The Top Wines for Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations
The holiday season is the perfect time to raise a glass to the year’s successes and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re toasting with bubbly on New Year’s Eve, savoring a rich red at Christmas dinner, or enjoying an elegant white with seafood, the right wine elevates every celebration. Drawing from the 2024 Wine Spectator Top 100 list, we’ve selected sparkling wines, reds, and whites that pair beautifully with festive moments. Let these exceptional bottles guide your holiday cheer.
Sparkling Wines for Toasts
Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley (NV)
Price: $32 Flavor Notes: Bright strawberry, crisp apple, and hints of cinnamon spice.
Why It Shines: A consistent crowd-pleaser, this non-vintage sparkling wine from California is a testament to Roederer’s commitment to quality. Its crisp, elegant profile makes it a staple for celebrations. Perfect for a midnight toast on New Year’s Eve or pairing with hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon and blinis.
Drouhin Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills (2022)
Price: $44 Flavor Notes: Delicate raspberry and cherry with accents of orange peel.
Why It Shines: Crafted by the renowned Drouhin family, this Pinot Noir reflects Oregon’s vibrant terroir. Its light, fruit-forward notes are balanced with floral and citrus undertones. A festive choice for Christmas brunch or pairing with turkey and cranberry sauce.
Wente Chardonnay Central Coast Morning Fog (2022)
Price: $18 Flavor Notes: Juicy lemon, pineapple, and vanilla toast.
Why It Shines: Produced by California’s longest-running family-owned winery, this Chardonnay is approachable and versatile. Its bright fruit flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd favorite. Enjoy it during holiday gatherings or paired with creamy pasta dishes or lobster bisque.
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (2023)
Price: $20 Flavor Notes: Zesty lime and lemon blossom with a refreshing finish.
Why It Shines: A shining example of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc mastery, this wine delivers vibrant, mouthwatering acidity with layered citrus flavors. Ideal for a celebratory toast or as an accompaniment to shellfish, oysters, or ceviche.
Joseph Drouhin St.-Véran (2022)
Price: $30 Flavor Notes: Peach and melon with a crisp citrus undertone.
Why It Shines: From the heart of Burgundy, this white wine is a refined expression of the region’s terroir. Its fresh, fruity profile is balanced by minerality and vibrant acidity. Serve it as a holiday aperitif or pair with light canapés like goat cheese crostini or smoked trout.
Reds for Cozy Holiday Dinners
Viña Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto (2021)
Price: $175 Flavor Notes: Rich raspberry, cassis, and hints of cocoa with integrated tannins.
Why It Shines: Earning a spot as Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of 2024, this Chilean Cabernet showcases the finesse of the Puente Alto terroir, blending elegance with power. Its textured core and long aging potential make it a standout choice for special occasions. Enjoy this wine with a Christmas roast or beef Wellington, as the bold flavors complement hearty, savory dishes perfectly.
Drouhin Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills
The highest rated Pinot noir on the 2024 list!
Price: $120 Flavor Notes: A delicate balance of red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry with hints of earthy undertones, baking spice, and a touch of rose petal. The velvety texture and structured tannins make it a standout choice for pairing or sipping solo.
Why It Shines: This exceptional Pinot Noir represents the best of Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA, crafted by the renowned Drouhin family. The wine’s meticulous winemaking process, combined with the region’s unique terroir, creates a sophisticated, elegant profile that wine enthusiasts can’t resist. Perfect for elevating any holiday gathering or gifting to the wine connoisseur in your life.
Antinori Toscana Tignanello (2021)
Price: $180 Flavor Notes: Cherry, strawberry, and refined tannins with hints of vanilla.
Why It Shines: Ranked #3 in Wine Spectator’s 2024 list, this iconic Tuscan red is a masterful blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Its vibrant acidity and elegant structure deliver both drinkability now and aging potential. Pair it with rack of lamb or aged cheeses to highlight its depth and balance.
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino (2019)
Price: $65 Flavor Notes: Cherry, earth, and wild herbs with a charming succulence.
Why It Shines: From the renowned Brunello di Montalcino region, this wine exemplifies the harmony of fruit, earth, and structure. Its approachable price and rave reviews position it as a top-tier value on the 2024 list. Perfect for rich pasta dishes or mushroom risotto, where its earthiness can shine alongside hearty, umami flavors.
Fattoria Le Pupille Toscana Saffredi (2021)
Price: $110 Flavor Notes: Blackberry, violet, and wild herbs with a refined tannic structure.
Why It Shines: Celebrated as one of Tuscany’s finest “Super Tuscans,” this 2024 honoree demonstrates the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a seamless blend of power and sophistication. Serve it with a luxurious holiday feast featuring duck or venison to complement the wine’s bold flavors and refined tannins.
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (2021)
Price: $95 Flavor Notes: Cherry, pomegranate, and a spicy minerality.
Why It Shines: A Gran Selezione at its finest, this Chianti Classico reflects the history and innovation of one of Italy’s oldest wineries. Its vibrant flavors and mineral undertones earned it high praise on this year’s list. Pair this elegant wine with hearty stews or charcuterie boards to highlight its bright acidity and rich depth.
Whites for Elegant Celebrations
Ramey Chardonnay Russian River Valley (2022)
Price: $50 Flavor Notes: Peach, mango, and citrus with a hint of ginger spice.
Why It Shines: Coming in at #10, this is the highest rated Chardonnay on the 2024 Top 100! From one of California’s most respected wineries, this Chardonnay offers a rich and balanced profile, earning consistent acclaim for its complexity and finesse. Perfect for complementing holiday seafood dishes like scallops or creamy casseroles such as lobster mac and cheese.
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough Te Muna (2023)
Price: $26 Flavor Notes: Lime, passionfruit, and chamomile with crisp acidity.
Why It Shines: Just missing the top 10, this bottle comes in at #11 taking the top spot for a Sauv Blanc on this year’s list. Hailing from New Zealand’s acclaimed Martinborough region, this Sauvignon Blanc stands out for its vibrant aromatics and refreshing minerality. A wonderful choice for pairing with holiday salads or grilled shrimp appetizers.
Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley (2022)
Price: $50 Flavor Notes: Mango, orange blossom, and toasted herbs with creamy texture.
Why It Shines: It’s Merry! Produced by a pioneering winemaker in Sonoma, this Sauvignon Blanc is known for its rich, layered profile and food-friendly appeal. Ideal for festive dinners featuring lobster, crab, or even a decadent seafood tower.
Elena Walch Pinot Grigio Alto Adige (2023)
Price: $22 Flavor Notes: Pear, peach, and citrus peel with lively salinity.
Why It Shines: From Italy’s Alto Adige region, this Pinot Grigio exemplifies the area’s fresh, aromatic style. Its clean, bright finish makes it incredibly versatile. Serve with light holiday appetizers, such as goat cheese crostini or smoked salmon.
Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast (2023)
Price: $55 Flavor Notes: Pomelo, yuzu, and almond with a vibrant finish.
Why It Shines: A true representation of Sonoma Coast’s cool-climate Chardonnay, this wine combines zesty citrus with a creamy finish. Pair it with roasted poultry, such as Cornish game hens, or elegant scallop dishes for a show-stopping holiday pairing.
Final Thoughts
These exceptional wines from the 2024 Top 100 list bring sophistication and cheer to your holiday celebrations. From sparkling to red and white, each bottle offers a unique way to elevate your gatherings, whether cozy family dinners or glamorous New Year’s toasts. Cheers to a season of great taste and memorable moments!
