 (2).jpg)
Recent Posts
The Best Wines for Christmas Dinner (2025)
Picture the perfect holiday evening: a cozy fire crackling in the background, twinkling lights casting their magical glow, and the crisp scent of fresh pine filling the air. Now add your favorite holiday music and the warmth of Pinot Noir in your glass while savory aromas emanate from the kitchen. Ever notice how the right wine can make even a simple roast feel like a celebration? That's the magic we're talking about.
Finding the best wines for Christmas dinner doesn't have to be overwhelming, and La Crema is here for the assist. The key to choosing your holiday wines isn't about memorizing complicated tasting notes or breaking the bank on prestigious labels. It's about understanding how different wines can enhance your favorite holiday dishes and match the mood you want to create. This guide is designed to help you confidently choose the perfect holiday wines for creating unforgettable moments, effortless pairings, and a little extra sparkle at every celebration.
Quick Facts:
Skip the stress — here’s your quick cheat sheet to the best wines for Christmas dinner:
- Red Wines: Go for Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon — smooth, rich reds that pair perfectly with turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- White Wines: Choose Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Gris for bright, food-friendly options that complement seafood, chicken, and creamy sides.
- Rosé: A festive, versatile pick that adds freshness and color to your holiday spread.
- Sparkling Wine: Always a must — ideal for toasts, appetizers, or dessert.
Why Wine Makes the Holidays Extra Special
Holiday wine isn’t just about flavor; it’s about feeling. There’s something about opening a beautiful bottle that instantly sets the tone: festive, welcoming, and full of warmth. The right pour gets people talking, laughing, and lingering just a little longer at the table. And while wine brings us together, it can also transform the simplest dish into a sumptuous one, creating even more indelible, shared moments.
The emotional connection we have with wine during the holidays often stems from our traditions and past experiences. Maybe it's the bottle of Pinot Noir that your family opens every Christmas Eve, or the sparkling wine you toast with at Christmas brunch. Perhaps it’s that bottle you savored with your family or friends when you were reunited for the first time in months. These wines become woven into our holiday memories, creating connections that last far beyond the last sip.
Knowing how wine is inextricably linked to many of our holiday memories, let’s dive into how to find the best wines for Christmas—starting with an all-time classic, Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir – The Holiday Crowd-Pleaser
Pinot Noir is like that charming guest who gets along with everyone. Approachable for the casual wine drinker yet sophisticated for the connoisseur, Pinot Noir is one of our top wines for Xmas.
This light-to-medium bodied red wine thrives in cool-climate regions around the world. What makes Pinot Noir so special is its ability to showcase the terroir where it's grown while maintaining its signature silky texture and bright acidity. It's a wine that invites conversation and contemplation, making it perfect for those long, leisurely holiday dinners or for quiet moments sipping solo by the fire.
- Flavor Notes: Expect red fruit notes, such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often with hints of earth, mushroom, warm baking spices, forest floor, or tea leaf—all delivered in a balanced, silky palate.
- Food Pairings: Pinot Noir shines with roasted turkey, glazed ham, duck, salmon, and earthy side dishes like mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables. It plays well with both light and hearty dishes.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: The La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir delivers everything you want in a holiday Pinot—bright cherry flavors balanced with subtle spice, toast, and a smooth finish that pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern holiday fare.
- Quick Tip: Serve Pinot Noir slightly cool (around 60-65°F) to highlight its fresh fruit flavors and finesse.
Cabernet Sauvignon – The Bold Statement
Cabernet Sauvignon is the varietal to reach for when you want to create a sense of celebration that matches the grandeur of your holiday spread. Deep, structured, and unapologetically bold, this varietal is made for the main event.
Known as the king of red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in warm climates and is known for its full body, bold tannins, and incredible aging potential. What makes Cabernet Sauvignon one of the best wines for the holidays is its ability to stand up to the season’s rich, hearty dishes while providing that sense of luxury and sophistication that special occasions deserve. It's a wine that announces itself confidently while inspiring warmth and connection.
