The Perfect Pairing: Wine Recommendations for Your Holiday Feast

The holidays are here, bringing with them a beautiful chaos of hosting, gathering and celebrating with great food. And I think we can all agree — a truly memorable holiday meal is made even better by the wine you pour.

We're here with a simple pairing guide, designed to help you select the ideal wine to complement an array of holiday dishes from your Friendsgiving turkey to your Christmas prime rib.

Turkey & Chicken 

For the classic Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey or chicken, consider these wine pairings: 

• Chardonnay: Oaky, buttery and versatile, Chardonnay is a classic complement to the richness of turkey and chicken. 

• Pinot Noir: An elegant red with bright acidity and notes of cranberry and cherry that perfectly mirror the classic flavors of a holiday feast. 

• Sangiovese: A dry Italian red with high acidity, Sangiovese has a savory core that cuts through rich flavors, making it a great with gravy and stuffing.

Roast Beef & Ham 

Hearty red wines are the ideal companions for roast beef and ham: 

• Bordeaux: A classic, complex blend with deep black fruit and earthy notes, it stands up beautifully to roast beef.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: The full-bodied pairing for prime rib, its powerful tannins and bold flavors of black currant slice through the richness of beef. 

• Zinfandel: This wine features peppery spice and dark berry fruit with a hint of sweetness, making it the ideal partner for salty, glazed ham. 

Seafood 

For seafood dishes, opt for crisp, refreshing white wines: 

• Sancerre: A dry white wine from the Loire Valley in France, known for its citrusy and mineral flavor (psst… it’s made exclusively with Sauvignon Blanc grapes). 

• Sauvignon Blanc: Another excellent choice for seafood, sauvignon blanc offers a bright acidity and herbaceous aromas. 

• Riesling: A dry style offers beautiful notes of stone fruit and bright acid, providing a versatile balance for richer fish like salmon.
• Albariño: Lively and aromatic, this Spanish white is the perfect light, crisp match for lighter fish or appetizers. 

Veggies 

When vegetables take center stage, light and bright wines are the perfect pairing: 

• Sauvignon Blanc: A versatile white wine that can pair well with a variety of vegetables. 

• Rosé: A refreshing pink wine with a variety of flavors, from fruity to earthy.

• Beaujolais: A light-bodied red wine with fruity aromas and a touch of sweetness. 

While this is a great starting point for finding your perfect holiday pairing, remember that the final choice is yours. The best rule? Drink what you love! If you need more recommendations, swing by a Good Pour marketplace near you. With a wide selection and expert team, we look forward to helping you find a spectacular wine for your celebration.

Happy Holidays and Happy Pairing!