Introduction to Holiday Wines
There’s a particular magic that unfolds when wine finds its way to the holiday table. It’s more than a beverage—it’s a catalyst for connection, a quiet signal that the everyday has given way to something worth savoring. As conversations deepen and laughter rises, the right wine becomes part of your evening’s rhythm, enhancing flavors and creating moments that linger in memory long after the last glass is poured.
At Bonterra, we understand that selecting wine for holidays is about more than following tradition. It’s about honoring both the people gathered around your table and the earth that nurtures each grape. Our organic winery practices ensure that every bottle tells a story of sustainable farming and mindful craftsmanship, making your celebrations not just memorable, but meaningful.
The best holiday wines are those that match the mood of your gathering, complement your menu, and reflect the season’s spirit. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or hosting a boisterous family feast, understanding how to choose the right bottle transforms good hospitality into something extraordinary.
Choosing the Right Wine for the Holidays
Selecting holiday wines begins with understanding three essential elements: flavor profile, body, and style. These characteristics work together to create experiences that either complement your menu or provide a delightful contrast.
Rich red wines offer the cozy warmth that cold-weather gatherings demand. Their fuller bodies and complex tannins stand up beautifully to hearty dishes and provide that sense of comfort we crave during the winter months. Crisp white wines bring brightness and balance to rich holiday menus, cutting through butter and cream with refreshing acidity. Sparkling wines elevate any celebration, their effervescence adding an element of joy that makes toasts feel truly special.
Consider the arc of your meal when planning your wine selections, especially if you’re choosing the best wine for Thanksgiving. A thoughtfully curated progression—from lighter aperitif wines through fuller-bodied dinner selections—creates a journey that unfolds naturally throughout the evening. Each sip you drink should feel intentional, reflecting not just what’s being served but the kind of holiday experience you want to create.
Best Red Wines for Holiday Gatherings
Red wines are the soul of winter entertaining, offering depth and rich flavor that mirror the season itself. Their robust character makes them ideal companions for the hearty, comfort-focused dishes that define holiday cooking.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a study in elegance and power, with dark fruit notes of blackcurrant and black cherry layered with subtle spice. This full-bodied wine offers the structure needed to stand alongside roast beef, herb-crusted lamb, or wild mushroom risotto. Its firm yet refined tannins soften beautifully when paired with rich proteins, revealing hidden complexities with each sip.
For formal dinners or intimate winter gatherings, Cabernet Sauvignon sets a tone of sophistication. Serve it at 60-65°F to allow its wine taste and layered aromas to fully express themselves.
Pinot Noir
Smooth and elegant, Pinot Noir offers a more delicate approach to red wine pairing. Its bright cherry notes and subtle earthiness make it remarkably versatile, working beautifully with turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken. Learn more about how Bonterra approaches this varietal in our guide to Pinot Noir, from vineyard to glass. This is the wine that bridges preferences at Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinners, satisfying both red wine enthusiasts and those who typically prefer lighter styles.
The silky texture of Pinot Noir complements rather than competes, making it ideal when your menu features multiple courses or diverse flavors. It’s produced with care to preserve balance and quality, making every glass something to be shared with love.
Merlot
Soft and velvety, Merlot brings plush fruit flavors and vanilla hints that call to mind comfort in a glass. This approachable wine pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and creamy pasta dishes—the comfort food staples that make holiday meals feel like home.
Merlot’s gentle tannins and generous fruit make it perfect for relaxed family dinners where conversation matters more than formality. It’s the wine that makes everyone feel welcome, regardless of their wine knowledge or preferences. For those trying to discover what natural wine tastes like, Merlot is a great starting point.
Best White Wines for Festive Feasts
White wines bring essential brightness to holiday menus, their acidity cutting through rich dishes while enhancing delicate flavors. They’re particularly valuable when your feast includes seafood, creamy sides, or lighter proteins.
Chardonnay
Medium-bodied with notes of apple, pear, and subtle toasted oak, Chardonnay is remarkably versatile at the holiday table. Its balanced richness pairs beautifully with seafood, creamy casseroles, and buttery side dishes—think scalloped potatoes or green bean casserole enhanced with cream.
Chardonnay shines at holiday brunches, where its ability to complement both sweet and savory dishes makes menu planning effortless. The wine’s subtle oak integration adds complexity without overwhelming delicate flavors, creating harmony across diverse dishes. For a deeper look at flavor nuances and pairing potential, explore what Chardonnay tastes like.
Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and vibrant, Sauvignon Blanc delivers zesty citrus and herbal notes that brighten any gathering. This wine matches beautifully with salads, vegetable dishes, and goat cheese appetizers, providing a refreshing counterpoint to richer menu items.
For celebrations in warmer regions or when entertaining outdoors, Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity and typically lower alcohol content make it an ideal choice that refreshes rather than weighs down the palate.
Sparkling Wines for Toasting and Celebration
Few things signal celebration quite like the pop of a cork and the cascade of bubbles in a glass. Sparkling wines bring an element of joy to any occasion, their effervescence lifting spirits and enhancing flavors in unexpected ways.
Bubbles That Elevate Every Moment
Sparkling wines offer bright acidity with hints of pear and citrus, creating a palate-cleansing effect that makes them remarkably versatile. They’re exceptional for toasts at New Year’s Eve gatherings, perfect alongside holiday brunch spreads, and surprisingly delightful when paired with cheese boards and even chocolate desserts.
