The Best Wines for Winter & Christmas 2026: Our Top 5 Picks
The best wines for Christmas are a classic claret or Barolo for the roast, a juicy Rhône or Shiraz for cold winter nights, and a proper Champagne to open the day. Our top 5 picks for 2026 are Pol Roger Réserve Brut, Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet 2018, Barolo Pelassa 2019, Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2021, and Coto de Imaz Rioja Crianza 2021. Prices run from £14.50 to £45 a bottle.
Winter changes what we want in the glass. Lighter whites and rosé give way to reds with more warmth, spice, and structure. Christmas dinner adds its own challenge: turkey, pigs in blankets, sprouts, cranberry, and rich gravy all on one plate.
We've picked five bottles from our cellar that handle all of it. Every one is in stock now, and all ship next day across the UK.
Our top 5 wines for winter and Christmas 2026
1. Pol Roger Réserve Brut Champagne with gift box – £45
Best for: Christmas morning, toasts, and gifting.
Pol Roger is one of the last great family-owned Champagne houses, based in Épernay. The Réserve Brut blends Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay into a Champagne with real depth: brioche, crisp apple, and a fine, persistent mousse. It arrives in a gift box, so it doubles as a ready-made Christmas present.
Pair it with smoked salmon blinis, canapés, or Christmas morning eggs royale.
2. Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet 2018, Saint-Estèphe – £42
Best for: the Christmas roast, especially beef or goose.
This is the second wine of Château Lafon-Rochet, a classified Fourth Growth in Saint-Estèphe. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot give blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite. 2018 was a warm, ripe Bordeaux vintage, and seven years on, the tannins have softened into something ready to drink now.
If you want a "proper claret" on the table this Christmas without paying grand vin prices, this is it.
Shop Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet 2018
3. Barolo Pelassa 2019 – £32.89
Best for: turkey with all the trimmings, game, and mushroom dishes.
Pelassa is a family estate in Verduno, farming Nebbiolo on the San Lorenzo vineyard. Barolo is the classic Italian winter red: rose petal, cherry, tar, and truffle, with bright acidity that cuts through rich gravy and stuffing. Decant it an hour before dinner to let it open up.
4. Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2021 – £32
Best for: cold winter nights, Boxing Day leftovers, and the cheeseboard.
Shaw + Smith is one of Australia's most respected cool-climate producers. Forget heavy, jammy Shiraz: this is peppery and spicy, with dark plum and blackberry and a silky finish. It is the bottle to open by the fire on a December evening.
5. Coto de Imaz Rioja Crianza 2021 – £14.50
Best for: parties, big family gatherings, and buying by the case.
Coto de Imaz is the premium tier from El Coto, one of Rioja's largest estates, with vineyards in Rioja Alta. Oak-aged Tempranillo gives vanilla, red berries, and gentle spice. It is the crowd-pleaser of the five, at a price that works when you're pouring for twelve.
Shop Coto de Imaz Rioja Crianza 2021
Honourable mention: Famille Perrin 'Signature' Organic Côtes-du-Rhône 2019 – £18
An organic Grenache-Syrah blend from the family behind Château de Beaucastel. Warm, spicy, and ideal for mulling over winter, or just drinking as it is. Shop Famille Perrin Signature
Christmas food and wine pairing at a glance
| Dish | Our pick | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Canapés and smoked salmon | Pol Roger Réserve Brut | Acidity and bubbles refresh salty, rich bites |
| Roast turkey with all the trimmings | Barolo Pelassa 2019 | High acidity cuts gravy; savoury notes suit stuffing |
| Roast beef or goose | Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet 2018 | Firm Cabernet structure matches red meat and fat |
| Boxing Day cold cuts and cheese | Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2021 | Pepper and spice lift ham, pickles, and hard cheese |
| Buffets and parties | Coto de Imaz Rioja Crianza 2021 | Soft, fruity, and easy with almost anything |
Tips for buying Christmas wine
- Buy one bottle per two guests, plus a spare. It is better to have a bottle left over than run dry on Christmas Day.
- Order early. The best-value wines sell through in December. Order before the last delivery date to avoid disappointment.
- Open reds an hour before dinner. Barolo and claret especially benefit from time in a decanter.
- Serve reds slightly cool. A warm kitchen pushes reds above 20°C. Aim for 16–18°C.
- Chill Champagne for three hours in the fridge, or 20 minutes in an ice bucket.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine to have with Christmas dinner?
For turkey, a red with good acidity and moderate tannin works best, such as Barolo, Pinot Noir, or a lighter claret. If you prefer white, a rich Chardonnay is a strong match.
Is red or white wine better with turkey?
Both work. Turkey is lean, so avoid very tannic reds. The trimmings, gravy, and cranberry often make a medium-bodied red the better all-round choice.
What is a good wine to give as a Christmas gift?
Champagne in a gift box is the safest choice. For a wine lover, a mature Bordeaux like Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet 2018 shows real thought.
How much should I spend on Christmas wine?
You can drink very well for £15 to £35 a bottle. Save a special bottle for the main meal and use a crowd-pleaser like Rioja Crianza for parties.
Can I send wine as a corporate Christmas gift?
Yes. Our corporate gifting service includes free delivery and a printed card with your personal message and company logo on every order.
Order your Christmas wine today
All five wines are in stock now with next day UK delivery. Wine, Champagne, and spirits start from £8 a bottle.
Sending gifts to clients or staff? Speak to our corporate gifting team and we'll handle the rest, from personalised cards to delivery.