The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

Christmas Leftovers Made Fun: Festive Afternoon Tea

Be it making too much or receiving loads of foody presents, you’re bound to have lots of leftovers and little bites in the days after Christmas.

It could be instead of the traditional Boxing Day cold buffet, or just as a replacement for weeks of turkey soup, but a Festive Afternoon Tea is a great way to get all those spare bits together and assemble them into something special.  We’ve got a handy guide below for ideas of what foods to include and the drinks that perfectly accompany them!

The Perfect Food for a Festive Afternoon Tea

First Course

First up, those festive finger sandwiches. Turkey and cranberry sauce are a must, but brie or camembert with cranberry would also be a lovely twist if you’re willing to include some toasted elements.  Smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese is also a winner.

If you have any spare from the Christmas dinner (not likely as they’re many people’s favourite bit), then pigs in blankets are perfect bite sized foods for the savoury rung. The same goes for any mini sausage rolls, which is also great excuse to get any festive chutneys involved (spiced, cranberry, apple etc.)

A nice festive quiche with winter vegetables and thyme would make a great vegetarian option here, or a slice of the nut roast from Christmas Dinner if there’s leftovers.

Second Course

It’s not really an afternoon tea without scones, jam and cream occupying that middle rung, is it? For a festive twist, cranberry scones are delicious, especially with orange and cinnamon.

Chances are there will be a few preserves given as gifts, so it’s time to crack them open. If you didn’t get any, then any flavour will do, but focus on berries. Strawberry and champagne jam is perfect for the occasion. Keep the clotted cream simple.

Third Course

It goes without saying that there will probably be plenty of sweet treats to use up here.

Get those slices of leftover Christmas cake up on the top rung, and you have to include a few mince pies if they’re still going strong.

There’s no reason not to include traditional afternoon tea favourites like macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartes or Victoria sponges either.

We think some liquor chocolates are gorgeous peppered in and out of bigger sweet treats too, so it’s time to make a dent in those boxes if you haven’t already.

The Perfect Drinks for a Festive Afternoon Tea

Champagne

When Champagne is enjoyed alongside Afternoon Tea, it becomes a Royal Afternoon Tea, so I guess this would be a Royal Festive Afternoon Tea. Far from being just an extravagance, it is actually ideal for the bites above. A gorgeous Brut Champagne is a great all-rounder, because the gentle fizz and delicate fruitiness soothes throughout. Creamy, brioche and nutty notes pair well with the sweets as well as clotted cream and cheeses, and there’s enough acidity to cut through fatty oils in the pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pastries. Every sip feels special too, which helps the festive celebrations along.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti isn’t the one if you’re looking for something to pair with every level of the Afternoon Tea, but it does absolutely shine with the sweeter bites. It’s so refreshing, with delicate bubbles, low alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness. Cakes, sponges, and anything citrus – this is delightful.

Prosecco

Similar to Moscato d’Asti above, Prosecco is a companion that shines with the sweeter dishes. It’s light and fruity, and as long as you get one with a bit of intensity and complexity, it shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flavours in the food. There’s enough fruity sweetness to avoid becoming horribly bitter and acidic, and the effervescence clears everything between bites nicely.

Riesling

Riesling has a fantastic food-friendly reputation, being armed to deal with all sorts of textures and flavours. Sharp acidity cuts through any fats and grease in meats, with residual sugar to deal with sweeter finishes. It’s fresh and lively to give a break from any overwhelming richness too.

Festive tea

We had to include tea of course. Why not fully embrace the season with a Christmas tea blend? There are lots out there, but you’ll usually find winter spices, citrus and orchard fruits – so expect cinnamon, clove, cardamom, orange and alike. It’ll throw up lots of complimentary flavours with other seasonal flavours in the food, and high heat is surprising in its ability to refresh the palate.

Sherry

A sure-fire way to put an Afternoon Tea through the Christmas transformation machine, we’re looking at sherry for those puddings. More precisely, Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso, with good sweetness and those delicious notes of dried fruits, nutsy and rich chocolates.