- Flavor Notes: Rich blackcurrant and blackberry flavors dominate, often complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, and dark chocolate that create a layered and luxurious experience.
- Food Pairings: Think prime rib, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, or a decadent cheese board—it’s a natural fit for rich, festive fare.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon offers the perfect balance of power and elegance, with dark fruit flavors, hints of coffee, and soft tannins, all balanced by juicy acidity.
- Quick Tip: Decant or let your Cabernet Sauvignon breathe for at least 30 minutes before serving to unlock its flavors and soften the tannins.
Chardonnay – The Holiday Comfort
Sometimes you need a wine that offers a warm hug, and that's exactly what a great Chardonnay brings to your holiday table. This white wine offers comfort and sophistication in equal measure, making it an essential part of your holiday wine lineup.
Chardonnay's incredible versatility and stylistic range make it one of the best wines for Christmas. From crisp, mineral-driven unoaked versions to rich, buttery oaked expressions, there's a Chardonnay for every palate and every holiday dish. Unoaked Chardonnay offers bright acidity and pure fruit flavors that pair beautifully with seafood and lighter holiday meals, while oaked versions provide that creamy, luxurious mouthfeel that complements richer foods.
- Flavor Notes: Expect flavors ranging from crisp green apple and citrus in unoaked versions to rich tropical fruits, creamy vanilla, and butter in oaked expressions.
- Food Pairings: Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, lobster, crab, butternut squash, and even mac and cheese—it’s a holiday multitasker.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: La Crema Willamette Valley Chardonnay strikes the perfect balance with its bright acidity, lemon curd and white peach flavors, mouth-filling texture, and subtle oak integration. It’s a beautiful wine for complementing your menu.
- Quick Tip: Serve unoaked Chardonnay well-chilled (45-50°F) and oaked versions slightly warmer (50-55°F) to showcase their distinct characteristics. Choose unoaked Chardonnay for lighter dishes and oaked for richer, creamier flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and Refreshing
Need to cut through rich dishes with something bright and lively? Sauvignon Blanc is your secret holiday wine weapon. This zesty white wine brings a refreshing burst of energy to any holiday feast, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next delicious bite.
Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its vibrant acidity and distinctive aromatic profile that can range from herbaceous and grassy to tropical and fruity, depending on where it's grown. This wine's natural brightness makes it a perfect aperitif to start your holiday celebrations and an excellent palate cleanser between rich courses.
- Flavor Notes: Expect bright notes of grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, green apple, and gooseberry, often with fresh herbs, grass, and mineral undertones that invigorate the senses.
- Food Pairings: This refreshing white pairs beautifully with appetizers, seafood, salads, goat cheese, herb-crusted dishes, and lighter holiday sides and starters that won't compete with its bright character.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant citrus, stone fruit, and tropical flavors with a mouthwatering finish, making it perfect for holiday entertaining and food-pairing versatility.
- Quick Tip: Serve Sauvignon Blanc well-chilled (40-45°F) to bring out its refreshing citrus snap. Consider this your go-to wine for holiday cocktail hours or brunch.
Pinot Gris – Light, Bright, and Surprisingly Versatile
Don't let anyone tell you that Pinot Gris is boring, this underrated gem might just become your new holiday favorite. With its perfect balance of lightness and complexity, Pinot Gris offers something fun and different for those looking to explore beyond the usual holiday wine suspects.
Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy) produces wines that range from light and crisp to rich and textured, depending on the winemaking style and region. What makes this varietal one of the best wines for Christmas dinners is its food-friendly nature and ability to complement both light and moderately rich dishes. The best Pinot Gris wines offer a beautiful combination of fresh fruit flavors, subtle texture, and bright acidity that makes them incredibly versatile at the holiday table.
- Flavor Notes: Look for flavors of pear, citrus, melon, apple, and stone fruits, often with hints of honey, spice, and flowers that add complexity and interest to every sip.
