Holiday Wine Guide & Pairings 2025 Edition

The Occasional Wino

End of year holidays are coming up and planning for those big meals can be daunting. Add wine pairings and it can be downright stressful. No need to fret, the perfect wines are usually the ones you like most, but how you pick the right wines throughout your holiday meal plan can make a big difference in highlighting both the dish and the wine.

There is no real science here, but there are a few general rules to wine and food pairing upon which most wine experts will agree. We’ll borrow from the International Court of Master Sommeliers’ guidance on how to approach lining up wines with your meal:

General Guidelines for Pairing Wine with Meals

●    Progress from lighter to fuller wines and from drier to sweeter

●    Match the weight of the food with the weight of the wine

●    Acidity needs acidity

●    Fish oils love acidity but hate tannins

●    Tannins love fat, except for fish oils

●    Acidity cuts saltiness

●    Sweets need sweets

●    Alcohol + spicy = fire

●    Spicy + sugar = no fire

●    Local wines are usually best paired with local foods

‍

There are also a few foods that are generally more difficult to find traditional wine pairing partners for varying reasons. If you can keep these off your November or December holiday menus,wine pairing will be easier. Some of these include:

●    Vegetable soup

●    Artichokes (Cynarine content)

●    Asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc. (organosulfur content)

●    Smoked foods

●    Pickles or pickled foods / sauces

●    Chocolate

●    Blue cheese

‍

Most of these have chemical compounds that make pairing difficult, while others are a bit more obvious. Either way, if you can steer clear of adding these foods to your holiday meal menus, wine pairing will be that much easier.

Let’s go through our own holiday meal wine list to perhaps give you some ideas of what you can do for your holiday table:

‍

Sparkling Wine

Every special occasion should start with a sparkling wine. In fact, there are plenty of these you can drink throughout your entire holiday meal, and they can serve as a palate cleanser if you choose, but for our table, this will serve as our aperitif. Make it a good one as again, holidays are special occasions.

Occasional Wine’s Sparkling Wine Picks:

Top Tier (Sparkling Wine)

●     2008 Krug Vintage Brut - Champagne - 100 Points - $699.95

●     Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Itération No 26 Grande Cuvée - Champagne - 100 Points - $279.95

●     2015 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut - Champagne - 99 Points - $409.95

●     2013 Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut - Champagne - 98 Points - $329.95

●     2015 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Brut - Champagne - 98 Points - $419.95

Incredible Value (Sparkling Wine)

●     2012 Paul Clouet Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs - Pinot Noir - Champagne - 93 Points - $49.95

●     Dumanjin Cuvée 17 - Champagne - 91 Points - $29.95

●     Nathalie Falmet Brut - Champagne - 91 Points - $59.95

‍

American Options (Sparkling Wine)

●    2017 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier - Anderson Valley, CA - 96 Points - $84.95

●    2015 Lytle-Barnett Brut - Willamette Valley, OR - 93 Points - $69.95

Something Different (Sparkling Wine)

●    2009 Gramona Enoteca Brut Nature - Penedes, Spain - 97 Points - $249.95

●    2013 Bellavista Vittorio Moretti Franciacorta Riserva Extra Brut DOCG - Lombardia, Italy - 95 Points - $149.95

●    2021 Medici Ermete “Phermento” Lambrusco di Sorbara - Emilia Romagna, Italy - 92 Points - $26.95

‍

The Cava from Spain and the Franciacorta from Italy are wines made in the same way as the Champagne and sparkling wines from France and the US included in our recommendations above.  The Cava is made from Spanish Xarel-lo grapes, while the Franciacorta is made from Chardonnay.

The Lambrusco may seem a bit of a surprise here, but truth be told this slightly sweet, effervescent red wine pairs really well with just about anything you’re serving for Thanksgiving, and you can find pretty good ones at reasonable prices.

‍

Sauvignon Blanc

These are acidic, herbal, sometimes mineral white wines that pair well with your salads, green beans, or the other green vegetables that might be on your holiday meal table.