Pinot Noir

There’s no need for anything as heavy as a Barolo with light and varied bites like this, but a light Pinot Noir with tonnes of those soft red fruits is perfect. New Zealand Pinot is often the vibrant, fruity character we’re after, and they also happen to be rich and structured too, so can handle a little sweet spice. It’s absolutely delicious with cranberry sauce too. It’s a favourite for those Boxing Day cold spreads, so why not an Afternoon Tea twist?

If you’ve still got loads of Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies to chomp through, then we’ve got a detailed guide on drinks that marry them deliciously.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

Find more info here

Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

Find more info here

Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

Find more info here

Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

Find more info here

Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

Find more info here

Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose December 2023

 In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we go through the latest supermarket offerings and highlight any gems that are definitely worth picking up. These incredible offers from Waitrose have already begun, and last until the New Year, so they’re ideal for last minute Christmas stocking up or gifts.

We’ve narrowed it down to 5 of the best for whites, reds, rosé and champagnes, and the best thing is that they’re all around £10… except the fizz of course, but that’s still punching well above its price point. There are so many must tries this December, so see what takes your fancy below.

Waitrose Red Wines December 2023

Pazzia Primitivo di Manduria

In the heart of Salento, San Marzono set about making great wine from low yield plants, which are off putting to many. But we’re glad they persisted because it’s fantastic. Within the full-bodied inky abyss are fleshy, sweet cherries and ripe plums, as well as oaky vanilla hints. Tates far more expensive.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Hedonist Shiraz

This is fantastic value Aussie Shiraz from McLaren Vale, embracing low-intervention philosophy. It’s bold, dark and chocolatey, delivering smooth red berries flanked by a just a touch of spice and smoke, as well as that long velvety finish Shiraz should have.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £14.99)

Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz

Making masterful use of gapes from all over Barossa, this is a deeply intense and opulent red, plush with mocha flavours from that beautiful oak ageing. Brooding blackberries and plums lurk in the background. This would be wonderful with hearty meats like steak or game, but do let it breathe for an hour before drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero d'Avola

This is a delicious organic Sicilian red from a great value winery. The ‘appassimento’ technique is what gives that luxurious deep red colour, containing an inviting berried nose, silky tannins, peppery spice, and jammy sweetness. It would sing with steak.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Paul Mas Reserve Languedoc Rouge

Hailing from Jean-Claude Mas' vineyards in the Languedoc region, this is a dryer red throwing up red and black berries and easy-drinking feel. There are more complex out there surely, but for food-friendly companionship, there is more than enough depth with a touch of vanilla and minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines December 2023

Eminence de Bijou

Always well-received, this French Rosé brings the usual profile (dry and aromatic, with plentiful berries and citrus), but also expect spice and vanilla structure, which raises eyebrows but in a good way. Its weight is satisfying too, and with £4 off, it’s such a bargain.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.49 (usually £14.49)

Esprit de Buganay Provence Rosé

This is a fruity Provence Rosé – think strawberry, raspberry, and juicy peach. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah are joined by a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure. Everything is picked early in the cool morning and very gently pressed for pale pink colour and delicate flavours, which is why every sip feels so crisp and refreshingly light.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Château de Berne Provence Rose

We’re more than happy to shout out Château de Berne, because we love their standout squared bottle, their wine tourism experiences, and most importantly, the liquid... which is a total showcase for Provençal pink. The strawberry freshness hits you, as does the crisp elegance, and all the while being very subtle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.00 (usually £15.99)

Mirabeau Pure Rosé Provence

Mirabeau’s bottles always deliver, inside and out. This right here is a superbly quaffable Provence Rosé that goes down so smoothly, delivering mellow strawberry and cherry but never losing crispness, and even hints of minerality and stone. Easy to love, and even easier to drink.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £16.99!)

