The Expert’s Guide to Holiday Wine & Food Pairings
During the holiday season, families gather to share traditions and treasured recipes. With all the effort that goes into planning, shopping, and preparing your holiday meal, you want to make sure you pair it with the right wines. Serving the perfect pour with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to Hanukkah brisket brings out the best in every dish, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.
This comprehensive guide will help you discover pairing inspiration for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. You’ll learn smart, simple tips for hosting and choosing wines that complement traditional holiday dishes and flavors. La Crema—a trusted name in finessed and food-friendly wines—is here to help you prepare for the season and pour with confidence.
Quick Tips for Pairing Wine During the Holidays
The holidays come with a lot of decision-making, but picking the right wine doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some helpful holiday wine tips to keep your glass (and your guests) full and happy:
- Offer variety. Include at least one red, one white, and one sparkling option. This ensures guests can find something they enjoy and explore different pairings throughout the meal.
- Match the mood. Cozy fireside? Go for bold, warming reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or sumptuous whites like a full-bodied Chardonnay. Midday brunch or cocktail hour? Keep it light and crisp with Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, or bubbly.
- Think of acidity as your friend. When rich, buttery, or creamy dishes dominate your menu, wines with good acidity cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
- Keep a bottle of sparkling wine chilled at all times. Bubbles create an instant celebratory atmosphere and are extremely food-friendly. They are also perfect for welcoming unexpected guests, raising a toast, and treating yourself after everyone’s gone home or to bed.
- Choose versatile wines that feel special. Look for wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir that complement multiple dishes without overpowering them, yet still feel elevated enough for the occasion.
- Match wine weight to food weight. Light dishes call for crisp, delicate wines, while heartier fare can handle more full-bodied selections.
- Plan for second pours. One bottle of wine serves about five glasses. Plan on one bottle per two people, and always round up.
- Consider magnums. Large-format bottles are not only visual show-stoppers, but they also age more slowly, often providing greater complexity in your glass. And how fun is it that everyone in a large group can share the same bottle?
Why the Holidays Just Taste Better with Wine
Wine isn’t just something to drink during the holidays. It’s something that brings people together. There’s something special about opening a bottle and watching the room come alive—whether it’s a splash of Pinot Noir at dinner or a round of sparkling to kick off the night. Wine has a way of turning a good meal into a great one, and a simple gathering into something that feels just a little more memorable. It helps set the mood too. A rich red by the fireplace, a crisp white with brunch, a festive glass of bubbles at midnight—it all just feels right. And maybe that’s because wine connects us to something timeless. When we pour a glass during the holidays, we’re joining in a tradition that’s been part of celebrations for generations.
The Best Wines for Thanksgiving: Feast-Ready Favorites
With its medley of sweet, spicy, savory, herbal, and umami flavors, the traditional Thanksgiving feast presents unique pairing challenges. The key is to select bright, food-friendly, and crowd-pleasing wines that offer flexibility rather than dominance.
Pinot Noir stands out as the ultimate Thanksgiving wine. Its light body and fruit-forward yet earthy profile enhances turkey without overwhelming it. The wine’s natural acidity cuts through rich gravy while its subtle tannins complement both white and dark meat. And its red-fruited flavors match perfectly with cranberry sauce. La Crema’s Pinot Noir collection offers options from bright and elegant to rich and concentrated, perfect for different Thanksgiving preferences.
Chardonnay and rosé bring versatility to the holiday table. Chardonnay’s richness and subtle oak complement turkey’s round flavors while helping balance any dryness in the meat. The wine’s supple body works beautifully with stuffing, mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, and creamy casseroles. La Crema’s Chardonnay selection ranges from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and opulent. Consider serving a dry rosé as well. Rosé’s red fruit flavors and mouthwatering acidity help balance rich dishes while also harmonizing with cranberry sauce and salads. Check out La Crema’s Rosé selection for several excellent options.
Sparkling wines equal celebration. When you pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly, you might as well be uncorking joy! In addition, sparkling wines refresh the palate and pair beautifully with everything from appetizers to desserts. Explore La Crema’s sparkling wine collection to add a touch of celebration to your table.
Remember that Thanksgiving menus are often diverse, with regional twists on classic dishes. Focus on versatility over perfection when selecting wines. Having multiple options allows guests to feel comfortable and perhaps discover a new favorite pairing.
