20 Best Wines for Christmas - 2023 Guide

When the holiday season arrives, one of the most cherished traditions is sharing a glass of wine with loved ones. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or looking for a special bottle to gift, choosing the right wine for Christmas can elevate the entire experience. In this guide, we've curated a list of the 20 best wines for Christmas to help you make the perfect selection for your holiday celebrations. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

How to Choose Christmas Wine?

Before we dive into our top wine recommendations, let's explore some essential tips on how to choose the ideal Christmas wine:

Consider Your Menu

The first step in selecting the best wine for Christmas dinner is to consider your menu. Are you serving a rich and hearty roast, or is your holiday feast more focused on seafood and lighter fare? Your wine choice should complement the flavors of the dishes you plan to serve. For red meats, opt for robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, while white meats and seafood pair wonderfully with white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Think About Personal Preferences

Consider the preferences of your guests. Are there specific wine varieties or styles that your loved ones enjoy? Take their tastes into account when making your selection. A well-chosen wine that caters to the preferences of your guests can make the Christmas celebration even more enjoyable.

Match the Wine with the Season

Christmas is associated with winter, so it's a great time to explore wines that are cozy and warm. Think about red wines with notes of dark berries, spices, and oak for that winter ambiance. On the other hand, if you're in a warmer climate, a crisp and refreshing white wine or rosé can be a delightful choice.

Set Your Budget

Wine comes in a wide range of price points, so it's essential to set a budget that suits your preferences. Fortunately, there are excellent options available at various price levels. Whether you're looking for an affordable bottle to enjoy with friends or a premium wine for a special occasion, there's something for every budget.

20 Best Wines for Christmas

Now that you have some tips on how to choose the perfect Christmas wine, let's dive into our selection of the 20 best wines for this festive season.

Red Wine Selection:

• Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret ($26): This Bordeaux-style red blend is a crowd-pleaser with a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It offers flavors of ripe blackberries, plum, and a touch of spice, making it an excellent red wine for Christmas movie night by the fireplace.

• Catena Zapata 'Catena' Malbec 2017 ($22): Hailing from Argentina, this Malbec is renowned for its full-bodied character, featuring dark fruit, chocolate, and subtle spice notes. It pairs wonderfully with cheese appetizers or hearty steak dishes.

• Casalino Brunello di Montalcino ($49.99): A Tuscan gem, this acidic red wine showcases flavors of red berries, cherry, and a hint of sandalwood. It's the perfect accompaniment to rich, flavorful meat dishes like pot roast or ribeye.

• Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.99): This Chianti Classico Riserva offers cherry, and plum. It's a versatile choice, ideal for Italian-themed Christmas dinners or as a pre-dinner appetizer wine.

• Riunite Lambrusco ($17.99): An effervescent and lightly sweet red wine with vibrant red fruit flavors, perfect for lively holiday parties. It pairs excellently with pasta dishes and is sure to please even those who claim not to enjoy red wine.

• Château Fuissé Domaine de la Conseillère Juliénas ($40.65): This red wine from Juliénas in Beaujolais, France, boasts fresh strawberry and raspberry notes with invigorating acidity. It's a great choice to accompany roast beef, pork, or lamb.

• Hartford Court Land's Edge Pinot Noir 2017 ($45): A concentrated Pinot Noir with dark fruit aromas, this wine offers an excellent balance of fine tannins, acidity, and minerality. It's the ideal match for a variety of Christmas dishes.

White Wine Selection:

• Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($30): This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc delights with fragrant citrus aromas, tropical fruit flavors, and hints of grass and ginger. It's a fantastic choice to complement vegetarian dishes and goat cheese.

• The Calling Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2019 ($29): A crisp, oaked Chardonnay with notes of buttery richness, peach, and vanilla. It pairs beautifully with special-occasion shellfish dishes, adding a touch of elegance to your Christmas feast.

• Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling Columbia Valley ($7): A consistently popular Riesling with a refreshing profile, making it suitable for year-round enjoyment. Its crisp acidity and hints of citrus make it versatile for various occasions.

• Jean Bojour Sancerre 2022 ($29): This zesty French Sancerre offers a light and refreshing experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a white wine alternative during the holidays.

• Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay ($13): An affordable classic Chardonnay with notes of peach, ginger, and vanilla. It's a versatile choice for various dishes and occasions, ensuring your fridge is always stocked with reliable wine.

• Blindfold White Blend ($35): A bold white blend featuring Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, and Vermentino grapes. Its butterscotch, citrus, and apricot flavors make it an excellent pairing with creamy dishes like pasta alfredo or macaroni and cheese.

• Clif Family Winery Gewürztraminer ($32): Lightly lemony and dry, this Gewürztraminer from Anderson Valley is an ideal accompaniment to turkey, chicken, or seafood dishes during your Christmas celebration.

Rosé Wine Selection:

• Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel ($20): A versatile rosé with a light, floral flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it suitable for both summertime and holiday celebrations.

• Pursued By Bear Blushing Bear Rosé 2018 ($28): This pale pink wine has a luscious, round texture, mixing the aroma of orange peel and earthy spice. Tasting crisp and dry, it strikes a delicate balance of fruit and minerality. The bright acidity makes it an excellent match for appetizers and snacks on Christmas dinner.

• Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rosé 2018 ($26): This Provencal rosé offers beautiful peachy hues and elegant strawberry and cherry aromas. The palate reveals rich fruity citrus, melon, and apple layers, making it a refreshing addition to your Christmas feast.

• Inman Family Endless Crush Rosé ($38): Made with Pinot Noir grapes, this balanced and slightly acidic rosé boasts notes of watermelon, strawberries, and grapefruit. It complements pasta, cheese, and turkey dishes with finesse when served lightly chilled.

Sparkling Wine Selection:

• Lumassina Frizzante 2021 ($30): A crisp and bubbly sparkling wine from the Italian Riviera, offering a delightful alternative to Champagne. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for pairing with dishes like anchovies or fish.

• La Marca Prosecco ($16): This delightful Prosecco features medium acidity and playful bubbles, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, apple, and underlying honey and mineral notes. It's a sparkling wine that adds a touch of celebration to any Christmas gathering.

Now that you've explored our carefully curated selection of the 20 best wines for Christmas, you're well-equipped to choose the perfect bottles for your holiday celebrations. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or sparkling, these wines are sure to enhance the festive spirit and create memorable moments with family and friends.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to elevate your festivities than with a well-chosen bottle of wine? Whether you opt for a robust red to pair with your holiday roast, a crisp white to complement seafood dishes, a delicate rosé for a touch of elegance, or a sparkling wine to add some sparkle to your celebration, there's a perfect wine waiting to be uncorked this Christmas. With these top 20 wine recommendations and our tips on wine selection, you're ready to make your holiday season even more special.