Holiday Wine Guide: 4 Festive Wines for the Season

The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to choose the perfect wines for all your celebrations. It can be overwhelming with so many options, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

There are a few bottles that are perfect companions to the holiday season, whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, serving a big holiday dinner, or bringing a bottle to a friend’s house.

These four varietals are not only delicious and versatile, but you can also find them anywhere and they won’t break the bank. So grab a bottle (or four) and raise a glass to the season!

Reisling: Cookie Parties & Daytime Gatherings

Bubbly: Large Gatherings & Cocktail Parties

Parties with lots of people tend to have lots of flavors too, which is why I’ll always turn to bubbly for these events. Similarly, if I don’t know what’s being served or the host’s preferences, sparkling wine adds a festive spirit to any event while doing double duty on the table.

There’s actually some fun science behind its holiday appeal: the carbonation binds to certain molecules on your palate, clearing away lingering flavors and creating a clean slate for the next bite. That’s why sparkling wines are so great at parties with lots of dishes—the bubbles help each flavor shine without competing.

When choosing a bottle, let your budget lead the way. Italian Prosecco and Spanish Cava are the most affordable options and usually have soft, citrusy flavors. Champagne and American sparkling wines get pricier, but you’ll also notice more complexity in the aromas and taste.

Pinot Noir: POULTRY, HAM & FISH-CENTRIC HOLIDAY DINNERS

When it comes to red wine, few options are as versatile as Pinot Noir. It’s got moderate acidity, soft tannins, and a lively range of fruit flavors, which makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Because it pairs so well with most main courses, I especially love serving it at sit-down gatherings. It sings alongside centerpieces like turkey, ham, and even fish—there’s really no better dinner-table chameleon than Pinot Noir. And as a bonus, it tends to win over both red wine devotees and white wine drinkers alike.

One of the best ways to get to know Pinot Noir is to explore bottles from different regions. It’s an incredibly adaptive grape, which means the wines vary widely. Try picking up a few from places like France, New Zealand, South Africa, and Oregon. Each one will offer its own mix of fruit, earthiness, and aromatics—and it’s a fun way to discover what you love.

Zinfandel: Red Meat-Centric Holiday Feasts

Zinfandel really shines with red meat, so if you’re hosting or attending a gathering centered around a fabulous roast—like beef tenderloin or rack of lamb—there are few wines better to pour. Plus, Zinfandel won’t overshadow more delicate side dishes like green beans or mashed potatoes. It’s a win-win.

Made primarily in California, Zinfandel is a full-bodied red with moderate tannins and a big medley of fruit flavors, which makes it more versatile on the table than highly tannic (read: very drying) red wines. It’s also known for spending time in oak barrels, which give the wine lots of spicy, holiday-like aromatics—think nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and vanilla. Full-bodied and luscious, Zin is a natural match for luxurious roasts, and its bold fruit flavors help it appeal to a wide range of drinkers.

Pro Tip: Give Zin a chill. Yes, you can (and should!) chill red wine. The ideal serving temperature for reds is around 60°F, where the flavors and aromas really shine. And you don’t need a wine fridge—just pop the bottle in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving and it will be perfect.