The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and sharing delicious meals with friends and family. A great meal deserves the perfect wine pairing, whether you are serving roast turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. Choosing the right wine enhances flavors, complements the meal, and elevates the dining experience.
At Pina Wine and Spirits, we have carefully selected the best wines for holiday dinners, ensuring that you have the perfect bottle to match your festive feast. This guide will help you choose the ideal red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines for your holiday table.
1) How to Choose the Best Holiday Wine
Selecting the best wine for a holiday dinner depends on a few key factors
- The Main Dish Different meats and flavors pair best with certain wine types.
- Guest Preferences Having a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines ensures everyone has something they enjoy.
- The Occasion Festive gatherings call for celebratory wines like Champagne and Prosecco, while intimate dinners pair well with bold reds or smooth whites.
2) Best Red Wines for Holiday Dinners
If you prefer bold, rich, and full-bodied wines, a red wine is the perfect choice for holiday meals. Red wines pair exceptionally well with roasted meats, hearty dishes, and strong cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Best for Prime Rib and Beef Dishes
- Flavor Profile Full-bodied with dark fruit flavors, oak, and spice.
- Why It Works The bold tannins and rich flavors stand up to the fattiness of prime rib, grilled steaks, and roasted lamb.
- Top Pick Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for a premium, crowd-pleasing option.
Pinot Noir – Perfect for Turkey and Ham
- Flavor Profile Light to medium-bodied with notes of cherry, cranberry, and earthiness.
- Why It Works Pinot Noir has bright acidity and soft tannins, making it the best red wine for roast turkey, glazed ham, and mushroom-based dishes.
- Top Pick Oregon or California Pinot Noir for an elegant and fruit-forward option.
Zinfandel – Best for Spiced and Hearty Holiday Dishes
- Flavor Profile Jammy, bold, and spicy with notes of blackberry, plum, and black pepper.
- Why It Works Zinfandel pairs beautifully with barbecue-style meats, spiced holiday dishes, and stuffing with sausage or cranberries.
- Top Pick California Old Vine Zinfandel for a rich and well-balanced holiday wine.
3) Best White Wines for Holiday Dinners
For those who prefer light, crisp, and refreshing wines, a white wine is an excellent choice for holiday dinners. White wines pair well with seafood, poultry, creamy dishes, and vegetarian meals.
Chardonnay – Best for Creamy and Buttery Dishes
- Flavor Profile Rich and full-bodied with notes of butter, vanilla, apple, and pear.
- Why It Works Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery seafood dishes.
- Top Pick A California Oak-Aged Chardonnay for a smooth and elegant holiday wine.
Sauvignon Blanc – Best for Seafood and Light Dishes
- Flavor Profile Crisp and citrusy with flavors of lime, green apple, and fresh herbs.
- Why It Works The acidity cuts through rich holiday foods and complements seafood, herbed dishes, and vegetable sides.
- Top Pick A French Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre for a classic, refined choice.
Riesling – Best for Sweet and Spiced Holiday Flavors
- Flavor Profile Semi-sweet to dry with notes of peach, honey, and citrus.
- Why It Works Pairs beautifully with honey-glazed ham, spiced dishes, and slightly sweet holiday sides like candied yams.
- Top Pick A German Riesling for a balanced sweetness and crisp finish.
4) Best Sparkling Wines for Celebrations and Toasts
The holidays are a time for celebration, and nothing marks a special occasion like sparkling wine. Whether you are making a toast or serving appetizers, a good Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava brings elegance to the holiday table.
Champagne – The Classic Choice for Celebrations
- Flavor Profile Crisp, elegant, and bubbly with citrus, apple, and brioche notes.
- Why It Works Perfect for holiday toasts, seafood appetizers, and cheese platters.
- Top Pick A classic Brut Champagne from France for an authentic celebration wine.
Prosecco – A Fun and Affordable Alternative to Champagne
- Flavor Profile Light and fruity with notes of pear, green apple, and floral aromas.
- Why It Works Ideal for brunches, holiday cocktails, and lighter appetizers.
- Top Pick An Italian Prosecco from Veneto for a crisp and refreshing choice.
Rosé Sparkling Wine – A Versatile and Elegant Option
- Flavor Profile Refreshing and fruity with hints of red berries and citrus.
- Why It Works A great match for cheese boards, smoked salmon, and festive salads.
- Top Pick A dry Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine for a sophisticated holiday drink.
5) Best Dessert Wines for Holiday Sweets
No holiday meal is complete without dessert, and pairing it with the right sweet wine can elevate the experience.
Port – Best for Rich Chocolate Desserts and Cheese
- Flavor Profile Dark, sweet, and fortified with notes of figs, raisins, and caramel.
- Why It Works Pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, blue cheese, and nutty desserts.
- Top Pick A classic Tawny Port from Portugal for a warm, smooth finish.
Moscato – A Light and Fruity Sweet Wine
- Flavor Profile Sweet and floral with flavors of peach, orange blossom, and honey.
- Why It Works A fantastic pairing for fruit tarts, cookies, and light holiday desserts.
- Top Pick A Moscato d’Asti from Italy for a lightly sparkling, festive option.
Ice Wine – A Rare and Luxurious Dessert Wine
- Flavor Profile Intensely sweet and rich with notes of honey, apricot, and tropical fruit.
- Why It Works Pairs wonderfully with cheesecake, vanilla bean desserts, and nut-based sweets.
- Top Pick A Canadian Ice Wine for a truly special holiday treat.
6) Find the Best Holiday Wines at Pina Wine and Spirits
No matter what you are serving this holiday season, Pina Wine and Spirits has the perfect wine to complement your meal. With a wide selection of red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines, we make it easy to find the ideal pairing for any dish.
Why Shop at Pina Wine and Spirits
- A curated selection of premium wines for every holiday occasion
- Competitive prices and seasonal discounts on top-rated wines
- Expert recommendations from knowledgeable staff
- Convenient locations across Kansas City, Lees Summit, Liberty, and more
7) Visit Pina Wine and Spirits for Your Holiday Wine Needs
Make this holiday season memorable with the perfect wine pairings for your festive meals. Stop by Pina Wine and Spirits to explore our holiday wine collection and get expert recommendations tailored to your menu.
Find your nearest store by visiting our website to check locations and store hours.
Raise a glass to great food, fine wine, and unforgettable holiday moments with Pina Wine and Spirits.
