 (1).jpg)
Your Guide to the Best Wines for the Holidays
Published: June 27, 2025
The holiday season brings a wonderful mix of celebrations—Thanksgiving’s hearty feasts, Christmas’s festive gatherings, and New Year’s lively toasts. These moments of togetherness are made even better with a carefully chosen bottle of wine in hand. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which wines will truly enhance your holiday experience.
That’s why we put together this guide. Inside, you’ll find festive and flavorful wines tailored to each occasion—wines that hold up to rich Thanksgiving dinners, add sparkle to Christmas celebrations, complement Hanukkah meals, and bring elegance to New Year’s Eve parties. From bright whites and bold reds to bubbly sparkling wines, these picks make selecting wine for the season feel simple and fun.
This season is all about enjoying wine that feels special without adding stress. Consider these bottles your go-to companions for warmth, cheer, and memorable moments across every holiday table and toast. So pour a glass, relax, and explore the best wines to celebrate your holidays in style.
5 Expert Tips for Choosing Wine for the Holidays
Choosing wine for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overly fancy—it’s really about finding bottles that fit your vibe, your meal, and your guests. These quick tips can help you feel more confident as you browse the wine aisle (or shop from your favorite online wine store in pajamas with a mug of cocoa in hand).
- Think About the Menu, Not Just the Main Course: Instead of focusing solely on the turkey or roast, think about the full range of dishes on the table. Lighter, zippy wines like Sauvignon Blanc can cut through rich sides, while fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir play nicely with everything from stuffing to glazed ham.
- Offer a Few Styles to Keep Everyone Happy: A mix of one red, one white, and one sparkling is usually a safe (and festive) bet. You don’t need to build a full wine list, but having a couple of options makes your gathering feel more thoughtful and fun.
- Don’t Sleep on Sparkling: Bubbly isn’t just for midnight toasts—it's one of the most food-friendly styles out there. Dry sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, or a crisp Brut Champagne pair with salty snacks, rich mains, and even dessert. Plus, they make everything feel a little more celebratory.
- Choose Wines You Enjoy: It sounds obvious, but it's easy to get caught up trying to impress guests. Pick wines you genuinely like and would happily drink yourself—your excitement and familiarity will naturally translate to the table.
- When in Doubt, Buy Online: If navigating a crowded store with a shopping list gives you holiday anxiety, skip the stress. Reputable online wine stores offer curated selections, helpful filters, and doorstep delivery—making it way easier to stock up on bottles you’ll feel good about serving. And P.S., all the wines listed below are available to order here on YourWineStore.com
Crowd-Pleasing Favorites for Your Holiday Gathering
No matter how big or small the celebration, choosing wines that feel inviting and easy to enjoy is one of the simplest ways to make your holiday gatherings feel extra special. Below, you’ll find a handful of festive favorites—versatile, crowd-pleasing picks that are perfect for sipping, toasting, and bringing people together.
White Wine Recommendations
White wines bring brightness and balance to the holiday table, complementing a wide range of festive dishes with their fresh acidity and vibrant flavors. From rich and buttery to crisp and zesty, these varietals are sure to enhance your seasonal celebrations.
Chardonnay: Known for its rich, creamy texture, Chardonnay often offers flavors of apple, pear, and subtle vanilla or toasted oak. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and creamy sauces, making it a holiday classic. Whether oaked or unoaked, this versatile white adds warmth and depth to your meal.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc bursts with citrus, green apple, and herbal notes that brighten heavier holiday dishes. Its zesty acidity cuts through rich flavors like stuffing and gravy, providing a clean, lively contrast. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a bright, food-friendly white.
Pinot Gris: Juicy and slightly spicy, Pinot Gris offers flavors of ripe pear, apple, and a hint of minerality. Its balanced acidity and medium body make it a great match for roasted vegetables, lighter poultry dishes, and fresh salads. This varietal brings a refreshing, elegant touch to holiday meals.
Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc shines with its lively acidity and layered flavors of honey, quince, and citrus. It’s incredibly versatile, able to pair with everything from savory dishes to sweeter sides like glazed carrots or cranberry sauce. Its food-friendly nature makes it a reliable go-to for holiday entertaining.
