With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to stock up on festive wines. From crisp whites to rich reds, there’s plenty of varietals that fit the bill for cozy gatherings or festive feasts. As the holiday festivities begin to fill the calendar, it’s time to elevate your wine game, whether it’s to bring as a host gift, to share at a dinner party, or for yourself. We asked sommeliers and wine experts about their favorite budget holiday wines to pair with festive meals and what to look for when selecting the perfect wine for the festivities without breaking the bank.
What should I look for when it comes to holiday wine?
When it comes to a holiday wine, it’s important to pick varietals that pair well with multiple dishes and are generally appreciated by both wine connoisseurs and new drinkers alike. Samantha Capaldi, a certified sommelier and co-founder of Faff Wine Co., wants a versatile crowd-pleaser with many different options for food pairings and says that you don’t need a ton of different wines. “You can do a solid two to four total to go with everything,” recommends Capaldi. In addition to cutting down on the alcohol budget, “it makes your life so much easier.”
Apothic Pinot Noir, $14
Apothic’s flavorful pinot noir features rich, smooth layers of ripe raspberry and black cherry, plus a touch of caramel and vanilla from the oak. Its smooth sipping experience makes it easy for new wine drinkers to enjoy and not feel overwhelmed, and this bright red’s long and lingering finish makes for extremely versatile wine that pairs with a variety of foods. Whether it be light salads, roasted meats, or richer desserts, Apothic is an ideal accompaniment for a feast with a variety of holiday dishes.
William Hill Estate 2023 California Sauvignon Blanc, $16
Who says sauvy b is only for the summer? This white wine from William Hill Estate offers a crisp and refreshing taste with aromas of green apple, tropical fruit, and citrus. The refreshing palette and crisp acidity make it a great and versatile white for a crowd.
Bodegas Naveran Brut Vintage Rosado 2022, $20
You need bubbles when it comes to the holidays, according to Tyler Balliet, a wine expert and author of Rebel School of Wine. “I’m pretty sure it’s a law,” he joked. One of Balliet’s budget-friendly recs is this Cava from Spain, which is made using the traditional “Champagne method” in which the second fermentation (which makes the bubbles) takes place inside the bottle. Since Cava is a sparkling wine produced on the Mediterranean where temperatures are warmer compared with Champagne, Cava wine typically has a gentler acid profile compared to its French counterpart.
Jadot Beajoulais Villages, $14
This crisp, fruit-forward, juicy red wine has expressive aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, with light-weight body and drier mouthfeel. It pairs well with grilled white meats, and Capaldi highly recommends it with a Christmas turkey.
Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi, $17
Spoon’s most highly-recommended budget cab, the Federalist’s cabernet sauvignon is a rich, full-bodied wine with hints of black cherry and cassis. Pair it with red meat, or with a fruit pie for dessert after dinner.
Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2020, $17
The perfect pairing for a rich dessert. Capaldi loves pairing any off-dry Riesling with cheesecake thanks to its bright and fresh profile complemented by notes of star fruit, white peach, and acacia, plus slate-accented minerality on the finish.
2021 Unshackled Chardonnay, $20
The holiday season is full of fabulous seafood appetizers and entrees, and the bright acidity of chardonnay makes it a lovely complement. Unshackled’s chard boasts notes of sweet cream, white peach, green apple, brown spice, and vanilla on the nose, with flavors of stone fruit and honey.
Chene Saint Louis Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, $20
This sancerre is a pleasant, easy to drink, and refreshing sauvignon blanc with notes of gooseberry, passionfruit, and lemon, plus balanced acidity and a clean finish.The wine’s bright and vibrant profile are excellent for pairing with a variety of foods, and especially with earthy veggies (think green bean casserole or roasted brussel sprouts), according to Capaldi.
Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023, $20
The 2023 rosé of pinot noir from the Russian River Valley opens up to aromas of tangerine, blood orange, wild strawberry, raspberry, a light touch of watermelon and hibiscus flower. A crisp, refreshing mouthfeel accentuates the fresh fruit flavors of red berry fruit and a sea salt minerality that leads to a long, juicy and tangy finish that pairs well with poultry and seafood.