Occasional Wine picks:

Top Tier (Sauvignon Blanc)

●     2021 Jermann Vintage Tunina - Friuli-Venezia, Italy - 96 Points - $74.95

●     2020 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, NZ - 95 Points - $54.95

●     2019 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre d’Antan - Loire Valley, France - 94 Points - $59

Incredible Value (Sauvignon Blanc)

●     2023 Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, NZ - 93 Points - $19.95

●     2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, NZ- 94 Points - $23.95

●     2022 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc - Adelaide Hills, Australia - 93 Points - $24.95

American Options (Sauvignon Blanc)

●    2019 Grieve Family Sauvignon Blanc - Napa Valley, CA - 93 Points - $64.95

●    2022 Quattro Theory Sauvignon Blanc - Napa Valley, CA - 92 Points - $29.95

Something Different (Sauvignon Blanc)

●     2017 Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Sémillon - Hunter Valley, Australia - 97 Points - $69.95

●     2022 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc - Sémillon & Sauvignon Blanc blend - Columbia Valley, WA - 94 Points - $24.95

●     2019 Chateau Bouscaut Grand Cru Classe de Graves Pessac-Leognan Blanc - Sémillon & Sauvignon blend - Bordeaux, France - 92 Points - $29.95

The Sémillon / Sauvignon Blanc blends are, as a standard, referred to as “Bordeaux Blancs.” In these, the Sauvignon Blanc provides the acidity while the Sémillon provides the body.  As such, these are a bit heavier and the Sémillon also softens the acidity a bit. If you want to tone down the acidity a bit, these might be a great alternative. Sémillon on its own is also a great option, though many of these are dessert wines you will find in the dessert part of this blog, many are dry, like the Tyrrell’s above.

‍

Chardonnay

If you’re going to stick with white wines throughout the meal, you might consider taking a step up in body. A Chardonnay, particularly those big creamy butter bombs from California, might just be the ticket. These will compliment your turkey and your cream sauces, gravies, and buttered rolls.

Occasional Wine’s Chardonnay Picks:

Top Tier Chardonnays

●     2022 Père & Fils Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru - Burgundy, France - 100 Points - $644.95

●     2023 RAEN Lady Marjorie Cuvée' Chardonnay - Sonoma Coast, CA - 99 Points - $74.95

●     2018 Aubert UV-SL Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA - 98 Points - $179.95

●     2017 Peter Michael 'Ma Belle-Fille' Chardonnay - Sonoma, CA - 98 Points - $139.95

●     2019 Simonnet-Febvre Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru - Burgundy, France - 96 Points - $119.95

Incredible Value Chardonnays

●     2021 El Enemigo Chardonnay - Mendoza, Argentina - 97 Points - $27.95

●     2022 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Chardonnay - Sonoma, CA - 93 Points - $29.95

●     2022 Soléna Estate Chardonnay - Willamette Valley, OR - 93 Points - $29.95

●     2022 Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay - Sonoma, CA - 91 Points - $28.95

●     2021 Neyers Vineyards Chardonnay - Sonoma, CA - 93 Points - $33.95

‍

The European offerings are a lot less buttery than their US counterparts so if you’re looking for wines with less pronounced fruit and greater mineral notes, the European offerings are likely a better choice for you.

‍

Pinot Noir

This is perhaps the most important red wine to highlight for your holiday feast as it pretty much will accompany everything on your menu. It has the acidity, reasonable tannin, and the fruit to compliment the whole gamut of meal options.