Riesling: Often aromatic and sometimes slightly sweet, Riesling delivers bright fruit flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus with a crisp finish. It pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, glazed ham, and flavorful sides, balancing richness with a touch of sweetness. Riesling is a crowd-pleaser that adds a festive flair.
Viognier: Floral and lush, Viognier offers notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, with a fuller body than many whites. Its creamy texture complements roasted poultry and creamy side dishes beautifully. This varietal brings an exotic, elegant twist to holiday gatherings.
White Blends: White blends combine multiple grape varieties to create balanced, approachable wines with layers of fruit and acidity. These blends offer versatility, pairing well with a broad range of holiday foods, from appetizers to main courses. They’re perfect for hosts looking to please diverse palates with one bottle.
Red Wine Recommendations
Red wines bring warmth and depth to holiday meals, pairing beautifully with everything from roasted meats to hearty sides. Their rich flavors and comforting tannins make them a natural fit for the season’s celebratory dishes.
Pinot Noir: Known for its lighter body and bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, Pinot Noir is incredibly food-friendly. Its silky tannins and subtle earthiness pair well with turkey, ham, and mushroom dishes. This elegant red adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering the table.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and bold, Cabernet Sauvignon offers dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cassis, balanced with firm tannins. It’s a classic choice for hearty holiday mains like roast beef, lamb, or prime rib. This wine’s richness and structure make it perfect for colder evenings and festive dinners.
Merlot: Smooth and approachable, Merlot delivers plush flavors of plum, blackberry, and mocha with soft tannins. It pairs nicely with roasted poultry, pork, and dishes featuring mushrooms or herbs. Merlot’s roundness and warmth make it a welcoming choice for guests of all tastes.
Zinfandel: Juicy and spicy, Zinfandel is full of ripe berry flavors with peppery, smoky undertones. It complements flavorful dishes like glazed ham, BBQ, or anything with a touch of spice. This lively red adds a bold, festive flair to holiday gatherings.
Syrah/Shiraz: Rich and peppery, Syrah offers dark fruit flavors with hints of black pepper, smoke, and sometimes floral notes. It pairs well with grilled meats, game, and dishes with robust spices. Syrah’s bold character makes it an exciting option to elevate your holiday feast.
Red Blends: Combining the best traits of multiple varietals, red blends offer complexity and balance. These wines often feature a mix of fruitiness, spice, and structure, making them incredibly versatile for the holiday table. Red blends can match a wide variety of dishes, from roasted turkey to beef stews, and often bring great value and crowd appeal.
Rosé & Sparkling Wine Recommendations
Rosé and sparkling wines bring a festive sparkle and vibrant freshness to holiday gatherings. Their bright acidity and lively bubbles cut through rich, hearty dishes, making them perfect for celebrations and toasts.
Rosé: With its fresh red fruit flavors—think strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon—rosé offers a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. It pairs beautifully with everything from holiday appetizers to turkey and even spiced desserts. Rosé’s balance of fruitiness and crispness keeps the mood light and joyful around the table.
Champagne: The classic choice for holiday toasts, Champagne adds elegance with its fine bubbles and complex flavors of green apple, brioche, and citrus. Its acidity refreshes the palate between rich courses, making it a perfect companion for everything from seafood starters to creamy cheeses and festive desserts.
Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is known for its bright, fruity character with notes of pear, green apple, and citrus. Prosecco is approachable and fun, with a light, frothy mousse that pairs wonderfully with lighter holiday bites or can simply be enjoyed on its own for a cheerful toast.
Sparkling Rosé: Combining the best of bubbles and rosé fruitiness, sparkling rosé dazzles with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of floral notes. It’s festive and elegant, perfect for pairing with charcuterie boards, roasted poultry, or holiday desserts like berry tarts.
Best Wines for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a celebration of flavors—rich roasted turkey, savory stuffing, sweet sides, and tangy cranberry sauce. Picking wines that can balance and complement this variety makes the meal even more special. Light to medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache offer bright fruit and soft tannins, making them perfect for turkey and hearty sides without overwhelming the palate.
