It’s safe to say Christmas is well and truly here, meaning there are plenty of reasons to pour a glass of something special. From festive parties to the big day itself, wine is just as important as the food throughout the holiday period. With this in mind, we asked six wine experts to pluck out one bottle that’s sure to impress guests.
We’ve gathered recommendations from the wine world’s top sommeliers, buyers, directors and IWSC Judges for the wines they will be pouring and enjoying throughout Christmas. These tips should help you break away from the conventional Christmas Day fare.
In our list you’ll find a variety of wines to pair with your turkey, an expert recommendation for a volcanic wine perfect for those seeking something different and even a special bottle of Marsala perfect for blue cheese or dark chocolate desserts. Whether you’re planning a small soirée or a big family bash, these top wines are fit for the festive season.
Six festive wines to crack open this Christmas
Blank Bottle, Little William 2022
‘Little William is always a top bottling from Pieter Walser, one of South Africa’s most dynamic winemakers. The dark-fruited, mineral, and wonderfully aromatic Syrah is elegant and comforting – perfect for the festive season.
But if there’s something that I like just as much as Pieter’s wines, it’s the hand-drawn labels and the stories behind them. The label shows the winding road of the mountain pass from which the wine is sourced, recalling a time Pieter found a young child by the name of William standing on the road.
The intimate story behind it (of which there’s an audio file on Pieter’s website) and the self-drawn label make this wine feel like a handmade, personal Christmas card in drinkable form.’
Burlotto, Verduno Pelaverga GB 2023
- £16.50, The Wine Society
- Recommended by Melania Battiston, wine director at Cornus
‘As I spent the last Christmas in Thailand, far away from home and loved ones, drinking some cold Chang and very little Champagne, this year I would like to honour Italy and especially the place I am from. In Italy, there is no meat on Christmas Eve: December 24 is traditionally fish-based recipes and veggies, something lean to purify your body before the holiday. Perhaps ‘lean’ cannot exist during the festive seasons in food, however, we can find it in wine.
A rounded wine that can complement both fish and lean meat (including turkey if you’re having Christmas in the UK) is Pelaverga by Burlotto, Verduno, Piedmont. Pelaverga is a very special, rare red variety that produces light-coloured wines with a distinctive, lifted strawberry aroma accompanied by scents of wild flowers and mediterranean herbs. Burlotto makes it incredibly perfumed and charming. It will be the ideal crowd-pleaser for a big crowd around the table.’
Weingut Full, ‘Full of Rage’ Orange 2022
- £30, Good Pair Days
- Recommended by Harry Crowther, wine buyer at Good Pair Days
‘I have picked this wine because of its versatility with a range of dishes and approachability for the orange/skin contact category. More importantly, it will pair excellently with turkey on Christmas Day.’
‘Made from Pinot Gris, this is a versatile, low-extraction orange wine from one of Germany’s hottest winemaking talents, Christopher Full. Our wine team recently discovered this whizz-kid back in early 2023 on a trip to Germany and his outstanding, superb range of small-batch, hand-crafted wines are nothing short of exceptional.’
Domaine Barmes-Buecher, Grand Cru Steingrubler Gewurztraminer 2021
- £51.90, Vins-Clairs
- Recommended by Philipp Reinstaller, IWSC judge and head sommelier at Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London
‘If you want to surprise your friends and family on Christmas, this is the bottle of wine I would choose. With the vines planted on the highest part of the vineyard, close to the forest, from a Grand Cru vineyard rich in granite soil, it creates a new, refreshing style of Gewurztraminer, which shows sensational vibrancy and vivacity.
The 27 grams of residual sugar are well integrated and perfectly balanced by the acidity, which makes the wine extremely versatile and great with food. Particularly, during the festive season, with dishes containing sweet spices, ginger and citrus fruits. Think of glazed Christmas hams, roast duck with orange or Trout Almondine.’
Marco De Bartoli, Marsala Superiore Riserva 2004
- £63, Sip Wines
- Recommended by Vincenzo Arnese, wine director at Raffles London at The OWO
‘As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the extraordinary world of Marsala.
The 2004 Marsala Superiore Riserva from Marco De Bartoli is an indulgence that promises to delight those who appreciate the depth and complexity of a traditionally crafted Sicilian wine. While often overshadowed by other dessert wines, Marsala deserves a spotlight for its versatility, especially when paired with rich desserts or savoured as a luxurious after-dinner treat.
This exceptional Marsala opens with alluring aromas of dried figs, raisins, and roasted nuts, complemented by hints of honey and delicate spices. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied richness with flavours of caramel, toffee, and a whisper of coffee, all balanced by a sweetness that never overwhelms. The wine’s long, lingering finish is marked by a refined acidity, adding layers of elegance to its depth.
Whether enjoyed with creamy blue cheese or dark chocolate desserts, the 2004 Marsala Superiore Riserva is best served slightly chilled. It’s a wine made for sharing, perfect for those special moments during the holidays when you want to elevate your festive indulgences.’
Hatzidakis, Assyrtiko ‘Cuvée No.15’ 2022
- £60.50, Shrine to the Vine
- Recommended by Charles Alford, head sommelier at Le Manoir aux Quat’saisson, A Belmond Hotel
‘Hatzidakis Winery, established in 1997 by Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chryssou, is located on the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece. Known for their commitment to organic farming from the very beginning, the winery produces wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the island while prioritising environmental sustainability.
The Assyrtiko grape, native to Santorini, thrives in the island’s hot climate and volcanic soil. It is known for its ability to create wines that are powerful, well-structured, and full-bodied, yet maintain a refreshing acidity. These wines are complex, with flavours of ripe citrus and stone fruits, complemented by a characteristic salinity, and a long, warming finish.
Perfect for the holiday season, this Assyrtiko is an excellent choice for those looking to explore something a little different. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for festive meals.’