Jardin de Roses AOP Languedoc Rosé

First off, what a stunning bottle (especially if you’re on the last-minute hunt for Christmas prezzies). Onto the wine now, which is a pale Languedoc number, mostly Syrah but with 30% Grenache too. As you might have guessed from the hue, the peach comes through nicely, as does the rose petal and of course, strawberries. No sharpness, just joy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.49 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose White Wines December 2023

Bonterra Estate Collection Organic Chardonnay

You don’t often find organic Cali Chardonnay this good for under a tenner. In fact, you probably never do, so snap at the chance to try it. The vines grow alongside flora and fauna, like the sheep on the label, for a wine in tune with nature, grown from strong, natural soil. It’s juicy, it’s lemony, there’s orchard fruits and on top of that, the barrel really comes through with touches of crème brûlée. It’s not a classic profile, but that’s no bad thing here.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

Another wine that doesn’t fulfil the expectations of the style completely, Ned Pinot Grigio is from the Waihopai Valley in New Zealand, and brings a salmon blush with lots of stone fruits and a really interesting mineral touch. It’s surprisingly rich and full-bodied, and there’s no better time to try it than at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc

This South African Sauvignon Blanc is a joy to explore, full of delicate depths – think stone fruit, citrus and some interesting vegetal notes on the finish. Vibrant, zesty, and food-friendly, it’s as beautiful as its Table Mountain backdrop.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.7%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Crux Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

We’re back over to the Waihopai Valley again, for a dreamy Kiwi Sauv Blanc that brings so much refreshment, perfect for Christmas feasting. It balances citric and tropical fruity flavours with light elegance and has that special feel to it as well. Punches way above its price point here.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.66 (usually £12.99)

Terre di Vita Organic Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane IGP

£6.99 for this? What a deal. Hand-harvested organic Pinot from Sicily is the origin, where the fruity characteristics and aromas are enhanced by chalky soils and fluctuating temperatures. It’s dry, it’s crisp and the lightness is so alluring. Every sip is so refreshing, you just can’t help but return to it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £8.99)

Waitrose Champagne December 2023

Bollinger Rosé Champagne Brut NV

£10 off this beautiful Bollinger? Yes please. So many drinkers try this, slightly hesitant of ‘the pink stuff’, and find themselves preferring it to all sparkling wine, including regular Champagne. It’s big, but with a clean freshness that is so easy to love, and those floral raspberries are exquisite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £47.99 (usually £57.99)

Taittinger Champagne Brut Réserve NV

This golden wonder is known for its fine, lingering mousse, as well as the light elegance it brings. Peach and brioche are ever present, and the refreshment is truly magical. Everything is done right here, and you feel like you’re in safe hands. Nothing better for Christmas celebrations at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £32.99 (usually £42.99)

Gosset Grande Réserve Champagne Brut

This Champagne shines bright, with extravagant richness from a lesser-known house. The bubbles are precise and wonderfully fine, it’s dry but biscuity and the elegant, toasted notes linger way into the distance. Memorable and perfect for celebrations.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £41.99 (usually £54.99)

Nicholas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive NV Rosé Champagne

This is utterly sublime, and that’s before the price. It’s everything Champagne should be – delicate, elegant, and built around complex structure. The Rosé brings interweaving currants, blueberries, and raspberries for a summery twist, with pastry, cream hints too. So good!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £25.99 (usually £35.99)

Jansz Premium Cuvée NV Tasmania

This is a fun Tasmanian fizz, and so affordable too. Strawberry and lemon zest fill out a fine mousse, which carries toasted notes, precise sweetness, and biscuity touches. It’s so balanced for the money, and we don’t really understand why it isn’t more expensive... but nab it before anyone realises!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.49 (usually £18.49)

If you’ve got a different supermarket nearer to you, then check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

What Should I Drink With Christmas Dinner?

Christmas Dinner is usually most people’s biggest meal of the year, with a lot of flavours jostling for position, and if you’re hosting, lots of different tastes at the table. Food might be the main focus, but don’t let the drinks get lost under all those different dishes!

Everyone has different opinions and the perfect wine for all simply doesn’t exist, so alongside Christmas dinner, it’s best to seek out crowd-pleasers that will let the food shine. We know every Christmas dinner is different, so we’ll highlight particularly delicious pairings in bold so you can find the ideal wine for you. Let the feast commence.

