Share This
Ah, the holiday season. A time for celebration, connection, and, of course, great food and wine. Whether you’re hosting a lavish holiday dinner or simply enjoying a cozy evening with loved ones, one thing’s for sure: Wine will be at the heart of it all. The right bottle can elevate a meal, bring people together, and set the tone for unforgettable moments.
But let’s be real. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, choosing the best wine for the holidays can feel a bit daunting. That's why we’ve put together The Ultimate Holiday Wine Guide—your go-to resource for everything wine this season. From the best pairings for your holiday meals to thoughtful gifting ideas, we’ve got you covered. Along the way, we'll highlight some of our favorite wines (ahem, like Kendall-Jackson’s exceptional varietals) that are sure to make your celebrations extra special.
Holiday Wine Pairing Quick Tips
Make your holiday gatherings stress-free with these easy and effective wine pairing suggestions for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Thanksgiving Wines
When it comes to Thanksgiving, you want wines that can handle everything from turkey to cranberry sauce.
- Pinot Noir is always a safe bet. It’s light enough for turkey but has enough body to complement richer sides like stuffing.
- A zesty Zinfandel can be a fun pick if you're serving smoky or spiced dishes.
Remember, it’s all about versatility and balance!
Christmas Wines
For Christmas, you’ll want fuller-bodied wines that pair well with hearty meats and indulgent sides.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic match for prime rib or roast beef. Its bold tannins cut through the meat’s richness.
- If you're serving ham, Merlot is a great choice, as its soft tannins and fruit-forward profile complement the meat’s salty and sweet notes.
- Don’t forget a Rosé—it’s festive and pairs beautifully with charcuterie or lighter holiday appetizers before the big feast.
New Year’s Eve Wines
For ringing in the new year, you can’t go wrong with something sparkling but let’s be honest with ourselves, we do that every year!
- Go outside the norm and look for a still wine like a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Rosé, which are perfect for toasting.
- New Year's Eve is all about fun and celebration, so pick wines that are light, lively, and ready to pair with appetizers or your midnight snack spread.
The Best Holiday Wine Varietals
Now that we know which wines work for the major holidays, let’s look at the broader picture and find the best holiday wines. Below, we’ve curated a list of some of the best holiday wine varieties—each with its unique characteristics and perfect pairings.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a versatile, light-to-medium-bodied red wine that offers a beautiful balance of fruit and earthiness. Its smooth texture and gentle tannins make it ideal for pairing with a variety of holiday dishes, especially turkey, roasted chicken, or pork. It’s also excellent with charcuterie and cheese boards.
Tasting Notes:
Expect aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of earthy spices. It’s fresh, with a silky mouthfeel and soft tannins.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, glazed ham, grilled salmon, duck, soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert).
- Why It Works: Pinot Noir’s acidity and delicate structure complement lighter meats and savory dishes without overpowering them.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir has vibrant red fruit flavors with a touch of oak, making it an ideal pairing for your holiday turkey or roasted root vegetables.
Jackson Estate
2022
Anderson Valley
points
750ml
$45
bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon
Known for its bold and rich character, Cabernet Sauvignon is the go-to red wine for hearty, flavorful meals. With its deep color, firm tannins, and dark fruit flavors, it pairs beautifully with beef and other substantial, winter fare.
Tasting Notes:
Expect aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, with a robust, full-bodied structure and firm tannins. There are often notes of tobacco, oak, and cedar.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Roast beef, prime rib, lamb, aged cheeses, dark chocolate desserts.
- Why It Works: The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon cut through the richness of meats, while its dark fruit and spice notes enhance bold flavors.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
With its rich dark fruit and velvety tannins, the Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for your holiday feast of roast beef or a tender prime rib.
Jackson Estate
2021
Alexander Valley
750ml
$70
bottle
Merlot
Merlot is a popular and approachable red wine, offering softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon while still delivering a sumptuous, velvety texture. It’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of holiday meals, from turkey to beef tenderloin.
Tasting Notes:
Merlot is typically fruit-forward, with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and chocolate. It often has a round, smooth texture with a touch of oak.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Beef Wellington, roasted vegetables, grilled lamb, turkey with stuffing, semi-soft cheeses (Gouda, Havarti).
- Why It Works: Merlot’s smooth mouthfeel and balanced fruitiness make it easy to pair with both lighter and more robust dishes.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Vintner’s Reserve Merlot offers smooth berry flavors and soft tannins, making it a great match for holiday dishes like glazed ham or stuffed turkey.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is known for its bold, spicy character, with flavors that range from juicy red fruit to peppery, smoky notes. Its bold profile makes it an excellent match for the rich, flavorful dishes typically served at holiday meals.
Tasting Notes:
Expect aromas of blackberry, black pepper, and spice, with a medium to full body and zesty acidity. Zinfandel can also have notes of leather and tobacco from oak aging.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Barbecued meats, grilled sausages, spicy stuffing, roasted turkey with smoky rubs, aged cheddar.
- Why It Works: Zinfandel’s bold flavors and spiciness make it a natural companion for richly seasoned and grilled foods, offering a punch of flavor that complements hearty fare.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Zinfandel’s bold spice and dark fruit are a perfect fit for smoky holiday dishes like grilled turkey, barbecue ham, or spiced stuffing.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a classic holiday wine, offering versatility that makes it suitable for both lighter appetizers and richer main dishes. Kendall-Jackson has a Chardonnay for every palate, whether you prefer a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a more full-bodied, oaky version.
