it a welcome addition to any Christmas dinner table.
Why We Love It: Chenin Blanc is one of those wines that fits both casual and elegant settings. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it easy to enjoy with food, while its subtle depth and complexity give it a festive feel.
Food Pairing Highlights: Roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, apple pie, roasted vegetables.
Our Top Picks:
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a versatile white wine that shows off two distinct personalities depending on its origin. In its Italian expression, Pinot Grigio is crisp, light-bodied, and refreshingly zesty, brimming with notes of lemon, green apple, and pear — perfect for warm days and casual sipping. By contrast, Pinot Gris from Alsace or Oregon tends to be richer and more textured, with riper stone fruit flavors, hints of spice, and a touch of honeyed depth. This duality makes Pinot Gris/Grigio a fascinating varietal: approachable enough for everyday enjoyment yet capable of showing impressive elegance. Its clean, food-friendly style pairs effortlessly with seafood, salads, roasted poultry, or creamy pastas, making it a crowd-pleasing staple at the table.
Why We Love It
Pinot Gris/Grigio is one of those wines that fits in anywhere. Its easy-drinking charm makes it perfect for casual gatherings, while its richer styles can stand up to elegant, sit-down dinners. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that still manages to surprise.
Food Pairing Highlights: Shrimp cocktail, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, holiday salads.
Our Top Picks:
Riesling
A true chameleon of the wine world, Riesling is celebrated for its striking aromatics and vibrant acidity. Depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made, Riesling can range from bone-dry and mineral-driven to lusciously sweet and honeyed, offering something for nearly every palate. Classic notes include citrus, green apple, and apricot, often layered with floral touches and, with age, a signature petrol-like character. Its refreshing acidity makes it a go-to for pairing with foods that challenge other wines, like spicy Thai curries, Indian dishes, or tangy barbecue sauces. Beyond food, Riesling is admired for its ability to age gracefully, evolving over decades into a wine of remarkable depth and complexity.
Why We Love It : Riesling feels like a celebration in a glass. It brings a vibrancy that enlivens any table, offering refreshing zip for savory dishes and just the right amount of sweetness to complement spiced or glazed holiday favorites.
Food Pairing Highlights: Glazed ham, roasted duck, spicy holiday sausages, apple strudel.
Our Top Picks:
The Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving
Red wines bring depth, richness, and a festive touch to any holiday meal. Their fruit-forward flavors and varying levels of spice and tannins make them excellent companions to roasted meats, hearty sides, and even spiced desserts.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a lively red with bright cherry and raspberry flavors that shine without being overpowering. Its subtle hints of dried herbs, forest floor, and gentle spice add layers that make it interesting to sip on its own or alongside a holiday meal. Soft tannins and a smooth, medium body allow it to enhance roasted turkey and earthy sides like mushrooms or root vegetables. As the bottle opens, Pinot Noir reveals more complexity, showing why it has such a loyal following among wine lovers.
Why We Love It: Pinot Noir is approachable yet intriguing. It feels relaxed at the table while still offering depth. Each sip brings out fruit and earthy notes that complement the food and invite conversation.
Food Pairing Highlights: Roasted turkey, mushroom stuffing, glazed carrots, cranberry compote, herbed pork tenderloin.
Our Top Picks:
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is bold and juicy, with ripe blackberry, plum, and raspberry flavors accented by soft spice and a hint of black pepper. It has a round, plush mouthfeel that makes it feel festive on the tongue. This wine stands up well to richer, savory dishes like glazed ham or roasted pork. Its fruit-forward nature adds a touch of sweetness that balances smoky or spicy holiday flavors. Zinfandel brings energy to the table and makes every bite feel a little more celebratory.
Why We Love It: Zinfandel is full of personality. Its bright, brambly fruit is immediately appealing and its subtle spice keeps the wine interesting through the meal. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavors that still feel approachable.
Food Pairing Highlights: Glazed ham, roasted pork, sausage stuffing, candied yams, barbecue-spiced dishes.