WHITE WINE

Riesling

We’ve got a few food pairing guides now, and there is a good reason why we pretty much always return to Riesling. It can deal with so many flavours and textures and is a fantastic all-rounder. Bringing sharp acidity, it’s perfect for cutting through the fatty goodness of goose, duck, ham and roasties – pretty much anything with a bit of grease. Dry Riesling bring a touch of residual sugar and be less alcohol intensive, and therefore food-friendly with sweet glazes or honeyed meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13

Chardonnay

Whites need to big and bold, particularly with the crispy skin of turkey, but also something to relieve the richness on the table, so we’re looking at lightly oaked Chardonnay. Make sure it still has fruity flavours, and it will be a versatile pairing for salty ham and gammon too, as well as the increasingly popular vegetarian or vegan nut roast, that needs its richness offset.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9.8%
Find here: £8.99

SPARKLING WINE

Champagne

Bubbles are always great with heavy feasts like the Christmas dinner, and sparkling wine is of course, a food-friendly option. Rich, salty flavours will likely be present, so avoid sweet or rosé champagnes, and instead look to brut. Particularly after the meal, the gentle fizz and fragrant fruitiness is beautifully soothing. It also helps that is screams celebration. Also, if you’re on of the few people embracing seafood on the big day, then the saline mineral character of bubbly is a famous pairing. Of course, there’s no need to splash out (although there are great value Champagnes like this one), and affordable alternatives like Crémant and Cava would work just as well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48.50

RED WINE

Merlot

A serial crowd-pleaser, find a merlot in the smooth and velvety style, because some others can be heavily oaked. Chilean merlot is a great source of value in this area. Particularly with turkey, it’s more about sauce and stuffing than the meat, and as cranberry sauce is nailed on, we want bright, fruity wines to match. And if the turkey has ended up a bit dry, then the juicy feel doesn’t hurt either. Chilean bottles in particular bring that vibrance, as well as acidity to cut through any fats and refresh the palate. It’s a good option for Christmas ham too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.60

Barolo

If you’re serving goose or even duck and red is a must, then an Italian number like Barolo could be the answer. The foods are very indulgent and fatty, so you need something like a well-structured Barolo to slice through. If you’ve scrapped the turkey and gone for any darker, more savoury meats like the above or beef, then big, punchy Barolo is the answer.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £24.99 (less with Mix Six)

Pinot Noir

Light-bodied and brimming with soft red fruits, Pinot Noir will sing with those cranberry sauce helpings alongside the turkey. Central Otago New Zealand Pinot tends to fit the bright and fruity profile we’re looking for, and they’re also some of the richest and structured, so work particularly well with any sweet glazes (usually ham), or spices. Make sure you don’t go for something too tannic, because it will seem harsh without the fat to soften the tannins. The great thing about leftover Christmas day Pinot is that it’s perfect for the Boxing Day leftovers, ideally light for cold meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

This is just a guide for the big meal itself, but we know as well as you do that Christmas grazing is an all day and all night affair. What should you drink with Christmas pudding or mince pies? Or perhaps you’re after some wine and cheese pairings in the evening? We’ve got recommended bottles for every occasion on the site, as well as tonnes of handy gift guides and recipes.

What Should I Drink With Christmas Cake, Pudding and Mince Pies?

If you’re not gorging on at least one of these this December, then are you even doing Christmas? Of course, mince pies, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding have their differences, but they’re all based around rich fruits, usually dried, or candied, as well as nuts and spices. Because of this, the same kind of drinks tend to work with them, and work they certainly do – these pairings are mouth-watering, and exactly what Christmas indulgence is about.

Sherry

Sweet, luxurious sherry is such a perfect match. Stick to Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso styles, and the dried fruits, nuts, and silky, rich chocolatey notes will pair up like a match made in taste heaven. It’s a traditional pairing too, so fully embraces the season. We’ve just uploaded our sherry guide for Christmas too, which details recommendations and information about all the styles.

