Best Wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2025

The holidays always bring that moment when you're sitting around the table and think, " Which wine should I open with this?" December calls for wines that make it just that little bit more special. Not necessarily heavier, but wines with a story, a beautiful provenance, and enough excitement to make a Christmas dinner or New Year's Eve feel extra special. This 2025 guide gives you a clear overview of which styles suit the dishes and moments that are central to December. You'll also find the easiest way to make that choice, because at Perfecte Wijn you'll find a suitable option for every occasion.

Choosing wine for Christmas dinner

A classic Christmas dinner isn't just about the food on the table, but above all about balance. A wine that complements the dish creates a warm and complete meal. Red wines from regions like Rioja, Bordeaux, or Piedmont often pair well with stews, grilled meats, or rich sauces . White wines from Burgundy or Limoux, on the other hand, emphasize the refinement of poultry or creamy fish dishes . The origin plays a significant role, as wine regions with cooler nights produce wines that offer more excitement and therefore pair better with multiple courses.

Bubbles for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve calls for bubbles that are festive from the first sip. Champagne remains the most popular choice because it's made using the traditional method. This means the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, resulting in a fine mousse and a more luxurious aroma and texture. Cava works according to the same principle and is often more affordable. Franciacorta, from Lombardy, uses the same technique, but often uses grapes from higher-altitude vineyards. This gives it a livelier character without being heavy. For those looking for something more accessible, there are also sparkling wines like Prosecco, bottled straight from the tank. This style is perfect for large groups or as a way to start the evening.

Champagne

Franciacorta

Prosecco

How much wine do you need for the holidays?

A common question at the end of the year is how much wine to stock up on. For a four-course dinner, one and a half bottles for two people is usually ideal. For New Year's Eve, count on one bottle of bubbly for three to four people, depending on the time of day and whether you want to toast multiple times. If you're just toasting with it, you'll get nine glasses out of one bottle (based on standard flutes). By planning this in advance, you avoid having to order more at the last minute. It's better to buy a bit more, of course. After all, the advantage of wine is that it won't spoil tomorrow.

The best choice when you can't choose

When a dinner features a variety of flavors or your guests have different preferences, wines from regions like Spain or the South of France are often a safe bet. These regions offer both red and white styles that are versatile. Champagne always works for sparkling wine, of course, but a good Cava or Franciacorta also adds the same festive touch without being tied to a single flavor.

Buy your wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve on time

In December, you often get access to the best deals, which sometimes even start during Black Friday . Many wines are extra competitively priced in November and December, making it worthwhile to stock up early. You'll also avoid popular bottles selling out. Stock can drop quickly towards Christmas, so buying early is always wise.

Which wines go well with shellfish?

With dishes featuring shrimp, scallops, or oysters, a wine from regions with chalky soils often works well. These soils give wines a tighter structure and a pure style. Think of wines from Chablis or from the south of France at higher elevations. Sparkling wines like Champagne also complement this well, as their fresh style complements the natural character of shellfish.

What do you drink with desserts?

A wine with natural sweetness works best with desserts. Consider classic dessert styles like Port with long aging. The longer the aging, the more complex the aromas. Tawny Port with ten or twenty years of aging often pairs well with nut, chocolate, or caramel desserts. For lighter desserts like lemon or red fruit, a sparkling wine with limited residual sugar is a better choice. This keeps the whole thing fresh instead of heavy.

Tips for smart combinations

If you want to make things easy on yourself, choose a red wine with a smooth style and a white wine with a refined structure. This way, you can accompany almost any dish at Christmas dinner without having to open many different bottles. For New Year's Eve, let the sparkling wine take center stage. By choosing a single, attractive label, you'll make an immediate impression, and the evening's program will feel festive from the start.