Occasional Wine’s Pinot Noir Picks:

Top Tier (Pinot Noir)

●     2023 RAEN 'Royal St. Robert Cuvée' Pinot Noir - Sonoma, CA - 99 Points - $78.95

●     2019 Louis Latour Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru - Burgundy, France - 98 Points - $229.95

●     2015 Aubert UV Vineyard Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast, CA - 97 Points - $239.95

●     2022 Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts - Burgundy, France - 97 Points - $159.95

●     2021 Cobb Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir - Sonoma, CA - 97 Points - $124.95

Incredible Value (Pinot Noir)

●     2021 Roar Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir - Santa Lucia Highlands, CA - 97 Points - $74.95

●     2021 Lucia by Pisoni Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir - Santa Lucia Highlands, CA - 97 Points - $76.95

●     2021 Domaine Drouhin 'Laurène' Dundee Hills Pinot Noir - Willamette, OR - 96 Points - $69.95

●     2022 Hundred Suns Bednarik Vineyard Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, OR - 96 Points - $52.95

●     2020 Foxen Block 43 - Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir - Santa Barbara, CA - 95 Points - $69.95

●     2022 Purple Hands Haakon / Lenai Vineyard Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, OR - 95 Points - $49.95

●     2021 Alfaro Small Lots Heirloom Clones Estate Pinot Noir - Santa Cruz Mountains, CA - 95 Points - $36.95

Interesting Alternatives (Pinot Noir)

●     2016 Paolo Scavino Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva Barolo - Piemonte, Italy - 100 Points - $209.95

●     2018 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole DOCG - Piemonte, Italy - 95 Points - $109.95

●     2018 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG - Piemonte, Italy - 95 Points - $54.95

●     2018 Château de La Chaize Côte de Brouilly Lieu-dit 'Brûlhier' - Beaujolais, France - 92 Points - $48.95

●     2019 Alphonse Mellot Vingt Mille Pieds Sous Rosé - Sancerre, France -  91 Points - $76.95

●     2022 Bouchaine Vin Gris of Pinot Noir - Napa Valley, CA - 90 Points - $29.95

‍

If Pinot is a bit too light for you and Cabernets too heavy, perhaps a Barolo or Barbaresco is a good alternative.  Both are made from the same Nebbiolo grape, just produced in 2 adjacent regions.  It is a lighter grape than its given credit for, given the tannin content, but it goes particularly well with veal, duck, venison, cured meats, and just about all the savory fixins you might have to accompany.

Beaujolais is a 100% Gamay wine from the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, France. It is made using carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration which in the end really highlights the fruit in these wines. Coincidentally, the newest productions of these wines (Beaujolais Nouveau) are always launched on the 3rd Thursday in November. These go really well with Thanksgiving dinners, particularly those with lots of sweet dishes (e.g., candied yams), and have a lot less tannin so they also go well with any color of meat.

‍

GSM Blends

GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, which are the standard wines of the Rhone Valley in France. These are largely easy drinking wines, particularly those with higher concentrations of the lighter Grenache grape, that go with just about everything, but of course these are better when the meat and stuffing makes it to the table. If you’re serving smoked turkey, GSMs that are heavier on the Syrah and/or Mourvedre might be better bets, but you really can’t miss here.

Occasional Wine’s GSM Blend Picks:

Top Tier (GSM Blends)

●     2019 Domaine del a Solitude Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Secrète - Rhône Valley, France - 98 Points - $189.95

●     2018 L’Aventure Côte à Côte Estate - Paso Robles, CA - 98 Points - $119.95

●     2020 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Le Secret des Sabon - Rhône Valley, France - 97 Points - $209.95

●     2021 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley, France - 96 Points - $109.95

Incredible Value (GSM Blends)

●     2019 Gigondas La Gille - Rhône Valley, France - 94 Points- $36.95

●     2019 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Classique - Rhône Valley, France - 93 Points - $39.95

●     2019 Delas Gigondas Les Reinages - Gigondas, Rhone Valley, France - 92 Points - $38.95

●     2020 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France - 92 Points - $34.95

Something Different (GSM Blends)

●     2023 By Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé - Provence, France - 93 Points - $34.95

●     2020 Château Roubine Rosé Premium Cru Classé - Côtes de Provence, Provence, France - 93 Points - $18.95

●     2022 Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé - Provence, France - 90 Points - $16.95

‍

These rosés are lighter, more refreshing GSMs from Provence, France, the world’s most renowned region for rosé.  

