Christmas is the season of celebration, indulgence, and gathering around the table with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a traditional turkey dinner, a casual Boxing Day buffet, or simply enjoying festive nibbles with friends, having the right drinks can make all the difference.
This year, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Christmas wine pairings that includes something for everyone—from classic wines to brilliant alcohol-free alternatives. Let’s raise a glass (or two!) to the most wonderful time of the year!
The Alcohol-Free Star: Nozeco Bucks Fizz
Best for: Christmas morning, designated drivers, pregnant guests, and anyone choosing not to drink alcohol
Let’s start with an absolute gem that deserves a spotlight: Nozeco Bucks Fizz Alcohol Free from Morrisons.
Gone are the days when alcohol-free options meant sacrificing flavour or feeling left out of the celebrations. This Nozeco Bucks Fizz is a game-changer, and here’s why it’s perfect for Christmas:
Why I Love It: – Festive and celebratory without the alcohol – Perfect for Christmas morning Buck’s Fizz tradition – Ideal for pregnant guests, designated drivers, or anyone choosing not to drink – The orange and sparkling combination feels special and seasonal – Available at Morrisons with More Card exclusive pricing
Perfect Pairings: – Christmas morning breakfast and pastries – Smoked salmon and cream cheese canapés – Light fruit-based desserts – Afternoon tea with mince pies – New Year’s Day brunch
Having alcohol-free options that actually taste delicious means everyone can join in the toasts and celebrations. The Nozeco Bucks Fizz delivers on flavour while keeping things inclusive.
White Wine Wonder: San Pedro 35 South Sauvignon Blanc
Best for: Turkey, chicken, seafood, and lighter Christmas dishes
Now let’s talk about a brilliant white wine option from Sainsbury’s: the San Pedro 35 South Sauvignon Blanc.
This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is an absolute steal and punches well above its price point—perfect for Christmas when you’re catering for a crowd.
Tasting Profile: – Bright citrus notes of grapefruit and tangerine – Herbal undertones that complement traditional stuffing – Crisp and refreshing palate – Mineral hints add sophistication
Why It’s Perfect for Christmas Dinner:
The fresh, zesty character of this Sauvignon Blanc from Sainsbury’s cuts beautifully through rich, buttery dishes. The citrus notes balance the heaviness of gravy and roasted vegetables, while the herbal quality complements sage and onion stuffing perfectly.
Food Pairing Ideas: – Roast turkey with all the trimmings – Baked salmon or other fish dishes – Chicken with herb butter – Goat’s cheese or soft cheese starters – Vegetable gratins and roasted Brussels sprouts – Seafood starters like prawns or scallops
Stock up on the San Pedro Sauvignon Blanc at Sainsbury’s—at this price, you can afford to be generous with refills!
Elevate Your Experience: Glasvin Premium Glassware
Best for: Making every sip feel special
Here’s something I’ve discovered that genuinely transforms the wine-drinking experience: Glasvin glassware. If you’ve ever wondered whether the glass really makes a difference, I’m here to tell you—it absolutely does.
What Makes Glasvin Special:
Glasvin creates ultra-light, ultra-thin, hand-blown glasses that are used by over 100 restaurants and wineries worldwide. These aren’t just pretty glasses; they’re designed to bring out the widest range of aromas in your wine.
Why I’m Obsessed:
- Decadently delicate yet surprisingly dishwasher safe
- Hand-blown craftsmanship at accessible prices
- Trusted by world-class restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments
- Makes every wine taste better (seriously!)
- Perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions
The Christmas Connection:
Imagine serving your San Pedro Sauvignon Blanc or Nozeco Bucks Fizz in these stunning glasses. The weightless feel, the elegant design, the way they enhance every aroma—it turns a simple glass of wine into an experience.
Glasvin’s Bestsellers for Christmas:
The Universal
- Perfect all-rounder for reds and whites
- Ideal for Christmas dinner when you’re serving multiple wines
- Elegant enough to impress guests
The Champagne/Sparkling Glass
- Designed specifically for bubbles
- Makes your Prosecco or Nozeco feel extra special
- Perfect for Christmas morning toasts
The Expression
- For fuller-bodied reds
- Brings out complex flavours in Rioja or Shiraz
- Stunning centrepiece for your table
Gift-Worthy:
Glasvin glassware also makes an incredible Christmas gift for wine lovers. They offer a 75-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in trying them. Trust me, once you’ve experienced wine in these glasses, you’ll never want to go back!
Tesco’s Christmas Wine Selection
Best for: Variety and convenience in one shopping trip
Tesco offers an excellent range of wines perfect for Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re looking for reds, whites, or sparkling options, Tesco’s wine selection has you covered.