In search of more pairing ideas? Check out these resources:
The Best Wines for Christmas: Bottles Worth Unwrapping
Christmas celebrations vary widely in their culinary traditions, from classic roast beef and ham to seafood feasts and vegetarian spreads. This diversity calls for wines that can adapt to different flavors while inspiring the festive spirit of the season. No matter what’s on your table, La Crema has you covered:
Cabernet Sauvignon handles hearty red meat dishes with confidence. Its full body and structured tannins complement the richness of roast beef, prime rib, and lamb, while its dark fruit flavors enhance the meal’s savory elements. La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, supple, and approachable—perfect with any of these dishes and for a glass by the fireplace afterward.
Chardonnay and Pinot Gris shine with diverse dishes. These wines meld seamlessly with ham, roasted vegetables, seafood, and creamy dishes. La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris offers bright acidity, minerality, and fruit-forward flavors that work well with both traditional and modern Christmas menus.
Sparkling wine or lighter reds like Pinot Noir serve as festive, flexible options. They bridge the gap between different dishes and create a celebratory atmosphere throughout the meal.
Christmas calls for wines that feel special and reflect the season’s spirit of generosity, whether it’s a meaningful bottle you’ve been saving for your feast or something new you’re excited to splurge on and try.
Looking for more inspiration? Discover an old tradition and create new ones with these ideas:
The Best Wines for Hanukkah: Sparkle with Every Bite
Hanukkah’s eight-night celebration calls for wines that complement rich, fried foods while maintaining the joy and warmth of the Festival of Lights. The holiday’s traditional dishes—latkes, brisket, and other comfort foods—benefit from wines with good acidity and balanced flavors.
Chardonnay excels with creamy or fried dishes. Its natural acidity cuts through the richness of latkes, creamy kugel, cheese blintzes, and other fried foods while its fruit-forward character balances savory elements.
Pinot Noir and Syrah pair beautifully with braised meats and roasted vegetables. These wines offer enough body and complexity to stand up to a rich, flavorful brisket, while their earthy notes enhance the savory spice of roasted vegetables and traditional Hanukkah comfort food like Tzimmes.
Sparkling wines add festive flair to multi-night celebrations. Bubbles offer effervescence and flair—perfect for toasting across eight nights and keeping the celebrations lively. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass with the jelly-filled donuts known as sufganiyot.
For families who observe kosher dietary laws, check with your local wine store for their kosher selections. Many quality kosher wines now offer the same flavor profiles and food-pairing capabilities as their non-kosher counterparts, ensuring that religious observance doesn’t compromise the dining experience.
The Best Wines for Kwanzaa: Bold Flavors, Joyful Gatherings
Kwanzaa is all about community, tradition, and celebration—everything wine embodies. The holiday’s emphasis on African heritage and cultural pride is perfect for sharing thoughtful wines that inspire flavorful, communal dining.
Pinot Noir offers warmth and versatility. Pinot’s balance of fruit, earth, spice, and acidity makes it the perfect pour for roasted meats, collard greens, okra, sweet potatoes, and hearty stews that often feature in Kwanzaa celebrations.
Chardonnay is a great match for creamy and spiced dishes. Oaked styles offer layered complexity that melds with the richness and bold flavors of comfort food, like candied yams, peanut stew, or gumbo. Crisp, lower alcohol styles provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spice of Jollof rice or the smoky, salty flavors of black-eyed peas.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are not only food-friendly, crowd-pleasing wines, they also inspire togetherness and joy—hallmarks of the Kwanzaa celebration.
The Best Wines for New Year’s: Bubbles and Beyond
New Year’s Eve calls for wines that feel fun, festive, and ready for fresh beginnings. While sparkling wine traditionally takes center stage, plan for a well-rounded selection to ensure your guests can enjoy their preferred styles throughout the night. The goal is to share wines that feel fun, celebratory, and unexpected while remaining accessible to all your guests.
Sparkling wine remains the classic New Year’s Eve choice. A classic Brut Rosé or Blanc de Blancs is a sophisticated match for passed appetizers, oysters, and anything salty and crunchy like popcorn, potato chips, or fried chicken.
Lighter whites or reds like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir work great with dinner before the countdown. We are also big proponents of drinking rosé all year round—a dry rosé is an elegant foil for rich, winter dishes and looks so festively pink in your glass.