‍

Zinfandel

Zinfandels are a more fruit forward, higher alcohol option that will pair well with your dark turkey meat, pork roast, rib roast, or ham. It also amplifies the flavors of the holiday season - cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, all spice, etc.

Occasional Wine’s Zinfandel Picks:

●     2021 Ridge Geyserville - Sonoma, CA - 97 Points - $49.95

●     2020 Carlisle ‘Carlisle Vineyard’ Zinfandel - Sonoma, CA - 95 Points - $49.95

●     2022 Turley Pesenti Vineyard Zinfandel - Paso Robles, CA - 95 Points - $42.95

●     2020 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel - Sonoma, CA - 94 Points - $39.95

●     2019 Renwood Special Reserve Grandpère Zinfandel - Sierra Foothills, CA - 94 Points - $48.95

●     2018 Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Zinfandel - Napa Valley, CA - 94 Points - $38.95

●     2021 Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel - Napa Valley, CA - 93 Points - $49.95

‍

Cabernet Sauvignon

For those who enjoy beef roasts as their holiday centerpiece, or for those like us who believe that all special occasions call for something truly special from the wine cellar, a big juicy California Cabernet needs to make its way onto the menu.

Occasional Wine’s Cabernet Sauvignon Picks:

Top Tier (Cabernet Sauvignon)

●     2021 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore IGT - Toscana, Italy- 100 Points - $289.95

●     2019 Quintessa - Napa Valley, CA - 100 Points - $229.95

●     2015 Ridge Montebello - Santa Cruz Mountains, CA - 100 Points - $199.95

●     2016 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron Grand Cru Classé Pauillac - Bordeaux, France - 100 Points - $199.95

●     2015 Seña Aconcagua Valley - Aconcagua Valley, Chile - 100 Points - $189.95

●     2021 Chimney Rock Tomahawk Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, CA - 100 Points - $149.95

Incredible Value (Cabernet Sauvignon)

●     2019 Obsidian Ridge Estate Cabernet - Lake County, CA - 93 Points - $29.95

●     2021 Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma, CA - 93 Points - $29.95

●     2021 Vina Robles Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles, CA - 93 Points - $28.95

●     2018 Château Paveil de Luze Margaux - Bordeaux, France - 92 Points - $19.95

●     2021 Raeburn Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma, CA - 92 Points - $28.95

●     2022 Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon - Mendoza, Argentina - 91 Points - $18.95

Something Different (Cabernet Sauvignon)

●     2019 Columella - Stellenbosch, South Africa - 100 Points - $159.95

●     2018 Torbreck 'The Factor' Shiraz - Barossa Valley, Australia - 98 Points - $94.95

●     2019 Jonata Todos Red Blend - Santa Barbara, CA - 97 Points - $56.95

●     2019 Shafer Relentless - Napa Valley, CA - 96 Points - $86.95

●     2020 L'Aventure Optimus - Paso Robles, CA - 95 Points - $64.95

●     2019 Thomas Farge Saint-Joseph Rouge Côte du Pouly - Rhone Valley, France - 95 Points - $48.95

‍

Syrah (aka Shiraz) or Syrah heavy blends are rich and powerful alternatives to Cabernets. There is nothing that goes better with lamb, but these also pair very well with any red meat cooked anyway.  You can find excellent offerings from all over the world as you can see from the selection above.  

‍

Dessert Wine Options

As noted earlier, you’ll want to ensure that your dessert wine is at least as sweet as your dessert to avoid any extreme contrast every time you take a drink. There are plenty of options here to choose from, but we’ll offer a couple of pairing ideas that may come in handy.

