Christmas Dinner Wine Pairing Guide
The best wines for every holiday main, from prime rib to honey-glazed ham.
Quick answer
Start with Champagne or Prosecco. Then pour Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux with prime rib, Pinot Noir or Riesling with ham, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay with turkey, and finish with Port or late-harvest wine for dessert.
Course
Best wine
Also try
Appetizers
Champagne
Prosecco, Cava
Prime rib / roast beef
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux, Syrah
Glazed ham
Pinot Noir
Off-dry Riesling, rosé
Roast turkey
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay, Beaujolais
Roast goose or duck
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Seafood (Feast of Seven Fishes)
Sauvignon Blanc
Champagne, Vermentino
Dessert
Tawny Port
Sauternes, Moscato
Tips for holiday wine
- Buy versatile bottles. Pinot Noir, dry Riesling and Champagne work with almost everything on the table.
- Plan your quantity. Count about half a bottle per wine-drinking guest for a long dinner. Our wine party calculator does the math.
- Chill early. Sparkling wine needs about three hours in the fridge.
- Open reds ahead. Decant bold reds 30-60 minutes before dinner. See how to decant wine.
Hosting Thanksgiving first? See our Thanksgiving wine guide. Shopping for a wine lover? Browse our wine gift guide.
Gift idea for the host
The Coravin Timeless Three is a splurge-worthy present for serious wine lovers.
Christmas Wine FAQ
What is the best wine for Christmas dinner?
Pinot Noir is the most versatile red for a mixed holiday table, with Champagne as the best all-purpose sparkling choice.
What wine goes with Christmas ham?
Pinot Noir, off-dry Riesling and dry rosé balance ham's sweet glaze and saltiness.
What wine goes with prime rib?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux and Syrah stand up to rich, fatty roast beef.