Celebrate the Holidays with the Perfect Wines
Nothing elevates a holiday gathering quite like the perfect wine. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a lively New Year’s Eve party, choosing the right wine can enhance the flavors of your meal and create unforgettable moments. This guide will help you select the best holiday wines for every occasion, ensuring you have crowd-pleasing options that suit all tastes and budgets
How to Choose the Perfect Holiday Wine
Consider the Occasion
-
Casual Family Dinners: Opt for approachable, easy-drinking wines like red blends of Grenache and Cinsault, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
-
Formal Holiday Feasts: Impress guests with structured, complex wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or vintage Champagne.
-
Cocktail Parties: Go for festive, versatile wines like Prosecco or a bright, fruit-forward Grenache.
Match the Menu
-
Turkey & Stuffing: Pair with Pinot Noir or Riesling.
-
Roast Beef & Rich Sides: Opt for bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
-
Vegetarian Dishes: Consider versatile wines like Sauvignon Blanc or an earthy Grenache.
Catering to Preferences
-
For red wine lovers, choose crowd-pleasers like Shiraz or Red Blends.
-
If your guests prefer white wine, Albariño and Pinot Grigio are great choices.
-
Sparkling wines like Cava and Moscato d’Asti add a festive touch to any gathering.
Make your holidays special by including Medly's 100% organic wines into your celebrations, providing a pure and unique experience. Crafted without artificial additives or excessive sulfites, and made from 100% organic grapes, these wines offer the truest expression of winemaking excellence. Our commitment to quality and sustainability makes them a perfect addition to any festive gathering.
Best Wines for Popular Holiday Meals
Thanksgiving
-
Recommendations: Grenache, Pinot Griglio, Dry Riesling, Playful Red Blends
-
Pairings: Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce
-
Medly Suggestion: Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with Medly's Organic French Red, a velvety blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Cinsault. Its fruity and fresh profile complements traditional dishes, offering a harmonious balance to your meal. It pairs well with just about everything!
Christmas Dinner
-
Recommendations: Italian Barbera, Malbec, Champagne, or a fruity/dry white blend
-
Pairings: Roast beef, ham, rich side dishes
-
Medly Suggestion: For a festive touch, consider Medly's Organic Italian White. Our fresh and crisp wine blend, featuring notes of tropical fruits and citrus, pairs wonderfully with ham and rich side dishes, adding a bright contrast to hearty flavors. A crowd pleaser that will not disappoint.
Hanukkah
-
Recommendations: Kosher winesMedly Italian White, Medly French Rosé, and Medly French Red.
-
Pairings: Latkes, brisket, kugel
-
Medly Suggestion: While traditional kosher wines are customary, Medly's Organic French Red offers a delightful alternative. Its soft spice notes and red fruit flavors enhance the savory richness of Hanukkah dishes, providing a unique tasting experience.
New Year’s Eve
-
Recommendations: Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé, Brut Champagne
-
Pairings: Light appetizers, seafood, desserts
-
Medly Suggestion: Ring in the New Year with Medly's Organic French Rosé. Its delicate floral aromas and crisp finish make it an excellent companion to seafood appetizers and light desserts, ensuring a refreshing start to the year ahead.
Best Wines for Holiday Gifting
Affordable Gift Wines
-
Quality organic reds or whites under $30, perfect for colleagues and neighbors.
Luxury Gift Wines
-
Vintage Bordeaux, Napa Valley Cabernet, or Premier Cru Champagne for wine connoisseurs.
Unique and Specialty Wines
-
Organic wines, rare varietals, and small-batch estate grown wines provide a thoughtful and personalized touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Wines for Holiday Parties
-
Easy-Drinking Reds: Shiraz, Red Blends, Grenache
-
Versatile Whites: Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Chenin Blanc
-
Fun Sparkling Wines: Cava, Moscato d’Asti, Sparkling Rosé
Holiday Wines for Special Diets
-
Sugar-Free Wines: Great for keto or low-carb guests.
-
Vegan-Friendly Wines: Wines made without animal-derived fining agents.
-
Kosher Wines: Perfect for those observing dietary restrictions during Hanukkah.
Tips for Serving Holiday Wines
Serving Temperatures
-
Reds: 60–65°F
-
Whites: 45–50°F
-
Sparkling: 40–45°F
How Much Wine to Buy
-
Plan for about half a bottle per guest for a dinner party (2 - 3 glasses each)
-
For cocktail-style events, one bottle per three guests is a safe bet.
-
Medly Organic Wines are all sold in 3L eco-pouches, holding the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine. One of the greatest things about our pouches is that the spigot blocks oxygen from entering the wine, keeping the wine fresh for weeks after opening. For larger gatherings, Medly Organic Wines are a perfect choice.
Presentation Ideas
-
If presentation and flare is your thing, you can use festive wine charms, an assortment of decanters, or holiday-themed bottle wraps to enhance the experience. Or just put out the wine and let it do its job!
FAQs About Holiday Wines
Q: What’s the best wine for Christmas dinner?
A: A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah pairs beautifully with roast beef, while Champagne and dry whites complement ham, chicken, and rich sides. Rose wines come in many differing styles and make a wonderful addition as a welcome glass as it pairs so well with apps and tapas.
Q: Can sparkling wine be served with desserts?
A: Yes! Dry Proseccos and Brut Champagne pair wonderfully with sweet treats.
Q: What wine pairs best with vegetarian holiday meals?
A: Try an earthy Pinot Noir or lighter-bodied red blend for mushroom-based dishes or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for vegetable-focused meals. Consider a dry Rosé to bring out the flavors in curry dishes, soups and stews, and pasta-driven meals.
Medly Organic Wines are all 100% vegan-friendly and pair well with just about everything you can imagine pairing them with. Our Italian White and French Rosé brings soft fruity and floral notes, finishing crisp and dry. Our French Red is easy-drinking and will compliment most vegetarian dishes.
And don’t forget about holiday mulled wine! Medly Organic French Red is the perfect wine for this festive and warming holiday treat!
Cheers to the Perfect Holiday Wines
With the right wine selection, your holiday celebrations will be both festive and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a grand feast or a casual gathering, there’s a perfect wine for every occasion. Explore Medly Wine Co.’s curated holiday wine collection and make this season truly special. Cheers!
To happiness and health!
Aaron