●    Pumpkin Pie - Tawny or Vintage Port, Moscato d’Asti, Kabinett-Icewine Riesling, Sauternes, Oloroso Sherry

●    Pecan Pie - Madera (Malmsey or Bual), Tawny or Vintage Port, Sweet Rieslings

●    Apple Pie - Moscato d’Asti, Kabinett to Icewine Rieslings, Sauternes, Chenin Blanc (Dessert), Tokaji, Gewürztraminer, Vin Santo,  

●    Chocolate Cake - Tawny or Vintage Port, Moscato, Banyuls (Sweet Grenache from the French Roussillon region), Brachetto d’Acqui

●    Crème Brûlée, Panna Cotta, Tiramisu - Sauternes, Tokaji, Moscato, Tawny or Vintage Port, Madera (Malmsey or Bual), Banyuls, Chenin Blanc (Dessert), Vin Santo

●    Cheesecake - Sauternes, Tokaji, Moscato, Tawny or Vintage Port, Madera (Malmsey or Bual), Banyuls, Chenin Blanc (Dessert), Vin Santo, Kabinett to Icewine Rieslings

Occasional Wine Picks:

●     2021 Château d'Yquem - Sauternes, Bordeaux, France - 100 Points - $249.95 (350ml)

●     2017 Dow’s Vintage Port - Douro Valley, Portugal - 98 Points - $139.95

●     2016 Disznókő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos (500ml) - Tokaj,Hungary - 97 Points - $69.95

●     Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port - Douro Valley, Portugal - 97 Points - $139.95

●     2021 Inniskillin Riesling Icewine (375ml) - Niagara Peninsula, Canada - 96 Points - $89.95

●     2019 Alois Kracher Trockenbeerenauslese No. 4 Zweigelt (375ml) - Burgenland, Austria - $87.95

●     2015 Capezzana Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva DOC (375ml) - Toscana, Italy - $86.95

●     Alvear Pedro Ximénez Solera 1927 NV (375ml) - Andalucia, Spain - 98 Points - $32.95

●     2014 Château Climens 1er Cru Barsac (375ml) - Sauternes, France - 98 Points - $67.95

●     Broadbent Madeira Colheita 1999 - Madeira, Portugal - 92 Points - $68.95

‍

Bring It All Together (and Make Holiday Planning Easy)

However you celebrate, we’re here to make the wine part effortless—and delicious.

Curated Subscriptions (Spring & Fall)

Explore our three biannual plans—each delivers 6 wines from 6 regions with member-only savings across the site:

●    Club Select – everyday discoveries with serious charm

●    Club Reserve – classics, benchmarks, and crowd-pleasers

●    Club Grand Reserve – limited, collector-worthy bottles

Not sure which fits your table (or your giftee)? We’re happy to help you choose the perfect tier.

Bundle & Save on Holiday Picks

Stock up for the season and save on a custom mix of favorites:

●    Build a 4-bottle bundle & save 10% — curate your custom four bundle

●    Build a 6-bottle bundle & save 15% — curate your custom six bundle

Perfect for hosting, gifting, or setting aside a few “just in case” bottles.

Shop the Cellar, Bottle by Bottle

Prefer to target a specific Champagne, Pinot, GSM, or dessert wine from our list above? Browse our constantly updated selection of highly rated bottles—then use the bundles (above) or your member discount for extra value.

Questions on pairings or quantities? Send us a note—Nate and the team love helping you land the right bottle for every course. Cheers to a relaxed, well-paired holiday!

‍Happy Holidays from Occasional Wine!

‍

Holiday Wine FAQ

How many bottles of wine should I plan per guest for a holiday meal?

Plan on ½ bottle per adult for a shorter gathering; ¾ bottle if you’re hosting a long, multi-course dinner. Add an extra bottle of sparkling for toasts or welcome pours.

What one or two styles can carry me through the whole meal?

A dry sparkling (Brut) and a versatile Pinot Noir will cover most courses—from apps to mains—beautifully. Add a GSM blend or Chardonnay if you want a richer option.

What’s a smart way to save on a mixed holiday case?

Use our Bundle & Save: build a 4-bottle bundle (10% off) or a 6-bottle bundle (15% off), mixing Champagne/Brut, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a GSM or Cabernet, and a dessert wine for the finale.

‍

‍