Chill your bubbles well in advance. Put your sparkling wines into the refrigerator for at least three hours before the midnight toast, or pop them into an ice bucket with water 30 minutes ahead. Busy party planning and forgot to chill your wines? Check out our eight methods for How to Chill Wine Fast.
Holiday Food and Wine Pairing Cheat Sheet
- Roast Turkey: Pair this holiday classic with a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Chardonnay’s creamy notes complement turkey’s savory flavor, while Pinot Noir’s earthy notes balance the richness.
- Glazed Ham: The sweet and savory combo of glazed ham shines with a Pinot Gris or a Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris’s acidity provides a refreshing contrast, while Pinot Noir’s red fruit flavors complement the glaze and spices.
- Brisket: A rich, slow-cooked brisket calls for a bold Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah’s smoky notes and Cabernet’s structured tannins cut through the dish’s richness effortlessly.
- Roast Beef or Prime Rib: Elevate these hearty cuts with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a deep Malbec. Both wines balance the juicy flavors and add depth to every bite.
- Roast Chicken: Keep it versatile with a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. A rich Chardonnay can bring a luscious creaminess, while a crisp Chardonnay offers a refreshing contrast. A fruity, earthy Pinot Noir makes for a tasty, succulent pairing.
- Salmon or Baked Fish: Enhance the delicate flavors of fish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Gris. The bright acidity of these wines complements lighter, seafood-based dishes superbly. Pinot Noir with salmon is always fool-proof.
- Mac and Cheese: This comfort food classic finds its perfect match in a rich Chardonnay or a fruity Pinot Noir. Both wines balance the dish’s rich, cheesy goodness and add dimension to every bite.
- Stuffed Squash or Sweet Potatoes: For these hearty vegetarian options, opt for a Pinot Noir or lightly oaked Chardonnay. Pinot Noir complements smoky or roasted flavors, while Chardonnay balances the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
- Lasagna or Baked Pasta: Rich and saucy pasta dishes call for an Italian-inspired Sangiovese or a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both bring bold flavors that stand up to the dish’s layered complexity.
- Lamb Roast: Pair lamb with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah. Cabernet’s firm tannins and Syrah’s spiced notes perfectly frame the lamb’s savory, tender profile.
Make it a La Crema Holiday
From Thanksgiving feasts to New Year’s Eve toasts, holiday gatherings call for elegant and festive wines. Wine creates connection, enhances the meal, sets the mood, and is a timeless choice for marking important celebrations. Use the tips in this guide to match the wine to the mood, food, and setting of your gathering and get excited to host with confidence.
La Crema is honored to have been named Winery of the Year, and we invite you to explore our portfolio of top-rated California and Oregon wines. From elegant Chardonnays to vibrant Pinot Noirs, the perfect bottle awaits your every dish and every celebration. Keep it simple and order directly from our online shop—feel free to mix and match varietals and quantities—and check out our selection of exquisite wine gifts. Cheers to the magic that happens when great food, wine, and company come together at the holidays!
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FAQs
Can I serve one wine across all holiday meals?
Yes, a versatile wine like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay pairs well with a wide range of dishes, making it a great choice for all-encompassing meal pairings. That said, it’s always nice to have one red and one white wine in case your guests have strong preferences for either.
How many bottles should I plan per person for a holiday party?
Plan for one bottle per two guests for a two-hour event, scaling up to an extra bottle or two for longer gatherings.
Are sparkling wines good with food or just for toasting?
Sparkling wines are fantastic with food! Their acidity and bubbles cut through richness and saltiness—perfect for appetizers, fried foods, or even main courses.
Should I match wine to specific dishes or the overall vibe?
Both! Match wine to the main flavors on the table, but also think about the mood—casual, festive, cozy, or elegant.
What are good wine gifts for holiday hosts or guests?
Go with something classic but special—like a beautifully packaged bottle of La Crema Chardonnay or a trio of Pinot Noirs.
What’s the best way to serve wine for a crowd with minimal fuss?
Set up a self-serve station with pre-opened red, white, and sparkling wines for guests to explore freely. You can pour the red wine into a decanter and keep the white and sparkling wine on ice or in insulated chill packs. And don’t forget to pre-chill the sparkling wine at least three hours before the party.
How early should I order wine before the holidays?
Order at least two to three weeks in advance to ensure timely delivery and your preferred selections, especially if shipping wines as gifts during the busy season.
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