The versatility of sparkling wine extends beyond special toasts. Its acidity cuts through fried foods beautifully, making it an excellent choice for appetizer hours when guests are grazing on rich, varied selections.
Wine Pairing Ideas for Classic Holiday Dishes
Creating harmonious pairings between wine for holidays and traditional dishes enhances both elements, revealing new dimensions in familiar flavors:
- Turkey or Chicken: Pinot Noir or Chardonnay complements poultry’s delicate flavors without overwhelming them
- Roast Beef or Lamb: Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structure needed to stand up to rich, marbled cuts
- Seafood or Shellfish: Sauvignon Blanc enhances oceanic flavors with its bright acidity and citrus notes
- Cheese Boards: Sparkling wine navigates the diversity of flavors beautifully, from mild fresh cheeses to aged selections
- Desserts (Chocolate, Pie): Merlot or sparkling wine offers sweet fruit notes that complement rather than compete with dessert flavors
These pairings work because they honor a simple truth: the best combinations balance weight, intensity, and flavor—creating harmony in which each element enhances the other. You can explore more inspiration in our wine and food pairing guide.
Choosing the Right Wine for Every Celebration
The setting and mood of your gathering should inform your wine selections as much as your menu. Different occasions call for different approaches to hospitality.
For intimate dinners, consider Merlot or Pinot Noir—wines that encourage lingering conversation and create a sense of warmth without demanding attention. Their approachable character allows the focus to remain on connection rather than performance.
Large family feasts benefit from red Cabernet Sauvignon or white Chardonnay wines—wines with enough structure and character to hold their own alongside diverse, boldly flavored dishes. These selections satisfy varied palates while maintaining cohesion across the meal.
For casual holiday parties, Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine offers refreshment and versatility. These wines work beautifully as guests arrive and throughout the evening, pairing effortlessly with passed appetizers and standing conversations.
The key is matching your wine selections to your guests’ preferences and the style of your gathering. When in doubt, offering both red and white options ensures everyone finds something they’ll enjoy. Consider exploring wine sampler collections to provide variety without overwhelming yourself with decisions.
How to Serve Wine During the Holidays
Serving wine well can make a significant difference in its taste and quality. A thoughtfully chosen bottle deserves to be enjoyed at its best, and small adjustments to temperature, aeration, and glassware can enhance every sip.
Temperature matters. Reds reveal their depth and structure at 60 to 64°F, while whites express their freshness between 45 and 55°F. Serving wines too warm can mute their balance, while overchilling can hide aromatics and texture.
Let the wine breathe. Decanting young reds or even richer whites helps them open up, allowing oxygen to soften tannins and highlight subtler aromas. Even a few minutes of aeration can elevate a wine’s flavor profile, especially for bold varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Choose glassware with intention. A wider bowl helps red wines develop aroma, while narrower glasses preserve the crisp character of whites and sparkling wines. The right vessel encourages the wine to unfold naturally, creating a seamless balance between taste and atmosphere.
For detailed serving and storage recommendations, see our post on wine temperature best practices.
How to Store Wine for the Holidays
Keeping wine at its best until it reaches the table is part of the art of entertaining. With a few careful steps, your bottles will stay fresh, balanced, and ready to pour whenever you celebrate.
Maintain a cool, stable temperature. You should be storing wine around 55°F. Avoid areas where the temperature fluctuates, since heat can dull flavor.
Keep bottles on their sides. This simple habit keeps corks moist and prevents unwanted air from entering the bottle, which helps preserve freshness.
Plan your storage by style. Organize wines in the order you plan to serve them, sparkling and whites near the front, reds and dessert wines at the back. A small wine rack placed in a cool, shaded corner can protect your collection beautifully.
Good storage helps each bottle reflect the care that went into crafting it, from vineyard to glass.
Celebrate the Season with Bonterra
As you plan your holiday gatherings, remember that the wine you choose does more than complement your menu—it reflects your values and creates the atmosphere for memorable moments. At Bonterra, every bottle represents our commitment to organic, regenerative farming practices that honor the earth and crafting wines of exceptional character. Whether you’re trying a new varietal or hosting a great dinner, or celebrating the day with delicious company, Bonterra wines are made to be shared and savored. From our vineyards to your table, we invite you to explore how thoughtfully made wines can elevate every celebration.
Whether you’re buying wine for a specific occasion or joining our wine subscription to discover new favorites throughout the year, we’re here to help you create holiday moments worth savoring.
This season, let your wine selections tell a story—of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the joy that comes from gathering with those who matter most. Here’s to celebrations that honor both the people at your table and the earth that makes it all possible.
REFERENCES
The Best Wines for Thanksgiving (2024, November 15). Wine Enthusiast. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-pair/thanksgiving-wine-pairings/
VinePair. (2021, December 13). The 12 best wines for Christmas dinner, according to sommeliers. VinePair. https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-for-christmas-dinner/
Wine Enthusiast. (2022, November 23). Holiday wine pairing: The ultimate guide. Wine Enthusiast. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pairings/holiday-wine-pairing-guide/
WSET Global. (2022, April 26). Ideal serving temperatures and top tips for wine storage. https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2022/april/26/ideal-serving-temperatures-and-top-tips-for-wine-storage