On the white wine side, crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc and off-dry Riesling bring refreshing acidity to cut through buttery, creamy dishes. A well-rounded, creamy Chardonnay adds warmth and richness that pairs beautifully with roasted flavors. And let’s not forget sparkling wines—Prosecco or Brut Champagne add a festive sparkle and keep your palate lively throughout the meal.
Here are some top wine picks that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast and impress your guests.
Kendall-Jackson | Vintner’s Reserve Riesling
What It Tastes Like: Crisp and vibrant, this Riesling offers layers of apricot, peach, and Anjou pear, with delicate jasmine aromas and a subtle hint of spice. Bright acidity keeps it fresh and lively.
Food Pairings: Pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted root vegetables, spicy dishes, and Asian-inspired flavors.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving: The bright acidity and subtle spice make this Riesling a natural fit for the rich and varied flavors of Thanksgiving. It refreshes the palate between bites of buttery sides and savory turkey while complementing sweeter dishes like glazed carrots or cranberry sauce. A lively, approachable choice that adds a festive touch to your holiday table.
La Crema | Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
What It Tastes Like: Vibrant and rich, this Chardonnay offers aromas of Meyer lemon, pear, and white flowers, layered with subtle oak spice. Flavors of crisp apple, golden peach, and pineapple are complemented by a creamy texture and a lingering, juicy finish.
Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, creamy casseroles, and rich seafood dishes.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving: The balance of bright acidity and creamy richness makes this Chardonnay ideal for Thanksgiving’s hearty and diverse dishes. Its vibrant fruit and subtle oak flavors enhance roasted poultry and comfort sides alike, making every course feel special and satisfying.
Siduri | Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
What It Tastes Like: Rich and layered, this Pinot Noir shows aromas of black plum, baked cherry pie, and dried herbs. The palate offers dark fruit and spice with a juicy texture, finishing long and vibrant.
Food Pairings: Perfect with roasted turkey, duck breast, and smoky BBQ dishes, as well as savory stuffing and mushroom sides.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving: The rich texture and bright acidity make this Pinot Noir a fantastic match for the varied flavors of Thanksgiving. Its balance of fruit and spice complements roasted meats and earthy sides, while the length keeps every sip engaging throughout the meal. Scoring 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck, it’s a reliable choice to impress your guests and elevate the holiday feast.
The Best Wines for Christmas
Christmas is a time for warmth, celebration, and gathering around a table filled with rich roasts, spiced sides, and indulgent desserts. Wines like bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah bring depth and structure to hearty holiday meals, while aromatic whites such as Chardonnay, Viognier, and off-dry Riesling add brightness and festive cheer. And of course, sparkling wines and Champagne keep the toasts flowing, adding sparkle to every moment.
Let’s dive into some top wine picks that capture the magic of Christmas—perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring with loved ones.
Cambria | Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay
What It Tastes Like: Barrel-fermented and richly textured, this Chardonnay offers aromas of crème brûlée, orange peel, and baked apples, balanced by toasted oak and a refreshingly crisp finish.
Food Pairings: Pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery holiday pastries.
Why It’s Great for Christmas: This Chardonnay captures the perfect balance of oak and bright acidity, making it an ideal partner for classic Christmas dishes. With multiple 90+ point scores from Vinous, Jeb Dunnuck, and Wine Spectator, it’s a crowd-pleasing white that adds elegance and warmth to your holiday celebrations.
La Crema | Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
What It Tastes Like: Rich and full-bodied, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and subtle cedar. The palate reveals velvety tannins balanced by bright acidity, finishing long and elegant.
Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted lamb, hearty stews, and aged cheeses—classic holiday fare that calls for a wine with depth and structure.
Why It’s Great for Christmas: This Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold fruit and balanced tannins stand up to the rich flavors of Christmas roasts and savory sides. With 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, it’s a sophisticated and reliable choice to bring warmth and richness to your holiday celebration.
Copain Wines | Baker Ranch Syrah
What It Tastes Like: Elegant and structured, this Syrah offers fresh blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors layered with black pepper, exotic spice, and violet floral notes. Smooth tannins frame a long, expressive finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect alongside spiced ham, roasted game, beef brisket, and rich holiday stews.