Size: 375ml (half bottle)
ABV: 17%
Find here: £13.65

Port

Tawny Port in particular is a great way to go, brimming with red and black fruits, and if it’s got decent aging, nutty undertones too. The tawny is slightly less sweet than ruby ports, so the richer, nuttier, treacley flavours work well, especially if you’re using brandy butter. This Kopke Tawny is lovely and rich, with a velvety mouthfeel complimenting any cream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Madeira

Part of Madeira wine’s fundamental manufacturing is heat, giving tonnes of stewed fruits and burnt sugar notes, as well as delicious nutty flavours. I mean, the nose often smells of Christmas cake even! They also keep their acidity nicely, which helps to avoid everything becoming a bit weighed down and cloying. It isn’t as traditional as a glass of sherry but works just as well.  This Blandy’s number is full-on and fruity, but most decent sweet Maderia wines will do the job.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £12.99 (usually more!)

Muscat

Dessert wines with carrying hints of apricot or orange work nicely, playing into the festive fruits nicely. Spanish Moscatel de Valencia is a good option – it’s a honeyed wine that’s also fresh and fruity, with lofty florality. It also provides a bit of refreshment and tang if the richness is getting a bit much,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £7.99

These Christmas sweet treats are all similar in profile, but the same cannot be said for other desserts, where they may be sharp citrus, custard or other difficult to match flavours and textures. Luckily, we have a whole guide on what to drink with Classic British Puddings here!

8 Stunning Christmas Hampers from DukesHill

Without question, a magically presented hamper is a wonderful Christmas gift, but the festive feast within has to live up to expectations, and we’ve found some that do just that.

DukesHill have built a reputation for delivering artisan hampers that blow people away, putting provenance and quality at the heart of everything they do, from their best-in-class ham to their brandy steeped award-winning Christmas pudding. They’ve even got a Royal Warrant for their cured hams, so these hampers are literally fit for a king, as well as The Ritz, Harrods, and Fortnum & Mason to name a few.

We’re featuring eight of our favourite Christmas hampers here, but rest assured, they have an entire mouthwatering food hall on their site, as well as gift boxes and year-round hampers that are just as suitable for Christmas to be honest. Also, every single hamper comes with a wicker basket for that authentic quality feel, which we love.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into some of their juiciest offerings and enter a festive feast paradise.

DukesHill Christmas Hampers to Gift

DukesHill Deck The Halls Christmas Hamper

7 premium items fill this 14” wicker basket, which is perfect for sampling and sharing, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Gran Moravia & pistachio sables are included with fig chutney, as well as the highly acclaimed Christmas pudding, classic panettone, authentic shortbread, and a ginger biscuit chocolate bar. Oh, and it’s all washed down with a bottle of Tanners Cava Brut. Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Find here: £60

DukesHill Wine & Cheese Hamper

One of the cheaper DukesHill Hampers but completely indulgent all the same, the charming wicker basket contains a big slab of Isle of Mull cheddar and potent Cote Hill Blue Cheese, ready to marry with the crackers, apple, and sultana chutney and, the star of the show, the Chateau Argadens Bordeaux – rich, oaky and deep. It’s a complete package of harmonious pairings for a festive wine and cheese experience.

Find here: £65

DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper

This hearty hamper gets the ball rolling with the flavoursome Isle of Mull cheddar, perfectly paired with the finest charcuterie – lomo, bresaola, porchetta and pastrami. Complimenting this is their signature fig chutney and crackers, before the shining star – a litre of whisky cask cider. It’s matured for half a year in single malt Scotch casks, and delivers refreshing smoothness alongside warm, oaky vanilla.

Find here: £69

DukesHill Jingle Bells Christmas Hamper

A best-seller, this 14” wicker basket contains savoury and sweet treats for all tastes. It mostly focuses on the classics, so that’s rich honey honey-baked ham, delicate smoked salmon, black waxed cheddar, and apple & sultana chutney. The Jingle Bells sweet section is just as pleasing, with the compulsory Christmas pudding, panettone, and a dreamy premium biscuit bundle. So much quality for the price.

