A Christmas dinner is about more than just delicious food — the right wines complete the picture. You probably recognize the situation: you want to impress your guests with great pairings, but you’re unsure which wine goes best with each dish. Do you go for a bold red, a fresh Chardonnay, or maybe a sparkling dessert wine? Don’t worry: with the right choices, you’ll create a festive harmony where the flavors of the dishes and wines complement each other beautifully.
In this article, you’ll discover how to choose the best wines for every course — from appetizers to dessert. We’ll also share common pitfalls and tips drawn from years of experience at the Amsterdam Wine Academy. With this guide, your Christmas table will become an unforgettable experience.
Why choosing the right wine for Christmas dinner matters
A festive Christmas dinner often includes several courses — starters, a fish course, a meat or poultry main, and of course, a sweet dessert or a rich cheese board. The challenge? Finding the perfect wine for each course.
Benefits of the right pairings:
- Flavors enhance each other: The right wine elevates the dish.
- Variety keeps things interesting: Alternating between red, white, and sparkling wines keeps the experience dynamic.
- More enjoyment at the table: Your guests enjoy not just the food, but also the story behind each wine.
A common mistake is serving a single bottle of heavy red wine throughout the meal. While robust reds can be great with beef or roast turkey, they can easily overpower lighter starters or seafood dishes.
Starters & Light Dishes: A Fresh Start with White Wines
Kick off your Christmas dinner with refined flavors and a fresh tone. Think salmon, carpaccio, or a salad with citrus and nutty flavors. Great options include:
- Chardonnay: Especially creamy styles go well with buttery dishes and sauces.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and citrus aromas pair wonderfully with light dishes and goat cheese.
- Riesling: With lively acidity and notes of apricot and tropical fruit, it’s perfect for spicy or slightly sweet dishes.
- Chenin Blanc: A balance of acidity and sweetness makes it a great match for foie gras or rich starters.
A light, festive opening sets the mood for the evening.
Mains: Red Wines for Meat, Turkey, and Stews
The main course is often the highlight of the Christmas meal. Whether you choose beef, turkey, or a classic roast, the right red wine makes all the difference.
- Pinot Noir: Perfect for turkey and lighter meats due to its earthy notes and soft tannins.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and structured, ideal with beef and rich sauces.
- Primitivo or Zinfandel: Fruity and spicy, these wines pair beautifully with stews or spicy dishes.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Full-bodied and spicy — great with game or hearty dishes.
- Tempranillo (e.g., Rioja): Excellent with spiced roasted meats.
These reds bring balance between the rich flavors of the dish and the wine’s structure.
White Wines with Creamy & Vegetarian Christmas Dishes
Not all mains call for red wine. Serving a vegetarian lasagna, a mushroom dish, or something with a creamy sauce? White wines are often the better choice.
- Chardonnay (oaked): Creamy, oak-aged styles match well with dishes featuring cream and mushrooms.
- Viognier: Floral and fruity with a hint of dried fruit — perfect for seafood and vegetarian dishes.
- Pinot Gris: Its rounded body and apple/pear flavors make it a fit for light fish or rich veggie mains.
These keep the meal balanced without one flavor dominating the others.
Desserts & Cheese: Wines for the Grand Finale
No Christmas dinner is complete without a decadent finish. Whether you’re serving crème brûlée, cheesecake, or a classic cheese board, the right wine will elevate it.
- Dessert wine (e.g., Moscato or sweet Riesling): With notes of apricot and dried fruit — perfect for sweet desserts.
- Moscato: Light and sparkling, adding festive flair to any dessert.
- Sweet Chenin Blanc: Pairs beautifully with rich desserts.
- Cheese board: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc for soft cheeses, or a robust red (like Cabernet) for aged cheeses.
Tip: Serve dessert wines chilled and red cheese wines at room temperature.
A Festive Touch: Sparkling Wine & Mulled Wine
Beyond still wines, some Christmas moments call for bubbles. Sparkling wine is perfect to open the evening or serve with cheese. For a traditional vibe, warm mulled wine with cinnamon and cloves instantly brings holiday cheer. Every festive table deserves a festive wine!
Expertise from the Amsterdam Wine Academy
At the Amsterdam Wine Academy, we know how crucial the right wine is. With years of experience, certified WSET courses, and countless tastings, we’ve helped thousands of wine lovers select wines confidently. Whether you’re looking to learn more about styles or want to go pro, our courses are both accessible and expert-led. We help you find the best wine for every dish — tailored to your preferences.
Curious? Discover our WSET wine courses and take your wine knowledge to the next level.
FAQs – Wines for a Perfect Christmas Dinner
1. What wine goes best with turkey?
Pinot Noir or a light Chardonnay match the subtle flavors of turkey. It’s not just about red wines for Christmas.
2. What wine should I serve with a cheese board?
It depends on the cheeses. Crisp whites work well with soft cheeses, while a bold Cabernet pairs with aged cheese. Gourmet wines can also be a great fit.
3. Should I chill red wine for Christmas dinner?
Not quite. Serve it at room temperature (16–18°C). Too warm loses freshness, too cold mutes aromas. Proper temperature brings out the best in the wine.
Complete Your Christmas Dinner with the Right Wine
With the right wine choices, your Christmas dinner becomes an unforgettable night. Whether you opt for an elegant Chardonnay, a powerful Cabernet, or a festive Moscato, there’s always a wine to complement your dishes.
Want to learn more about wine pairing or become a confident wine lover? Sign up for a WSET course at Amsterdam Wine Academy and discover how to find the perfect wine for every course.