Donnafugata Sherazade – Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2022, $20
Made from nero d’avola grapes and produced in Sicily, Sherazade is bright ruby red with hints of plum and cherry with delicate hints of black pepper and floral notes of violet. On the palate, the fruity notes return smoothly, a red of great softness and excellent freshness. The caressing tannin completes this fragrant and pleasant wine that pairs well with tomato spaghetti or fish, making it a viable option for the feast of the seven fishes.
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, $12
Aging this cab in bourbon barrels gives the wine a deep flavor with hints of toasted oak, rich aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries, and notes of cocoa, vanilla custard, and sweet spices. This bottle perfectly complements grilled meats and veggies, and pairs well with hard cheeses (my personal fave is Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar), making it a wonderful addition to any holiday dinner party.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, $8
Woodbridge, another Robert Mondavi-owned brand, features a delicious cabernet sauvignon with aromas of cherries, berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast for less than $10. Flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish, which means this medium-bodied wine pairs deliciously with grilled meats and tomato-based pasta dishes. Plus, the price point makes it perfect for large dinner parties, or a casual weeknight drink during the holiday season.
Rosa Regale Sparkling Rosé (Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG), $20
This stunning bottle is a perfect addition to any holiday party and works especially well as a gift for your host. The subtly sparkling wine boasts fruity aromas of sweet grapefruit and orange blossom flowers, and a slightly sweet, well-balanced taste with a fresh acidity makes it an excellent pairing with semi-aged cheeses and charcuterie, or save it for the dessert course and enjoy with pastries.
Jadot Macon Villages Chardonnay, $15
Another one of Capaldi’s picks, this chardonnay boasts notes of apple, lemon, and vanilla. Unlike “buttery” chards, this wine is offset by citrus notes and a crisp acidic balance with a clean, lively finish that pairs well with seafood.
Banfi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, $18
Chianti is produced in eight distinct areas across a vast part of central Tuscany, but only the oldest and original may produce Chianti classico — so long as the producer strictly adheres to vinification, aging, and bottling rules. The result is an intense red wine with notes of cherries, plums, and violets, plus rich flavors of cherry and leather. Supple tannins and good acidity make it a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of holiday foods, including red-sauce pastas, grilled meats and roasts.
Cune Rioja Organic 2020, $12
According to Balliet, Cune is one of the best producers in the country and this “entry-level wine is basically no money, it’s insane.” Take advantage of this quality medium-bodied wine, which features notes cherries, rose petals, tobacco, and licorice on the nose to complement a charcuterie appetizer or red meat for the main course. “I’ve never met anyone who drinks red wine that doesn’t love a Rioja when I pour it,” said Balliet.
Laboure Gontard Chablis 2022, $17
According to Capaldi, chablis and mashed potatoes are her “favorite holiday pairing, hands down.” This French white is lively with flavors of melon and pear backed by bright lemon citrus, and the crisp acidity is nuanced by minerality with a vibrant finish.
Nero Oro Grillo Appassimento Sicilia DOC, $13
Another sommelier recommendation, this floral and herby Sicilian white blend features a complex, soft, and well-rounded palate with zesty notes of oranges and grapefruit for a bright wine that pairs well with creamy dips – Capaldi recommends pairing it with spinach dip.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Gruner Veltliner, $13
“Dr. Frank wines from New York are exceptional,” according to Balliet, who drinks this white on weeknights casually and with a large group of guests alike. “Gruner veltliner is a white grape from Austria that tastes almost identical to sauvignon blanc, and it’s GREAT for a crowd,” says Balliet. But, be warned — this wine is dry, but tends to be a crowd-pleaser for all drinkers.
Maison Barboulot Cabernet Sauvignon – Syrah, $6
Does it get better than a 4-star, $6 red wine from Trader Joe’s? I think not. This fruit-forward cab-syrah blend, which was recommended by Capaldi, is not overtly bold or complex, but it is very well-balanced with notes of oaky vanilla mid-palette. It has a super smooth finish with a refreshing splash of tart cherry, making it a great table red wine that goes with almost any occasion.