How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Wine: A Vivat Bacchus Guide
Christmas wines don’t need to come with a rulebook. The best bottle is the one that fits the food on the table, the people around it, and the kind of evening you’re having—whether that’s a full sit-down roast or something more relaxed with sharing plates and conversation.
At Vivat Bacchus, we love wines with personality—crafted with care, food-friendly, and made to elevate the moments that matter during the festive season.
Start with the Menu (Then Keep It Simple)
If you’d like a fuss-free way to choose, think in terms of “lighter dishes” vs “richer dishes,” and you’ll rarely go wrong.
Turkey, Ham, and Classic Trimmings
Aim for fresh, medium-bodied reds that won’t dominate the plate. Styles like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are ideal: bright fruit, gentle tannins, and plenty of lift alongside cranberry, stuffing, and roast potatoes.
Beef, Lamb, or Anything Slow-Cooked
For deeper flavours, step up to bolder reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. These bring structure and warmth—perfect when the meal is rich, savoury, and built for lingering.
Seafood Starters or Vegetarian Mains
Choose whites with crispness and clarity, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a cool-climate Chardonnay with good balance. They sit beautifully with lighter sauces, herbs, and roasted vegetables.
Keep a Rosé in Reserve
When you’re serving a mix of dishes—or you’re not sure what everyone will want—rosé is an excellent safety net. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and works well from nibbles through to the main course.
Make Room for Sparkling Wine
If there’s one festive staple worth prioritising, it’s bubbles. Champagne, Crémant, and Prosecco all do the job: they brighten the table, suit a wide range of foods, and instantly feel celebratory.
Why Sparkling Works at Christmas
Sparkling wine refreshes the palate, cuts through richer flavours, and keeps everything feeling light—even when the menu is anything but.
The Best Choice Is the One You’ll Enjoy Drinking
Pairing is helpful, but Christmas isn’t an exam. If you already know what you love, build around that—and pour with confidence.
A Good Rule of Thumb
Choose wines you’d happily drink on their own. If it’s delicious in the glass, it’s very likely to be delicious with the meal.
Final Pour
A great Christmas bottle is about mood as much as matching. Start with the food, add a celebratory sparkling option, keep something versatile on hand, and trust your taste. If you’d like a recommendation, the Vivat Bacchus team can point you towards bottles that suit your menu—and your evening.