Why Shop at Tesco for Christmas Wines: – Clubcard Prices offer excellent value – Wide selection from budget to premium – Convenient one-stop shopping for all your Christmas needs – Regular wine offers throughout December
Top Wine Categories at Tesco:
Sparkling Wines Perfect for aperitifs and celebrations, Tesco’s sparkling wine range includes Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne options for every budget.
Red Wines From light Pinot Noirs to robust Shirazes, Tesco’s red wine selection pairs beautifully with beef, lamb, and rich vegetarian mains.
White Wines Crisp Sauvignon Blancs, buttery Chardonnays, and aromatic Pinot Grigios—Tesco has white wines for every palate and dish.
Red Wine Recommendations for Christmas
Best for: Beef, lamb, duck, and hearty mains
If you’re serving red meat or prefer fuller-bodied wines, here are my top red wine picks for Christmas:
Pinot Noir – Lighter red that won’t overpower turkey – Beautiful earthy notes – Perfect with duck or goose – Works wonderfully with mushroom dishes
Merlot – Smooth, approachable, crowd-pleasing – Ideal with beef Wellington – Soft tannins complement rich gravies – Great all-rounder for mixed menus
Rioja – Spanish elegance for your table – Pairs brilliantly with glazed ham – Slight sweetness works with honey glazes – Aged Rioja adds sophistication
Shiraz/Syrah – Bold choice for lamb or venison – Spicy, peppery notes – Stands up to strong flavours – Perfect for cheese courses
Sparkling Wines: Starting with Celebration
Best for: Aperitifs, toasts, and festive moments
No Christmas is complete without bubbles! Here’s how to choose:
Prosecco – Affordable and crowd-pleasing – Light, fruity, easy-drinking – Perfect with canapés and nibbles
Cava – Spanish sparkler with great value – Slightly drier than Prosecco – Excellent with salty appetisers
Champagne – The ultimate celebration wine – Splurge-worthy for special toasts – Pairs beautifully with oysters and seafood
Alcohol-Free Sparklers – Nozeco Bucks Fizz from Morrisons leads the pack – Inclusive for all guests – No compromise on festive feeling
Sweet Endings: Dessert Wine Pairings
Best for: Christmas pudding, mince pies, and cheese boards
Port The quintessential Christmas choice: – Rich, sweet, warming – Divine with Christmas pudding – Perfect with Stilton and blue cheese – Traditional and timeless
Late Harvest Wines – Beautifully sweet without being heavy – Gorgeous with fruit-based desserts – Pairs well with lighter cakes
Moscato – Light, sparkling, sweet – Perfect with panettone – Great for guests who find port too strong
Building Your Christmas Drinks Selection
For 8-10 guests, stock: – 2-3 bottles of sparkling wine (including Nozeco alcohol-free option) – 3-4 bottles of white wine (like San Pedro from Sainsbury’s) – 3-4 bottles of red wine (check Tesco’s selection) – 1-2 bottles of dessert wine or port – 2-3 bottles of alcohol-free alternatives
Where to Shop for Christmas Wines
Sainsbury’s – Excellent value wines like the San Pedro Sauvignon Blanc – Nectar points on purchases – Good range of international wines
Morrisons – Brilliant alcohol-free options like Nozeco Bucks Fizz – More Card exclusive prices – Great for budget-conscious shoppers
Tesco – Comprehensive wine selection across all categories – Clubcard Prices offer excellent value – Convenient one-stop shopping
Wine Serving Tips for Christmas
Temperature: – White wines: Chill 2-3 hours before serving – Red wines: Room temperature (open 30 minutes early) – Sparkling wines: Keep properly chilled throughout – Alcohol-free options: Serve chilled like their alcoholic counterparts
Glassware: – Use proper wine glasses if available – Separate glasses for red and white – Keep glasses topped up but not overfilled
Timing: – Open reds early to breathe – Keep whites and sparklers in ice buckets – Have backup bottles chilled and ready
My Top Christmas Picks Summary
If I had to choose my absolute favourites for Christmas 2024:
- Best Alcohol-Free: Nozeco Bucks Fizz from Morrisons—inclusive, delicious, and festive
- Best Value White: San Pedro Sauvignon Blanc from Sainsbury’s—versatile and affordable
- Best Selection: Tesco’s wine range—something for everyone
Final Thoughts
The perfect Christmas wine selection doesn’t have to break the bank or be complicated. Focus on: – Quality over quantity (but have enough!) – Variety to suit all tastes and dietary choices – Inclusivity with excellent alcohol-free options like Nozeco – Value from supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Tesco
This Christmas, raise a glass to good food, great company, and wines that make both even better. Whether you’re sipping the San Pedro Sauvignon Blanc, toasting with Nozeco Bucks Fizz, or exploring Tesco’s wine selection, there’s a perfect pairing waiting for you.
Cheers to a delicious and inclusive Christmas! 🍷✨
What’s your favourite Christmas wine? Share your recommendations in the comments!
