Our Sommelier’s Top Picks for Christmas 2023

It’s September as I write but time just flies these days and Christmas will be here before we know it! So what better time than now to take a look at the wonderful range of wines we have here at The Wine Box with a view to selecting some real corkers for the holiday season! We asked our sommelier to make some recommendations and these are his top picks for Christmas wines.

At the Coast

For me, Christmas at the coast means hot sunny days by the beach or the pool, warm sultry evenings talking with friends and – of course – lots of yummy seafood! This picture wouldn’t be complete without a bottle of something chilled and delicious. … This Christmas wine pairs with shellfish wonderfully, …

On Safari

Kenya’s famous wild spaces are a huge draw for me at Christmas and after a day of exploring and seeing this country’s amazing wildlife, a sundowner is just the ticket! A light, crisp, Provence-style rosé such as Trumpeter Rosé de Malbec rounds off the day perfectly. This wine is a really versatile choice for enjoying al fresco with your campfire meal.

If the evening is a little chilly, you might prefer a red wine such as …

Around the Barbecue

Social gatherings with friends and family are such an important part of the festive season and, in my experience at least, often feature barbecues! The question of what Christmas wines to bring to a barbecue often arises; a hearty red such as … Malbec is a safe bet, since as well as being utterly delicious it marries beautifully with red meats and can stand up to some powerful flavours if your host has been a little merry with the marinade!

If you’re not keen on red wine, an aromatic white such as …

Picnic in the Park

Lunch in the park with a small group of friends, blanket spread out on the ground, is not exclusively a Christmas thing I know. But maybe you’ve been really busy this year and a Christmas catch-up is just what you and your mates need! In which case, don’t forget to bring a chilly bin full of ice to keep your Clearwater Cove Sauvignon Blanc cold. This clean and crisp white wine from New Zealand’s Marlborough region is a perfect partner for picnic food or to enjoy on its own. Best of all, it won’t break your budget. Cote des Roses Rosé is our go-to for a more romantic, tête-à-tête picnic – not only is this French wine absolutely delicious, it also comes in a designer bottle sculpted to look like a rose bud!

Christmas Day

A special day calls for a special wine, and many folks like to sip a champagne before sitting down to Christmas lunch or dinner with the family. If you’ve got the budget for it, …Roederer…

Alternatively, a delicious prosecco would also fit the bill…