Why It’s Great for Christmas: With 93 points from Decanter and Vinous, this Syrah brings a touch of Northern Rhône elegance to your holiday table. Its spice and depth beautifully complement the bold, savory flavors of Christmas dishes, making it a standout choice to elevate festive meals.
The Best Wines for New Year’s
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate fresh starts with sparkle, style, and good company. It’s the perfect occasion to pop open bottles that bring brightness and excitement to the night. Classic Champagne and Prosecco set a festive mood with their lively bubbles, while crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and vibrant Rosé add freshness to any celebration. For those who love a richer touch, fruit-forward reds such as Pinot Noir and Gamay offer a joyful, approachable way to toast the new year.
Let’s dive into some standout wines that’ll keep the party flowing and help you ring in the year with unforgettable cheers.
Benvolio | Friuli Prosecco
What It Tastes Like: Bright and lively, this Prosecco bursts with flavors of ripe citrus, green apple, peach, and a hint of honeysuckle. Crisp acidity and a clean, refreshing finish make each sip feel celebratory.
Food Pairings: Pairs perfectly with salty snacks, prosciutto and melon, fresh seafood, or light appetizers—anything you’d want to nibble on while watching the ball drop.
Why It’s Great for New Year’s: If ever there were a night made for bubbles, it’s New Year’s Eve. This Italian Prosecco brings just the right amount of fizz, fruit, and freshness to your celebration—without the Champagne price tag. It’s festive, approachable, and endlessly sippable all night long.
Matanzas Creek | Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Zesty and aromatic, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers layers of white peach, grapefruit, jasmine, and honeysuckle. Lush yet crisp, with mouthwatering acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.
Food Pairings: A natural match for oysters, shrimp cocktail, goat cheese, or bright citrusy salads—ideal bites for a lively New Year’s spread.
Why It’s Great for New Year’s: This Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, energetic pick that brings freshness and flair to your holiday celebration. With a 90-point score from Wine Spectator, it’s a vibrant way to kick off the new year—whether you’re starting the night with seafood or toasting the midnight countdown with something crisp and elegant.
Copain Wines | Les Voisins Rosé
What It Tastes Like: Delicate yet expressive, this Pinot Noir-based rosé offers notes of watermelon, pink grapefruit, citrus blossom, and stone fruit. It's dry, savory, and lifted with a clean, mouthwatering finish.
Food Pairings: A perfect match for sushi, smoked salmon blinis, festive grain salads, or creamy cheeses—exactly the kind of bites you want during a New Year’s soirée.
Why It’s Great for New Year’s: This elegant rosé brings a refreshing change of pace to your New Year’s lineup. With a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator and coastal vineyard pedigree, it’s a refined and unexpected option for ringing in the new year—especially if you want something festive that isn’t sparkling.
Champagne Henriot | Blanc de Blancs
What It Tastes Like: Pure Chardonnay elegance in a glass—this Champagne is all about finesse, with fine bubbles and layered notes of lemon zest, green apple, chalky minerality, and toasted brioche. It’s bright, creamy, and endlessly refined.
Food Pairings: Ideal with oysters, caviar, triple-cream cheeses, or delicate seafood dishes—anything worthy of a midnight toast.
Why It’s Great for New Year’s: If you’re going all out, this is your bottle. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay and blended across vintages for complexity, Champagne Henriot’s Blanc de Blancs brings sophistication and energy to your celebration. It’s luxurious, lively, and the kind of wine that makes any New Year’s Eve feel unforgettable.
Make This Holiday Season Deliciously Memorable
The right wine doesn’t just pair with food—it pairs with laughter, conversation, and the little moments that make the holidays feel magical. Whether you’re setting the table for a big family meal, planning a low-key toast with friends, or just treating yourself to a well-earned glass, choosing a bottle you truly enjoy makes all the difference.
And remember, finding great wine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. At YourWineStore.com, our carefully curated selection takes the guesswork out of holiday shopping. You can buy wine online from the comfort of your home and have it delivered straight to your door—easy, reliable, and just in time for the celebration.
So pour something festive, toast to togetherness, and make this season your most flavorful one yet. Cheers!