Our Top Picks:
Syrah
Syrah is a dark, savory red with flavors of blackberries, plums, cracked black pepper, and a touch of smoked meat. It has a full body with firm but smooth tannins, giving it a presence on the palate without overwhelming lighter dishes. The wine’s savory and smoky notes pair beautifully with roasted meats and rich, herb-forward sides. Syrah feels confident and complex but is surprisingly versatile with holiday fare.
Why We Love It
Syrah has a bold character that makes it stand out without being heavy-handed. Its combination of dark fruit and peppery spice adds depth and makes it exciting to drink with the more intense flavors of a Christmas feast.
Food Pairing Highlights: Herb-roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, sausage-based stuffing, smoked meats.
Our Top Picks:
The Best Rosé Wines for Thanksgiving
Rosé might feel unexpected for a holiday table, but its bright acidity and delicate fruit make it incredibly versatile. A dry rosé can refresh the palate between richer dishes, while subtle berry and citrus notes complement both savory and slightly sweet flavors. It adds a cheerful pop of color to the table, making every pour feel festive and lively. Rosé is also a great way to bridge the gap between white and red wines, pleasing guests with different preferences.
Why We Love It: Rosé is playful and food-friendly. Its fresh fruit flavors and crisp finish help cut through creamy sides and holiday sauces while adding a light, festive energy to the table.
Food Pairing Highlights: Roast turkey, glazed ham, herb-roasted vegetables, fresh salads, cranberry relish.
Our Top Picks:
The Best Sparkling Wines for Thanksgiving
Sparkling wines instantly bring a sense of celebration to the holidays. Their lively bubbles cleanse the palate, making them perfect alongside rich, buttery dishes or creamy sides. Flavors range from crisp green apple and citrus to subtle notes of toast and almond, adding depth without overpowering the meal. Whether poured as a festive aperitif or enjoyed with dessert, sparkling wine always makes a holiday meal feel special.
Why We Love It: Bubbles add excitement to the table. Sparkling wines keep the palate refreshed, pair with a wide variety of flavors, and create a celebratory atmosphere that fits perfectly with the holiday spirit.
Food Pairing Highlights: Dinner rolls, roast chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, oysters, spiced holiday desserts.
Our Top Picks:
Say Cheers this Holiday Season
Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends, family, and of course, good food and wine. The right bottles bring the meal together, enhancing every dish while adding a festive touch to the table. Whether it’s a crisp white, a juicy red, a playful rosé, or sparkling wine that makes the celebration feel extra special, there is a perfect wine for every moment of your holiday feast.
For those looking to order wine online, skip the crowded aisles of big box stores and grocery chains. YourWineStore.com makes it easy to find crowd-pleasing bottles and have them delivered right to your door. With a carefully curated selection and the convenience of shopping from home, it’s the best online wine store to help make your Christmas dinner stress-free and memorable.
FAQs
How much wine should I plan for Christmas dinner?
A good guideline is about half a bottle per guest, but this can vary depending on how many wine drinkers are attending and how long the celebration lasts. Having a little extra is always better than running out mid-toast.
What is the best way to serve wine at Christmas?
Serve whites and rosés chilled, around 45-55°F, and reds slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F. Sparkling wines are best served well-chilled to keep the bubbles lively.
Should I offer both red and white wines for the meal?
Yes. Offering both ensures most palates are covered. Adding a sparkling wine or rosé can make the table feel even more festive and lively.
What is the best wine for Christmas?
There is no single “best” wine because the meal usually has a mix of flavors. Crisp whites like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, playful rosés, and sparkling wines all shine on a holiday table. Choosing a variety ensures there is something for everyone.
How do I choose the best wines to pair with Christmas dishes?
Look for wines with balanced acidity and moderate tannins that complement the meal rather than overpower it. Whites with crisp freshness and reds with smooth, supple fruit work beautifully alongside traditional holiday dishes.