- Food Pairings: Pinot Gris excels with pork dishes, roasted vegetables, seafood, Asian-inspired holiday dishes, and creamy sides that benefit from its balanced acidity and gentle character. Learn more about the best Pinot Gris food pairings.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris showcases beautiful flavors of Meyer lemon and nectarine, followed by fresh, multilayered acidity that makes it an excellent choice for guests who appreciate elegant white wines that are both food-friendly and delicious on their own.
- Quick Tip: Try serving Pinot Gris with spiced holiday dishes—its subtle sweetness and balanced acidity make it surprisingly compatible with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Rosé – Holiday Pink Magic
Who says rosé is only for summer? Rosé is an Xmas wine extraordinaire! It brings a touch of whimsy and elegance to your holiday table. The shimmering pink hue adds visual appeal to your spread while offering a unique flavor profile that bridges the gap between red and white wines.
Quality rosé offers much more than just good looks—it provides complexity, food-pairing versatility, and something light and bright that makes guests smile. Modern rosé production techniques create wines with beautiful structure and nuanced flavors that work wonderfully with holiday cuisine. The key is choosing a rosé with enough depth and character to hold its own with your festive dishes while maintaining the fresh, approachable character that makes rosé so sessionable.
- Flavor Notes: Expect delicate strawberry, watermelon, and cherry flavors, often with floral notes, refreshing minerality, and a crisp finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- Food Pairings: Rosé pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, salmon, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie boards, and dishes with cranberry or pomegranate components that echo its pink hue and freshness.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: La Crema Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé offers refined elegance with its fresh cherry, watermelon, and grapefruit flavors, complemented by undertones of minerality.
- Quick Tip: Serve rosé well-chilled and consider it for your holiday brunch or as a bridge wine between your aperitif and the main course.
Sparkling Wine – Pop the Bubbly!
No holiday is complete without that pop and fizz of sparkling wine—it’s instant joy in a bottle. Whether you’re toasting to new beginnings or clinking glasses under the mistletoe, bubbles make everything brighter.
Sparkling wine encompasses a wide range of styles, from bone-dry to sweeter selections. The key to a great sparkling lies in the balance between its acidity, fruit flavors, and those delightful bubbles that dance on your tongue. For holiday entertaining, sparkling wine serves multiple purposes—it's perfect for toasts, pairs beautifully with appetizers, and adds a festive touch to any gathering. The versatility of sparkling wine makes it one of the most ideal wines for Xmas celebrations.
- Flavor Notes: Depending on the style, expect flavors ranging from crisp green apple and citrus to toasty brioche and almond, with persistent bubbles that enhance every flavor component.
- Food Pairings: Sparkling wine excels with appetizers, oysters, caviar, fried foods, soft cheeses, and desserts, making it incredibly versatile throughout your holiday meal.
- Recommended La Crema Wine: Crafted in the traditional method, La Crema Saralee's Vineyard Blanc de Blancs opens with aromas of baked apple, fresh Meyer lemon, and rising bread dough. Elegant bubbles and bright acidity carry flavors of lime and hazelnut over the palate, making every sip feel celebratory.
- Quick Tip: Keep your sparkling wine properly chilled (38-42°F) and open it carefully—always aim the cork away from people and valuable objects while maintaining control for a perfect pour every time.
Picking the Best Wine for Christmas Dinner Doesn't Have to Be Stressful
The beauty of creating memorable holiday wine experiences lies not in perfection, but in the joy of sharing good wine with people you care about. Each varietal or style we've explored offers its own special way of enriching your favorite holiday dish, or creating a certain ambiance. The best part? When it comes to buying the best wines for the holidays, there’s no wrong choice when you choose with intention and enthusiasm. It’s about connection, not perfection. And when in doubt, serve a variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling—you can’t go wrong!
Now that you’re an expert on holiday wines, it’s time to have fun shopping! La Crema has spent decades perfecting the art of winemaking, creating top-rated wines from the finest vineyards in California and Oregon. Our portfolio offers something special for every holiday moment, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. Each bottle represents our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the belief that great wine makes every gathering more memorable.