Tasting Notes:
Chardonnay can range from fresh and citrusy to rich and buttery, with flavors of apple, lemon, and vanilla. Oaked versions tend to have creamier textures, with notes of toasted nuts and a hint of caramel.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Shrimp, oysters, scallops, lobster, crab cakes, roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert), butternut squash soup.
- Why It Works: The freshness and acidity of an unoaked Chardonnay brighten up seafood and lighter fare, while the creamy texture of an oaked Chardonnay complements richer dishes.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is America’s Favorite Chardonnay for good reason. Enjoy notes of citrus and tropical fruit, making it an ideal match for creamy pastas, mashed potatoes, or roasted chicken.
Jackson Estate
2022
Russian River Valley
points
750ml
$50
bottle
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a zesty, aromatic white wine that offers refreshing acidity, making it an excellent choice for seafood, salads, and lighter appetizers. It’s a great option for those looking for something crisp and invigorating.
Tasting Notes:
Expect bright citrus aromas, with notes of lime, gooseberry, and sometimes a hint of grassiness or herbal character. It’s typically crisp with high acidity.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, goat cheese, light salads, roasted asparagus.
- Why It Works: The acidity and bright citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the fresh, delicate flavors of seafood and vegetables, making it a great choice for lighter holiday dishes.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors are the ideal match for shrimp cocktails, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a winter citrus holiday salad.
Jackson Estate
2022
Lake County
points
750ml
$35
bottle
Rosé
Rosé is a festive, versatile wine that bridges the gap between red and white. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, appetizers, or even served as an aperitif. Rosé’s refreshing character and delicate fruit flavors are a great match for a variety of holiday fare.
Tasting Notes:
Rosé typically has flavors of fresh strawberries, watermelon, and sometimes a touch of citrus. It’s light, crisp, and often has a slight sweetness balanced by acidity.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Food Pairings: Cheese platters, roasted vegetables, grilled seafood, turkey sandwiches, charcuterie.
- Why It Works: The bright acidity and fresh fruit notes make Rosé a great pairing for lighter dishes, and its versatility makes it easy to serve throughout the evening.
Featured Wine from Kendall-Jackson:
The Vintner’s Reserve Rosé is bright and refreshing, making it a festive pairing for light holiday appetizers like charcuterie, goat cheese, or roasted vegetables.
The Art of Wine Gifting
When it comes to gifting wine, it’s about more than just the bottle. It’s about sharing a special experience. Wine makes an ideal gift for nearly any occasion but during the holidays, it’s the perfect way to show appreciation for friends, family, or colleagues.
Choosing the Right Bottle
If you’re not sure where to start, consider the person you're gifting to. A bottle of Chardonnay is always a safe bet. Its versatility and creamy, fruit-forward flavor appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. For someone who enjoys reds, Pinot Noir is a great choice. Its smooth texture and bright fruit flavors make it approachable yet sophisticated. For those who prefer bold, full-bodied wines, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are classics that are sure to impress.
Wine Gift Sets and Boxes
If you really want to step up your wine gifting game, consider a wine gift set or gift box. These thoughtfully curated sets take the guesswork out of the equation and add a touch of luxury to the gift-giving experience. Kendall-Jackson offers beautifully packaged gift sets featuring a selection of their best wines, including their Vintner’s Reserve and Grand Reserve collections. These sets often include special touches like branded glassware or tasting notes, making them a complete and memorable experience.
Holiday Wine Cheat Sheet
Check out our handy infographic to make selecting the perfect wine for every holiday occasion a breeze. Whether you're celebrating with family, at a business party, or relaxing by the beach, we've got the ideal wine for you.
Hosting the Perfect Holiday Wine Party
Now that you know which wines to feature, here’s how to host a fun, stress-free wine party your guests will love.
- Set the Mood: Start with soft lighting—think candles or fairy lights—and add some holiday music to set the tone. You don’t need to go overboard on decorations, but a simple table centerpiece with wine glasses or a festive wine opener will help create a welcoming vibe.
- Choose a Balanced Wine Selection: Offer a variety of wines to suit every taste. Start with a sparkling wine to kick things off—something light and celebratory for toasts and mingling. For whites, a Chardonnay works beautifully with lighter appetizers, while a Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for seafood or fresh salads. For reds, Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost any dish, while a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is ideal for heartier foods like roast beef or charcuterie.
- Make it Interactive: Turn your wine party into a tasting experience. You don’t have to be a sommelier to host a blind tasting—just pour a few wines and have guests guess the varietals. It’s a fun way to spark conversation and encourage everyone to try something new. You can also provide cards with the wine’s tasting notes so that guests can jot down their favorites.
- Pair with Simple, Delicious Bites: Serve a variety of cheeses and appetizers like prosciutto, quiches, and roasted nuts. Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are perfect for cheese platters, while Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with richer foods like sliders or pâté. For dessert, try Kendall-Jackson Late Harvest Chardonnay with fruit tarts or chocolate desserts.
- Keep it Casual and Fun: The most important part of your wine party? Relax and enjoy the company! Don’t stress about the details.
Here’s to Great Wine and Even Better Memories
So, there you have it—no more stress over what to pour with dinner this holiday season. With these simple pairings, you’re set to make any meal a little more special. Whether you’re reaching for a glass of Pinot Noir alongside turkey or uncorking a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with your Christmas roast, Kendall-Jackson has you covered. The key is to have fun with it and let the wine complement the flavors you’re already loving on your plate. So go ahead, pour a glass, and enjoy the season. Here's to great food, great wine, and making memories that will last long after the last glass is empty.
