Wine has long been an integral part of Christmas celebrations due to its deep historical, religious, and cultural associations.
Its role dates back to early Christian traditions, where wine was symbolically linked to the Eucharist and the story of the Last Supper. As Christmas became more widely celebrated, wine naturally became part of festive gatherings, representing togetherness, joy, and the spirit of giving.
In medieval Europe, wine played a practical and celebratory role in winter, as fermented beverages were safer and more enjoyable than water. Mulled wine, or heated and spiced red wine, became particularly popular during the cold months as a way to stay warm. The spices used in mulled wine, such as cinnamon and cloves, were considered luxurious and festive, adding a special touch to holiday gatherings. Over time, this tradition spread across Europe and evolved, with each region adding unique variations to fit local tastes and customs.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, as Christmas became a family-centred holiday, wine solidified its place at the table, alongside special dishes that were only prepared during this time of year. Champagne became especially popular for Christmas and New Year’s toasts, as sparkling wine production developed in France, symbolising luxury and celebration.
Today, wine’s ability to elevate meals, add warmth, and bring people together makes it an essential part of the holiday. From robust reds and sparkling wines to sweet dessert wines like Port and Sherry, wine complements the flavours of Christmas and enhances the overall experience, carrying on traditions that have been cherished for centuries.
10 Popular Christmas Wines from Around the World
Wine is integral to Christmas celebrations worldwide, often chosen to complement festive meals, enhance flavours, or serve as a standalone treat during holiday gatherings. From robust reds to festive sparkling wines, here are ten of the most popular Christmas wine choices, each offering something unique to holiday tables around the world.
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Mulled wine, or Glühwein as it’s known in Germany, is a holiday favourite across Europe. Made by warming red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange peel, it is sweetened to taste and sometimes spiked with brandy or liqueur. Traditionally enjoyed at Christmas markets and gatherings, mulled wine embodies the warmth of the season and fills the air with a fragrant aroma. Its spice profile and warmth make it ideal for cold winter nights, with each region adding its own unique twist.
Prosecco (Italy)
Italy’s sparkling Prosecco is a popular choice for festive occasions, known for its light body, fruity flavours, and refreshing finish. Made primarily from Glera grapes in the Veneto region, Prosecco is produced through the Charmat method, which ferments the wine in large tanks rather than individual bottles, making it less expensive than Champagne. Its fresh pear, apple, and citrus notes make Prosecco perfect for toasts, pairings with appetizers, or even as a base for festive cocktails like the Bellini.
Champagne (France)
Champagne remains the classic choice for Christmas and New Year celebrations worldwide. Made exclusively in the Champagne region of France from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, Champagne is created through the traditional method (méthode champenoise) involving in-bottle fermentation. Known for its fine bubbles, toasty aromas, and complex flavours, it’s celebrated for its luxurious appeal. Its bright acidity and effervescence make it a perfect match for holiday dishes ranging from seafood to roast turkey.
Port (Portugal)
Port, a fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley, is renowned for its sweet, rich flavour profile, making it a favourite for Christmas. Typically enjoyed as a dessert wine, Port is created by halting the fermentation process with brandy, which preserves the natural sweetness of the grapes. Available in various styles (such as Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage), it pairs beautifully with Christmas desserts like fruitcake or chocolate. Its deep berry, caramel, and nutty flavours offer a warm, decadent sip.
Shiraz (Australia)
Australia’s Shiraz is popular for holiday meals, known for its bold, dark fruit flavours and peppery spice. The warm climate of regions like Barossa Valley produces a full-bodied wine with intense flavours of blackberry, plum, and notes of chocolate and smoke. Shiraz’s robust profile and tannins stand up well to hearty holiday dishes like roast beef or lamb, making it a versatile wine for the Christmas table.
Rioja (Spain)
Spanish Rioja, especially aged Reserva and Gran Reserva, is a favourite Christmas wine due to its smooth, balanced flavours. Made predominantly from Tempranillo grapes, Rioja wines are aged in oak barrels, which adds layers of vanilla, spice, and a slight earthiness. Its medium to full body, with flavours of cherry, plum, and tobacco, pairs well with a range of holiday dishes, from grilled meats to cheese boards. Rioja’s elegance and affordability make it a popular choice for festive gatherings.
Beaujolais Nouveau (France)
Beaujolais Nouveau, made from the Gamay grape in France’s Beaujolais region, is released just weeks after harvest, specifically on the third Thursday of November. It’s known for its fresh, fruity flavours of raspberry, cherry, and banana, achieved through a technique called carbonic maceration, which emphasises fruitiness and reduces tannins. Traditionally enjoyed in the lead-up to Christmas, Beaujolais Nouveau is light, approachable, and perfect for holiday parties, where its youthful vibrancy shines.
Madeira (Portugal)
Madeira, a fortified wine from Portugal’s Madeira Islands, is famous for its longevity and unique flavour profile, which includes caramel, dried fruit, and nutty notes. Made by heating the wine and exposing it to oxygen, the process results in a wine with complex, layered flavours and high acidity. Madeira can range from dry to sweet, making it versatile enough to pair with appetisers or desserts. Its deep, warming qualities and rich history make it a treasured choice during Christmas.
Amarone della Valpolicella (Italy)
Amarone is a luxurious red wine from Italy’s Valpolicella region, made by partially drying grapes (Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara) to concentrate their flavours before fermentation. This method, known as appassimento, creates a wine with bold flavours of dark cherry, raisin, chocolate, and spice. Amarone’s rich, velvety texture and high alcohol content make it a great match for Christmas roasts, rich cheeses, and hearty stews, adding a touch of Italian indulgence to the holiday season.
Zinfandel (United States)
Zinfandel, particularly from California, is an American favourite for Christmas. Known for its robust body and ripe flavours of blackberry, raspberry, and spice, Zinfandel has a slightly jammy quality balanced by hints of pepper and vanilla from oak ageing. Its bold profile pairs well with rich holiday dishes like glazed ham, roast meats, and barbecue. Zinfandel’s versatility and full flavours make it a festive and accessible choice for Christmas gatherings.
Every one of these wines reflects a unique cultural heritage, flavour profile, and winemaking technique, contributing to their popularity during the Christmas season. Whether chosen for their celebratory bubbles, warming richness, or food-pairing versatility, these wines help create a festive atmosphere, adding warmth and cheer to holiday tables around the world. From the frosty nights of Northern Europe with mulled wine to the sunny vineyards of Australia with Shiraz, these wines are much more than beverages—they are part of the holiday tradition, enhancing flavours, sparking conversations, and embodying the spirit of celebration.
So, What’s the Most Sold Wine Worldwide During Christmas?
The most sold wine during the Christmas season worldwide is generally Champagne. This sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France is closely associated with holiday celebrations, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve, thanks to its reputation as a luxurious, festive drink that’s ideal for toasts and gatherings. The holiday season accounts for a substantial portion of Champagne sales globally, as many people choose it for its celebratory nature, elegance, and versatility.
While Champagne is the leader in sparkling wines, its popularity has also spurred sales of other sparkling wines, such as Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain, which are also popular choices for Christmas due to their affordability and festive appeal. However, Champagne remains the top-selling choice in this category during the holiday season because of its association with premium quality and special occasions."