Find here: £75

DukesHill Bah Humbug! Christmas Hamper

This is one to get even the most anti-Christmas person into the festive spirit, with 12 delicious items representing their most popular treats. Honey baked honey ham is cured by DukeHill’s own experts, joining sliced oak smoked salmon and pork rillettes, which are an exclusive creation using peppers and spices. Beyond this, fig chutney is waiting to be paired with the black waxed cheddar, and delving into dessert, there’s handmade Loch Lomond shortbread, award-winning Christmas Pudding, Panettone and a selection of gorgeous biscuits and chocolates. Splendid.

Find here: £95

DukesHill Chocolatier's Collection Chocolate Christmas Hamper

An absolute dream for the chocoholics, this exceptional collection contains a handy hot chocolate shaker for velvety smooth hot choccy all year round, and bags of milk chocolate drops, dark chocolate orange flakes and blonde chocolate flakes to start making them with. 16 hand decorated artisan Christmas truffles are also included, alongside two luxury chocolate bars – pistachio & cranberry, and marmalade dark chocolate. Willy Wonka would be proud.

Find here: £95

DukesHill It’s A Wonderful Life Hamper

This is a top-notch all-rounder, bursting with 14 quality items. For the savoury treasures, there’s the signature Wiltshire ham (1.2kg min.), oak-smoked salmon (perfect for blinis), pork rillettes which are joined by the deliciously creamy Cote Hill blue cheese and Isle of Mull Cheddar. A fresh fruit cake, chocolate honeycomb, premium mince pies and Scottish shortbread satisfy the sweet tooth, and Tanners Cava Brut washes everything down. Dig into the basket and you’ll keep finding more… chutney, sables, oatcakes, Christmas Pudding… all generously portioned and of quintessential British quality. Christmas is well and truly sorted with this.

Find here: £195

DukesHill Truly Magnificent Christmas Hamper

We couldn’t resist including this, because if you can afford it, it’s very, very special indeed. ‘Truly Magnificent’ is the pièce de resistance of DukesHill, featuring two 20” baskets bulging with 39 festive treasures. Carefully curated, it includes a panoramic range of the best food and drink. A 4.5kg St. George’s Boneless Ham, 1k of Sliced Oak Smoked Salmon Side, a host of iconic cheeses and chutneys, award-winning Christmas pudding, brandy butter, fine chocolates… there is just too much to list. There are even five of their finest bottles, including Champagne, port and wine. ‘Truly Magnificent’ says it all really.

Find here: £895

The Drinks Subscriptions to Gift This Christmas

If you’ve picked up on someone dropping hints throughout the year with ‘I’d love to try more gins’, or ‘It’d be handy to have different beers from around the world delivered to your house each month’, then a drinks subscription is a thoughtful and useful gift.

If you know someone’s favourite drink, or that they’re wanting to get into something new, then a drinks subscription is probably the best way to do it. It takes the stress out of wandering the supermarket aisles, checking reviews and after all that, just buying your usual, and leaves it to the experts.

A new batch of your favourite drinks (or potential new favourites) from around the world, arriving at your door every month, with treats, ingredients, guides, and advice – who wouldn’t want that? Let’s explore the best of them.

The Best Cocktail Subscription to Gift This Christmas

The Cocktail Society Cocktail Subscription

The Cocktail Society leads the way when it comes to exploring different cocktails, and it’ a style of drink that massively benefits from subscription services. Cocktails don’t come cheap, so you want to be confident that when you order it, you’re gonna love it. However, it’s easy to play it safe and order that same old favourite. This box, which can arrive monthly or quarterly, contains a ready to drink 500ml cocktail, more cocktail cans from Friends of the Society, ingredients for 2 different DIY cocktails, premium snacks, recipes, guides, discount codes, and even the odd surprise too. It’s a fabulous gift for the cocktail lovers in your life, and it’s free delivery too!  

Find here: £40 per month

The Best Wine Subscription to Gift This Christmas

Majestic Wine Club

For reliability and expansive range, there is a reason Majestic are such a household name. Being part of their Wine Club gives you access to the industry expert’s favourite bottles, 12 of which you get in each case, four times a tear. You also get the ‘Six Mix’ saving, but when buying single bottles, savings and vouchers, free tickets to expert tastings and free delivery for everything. Every bottle is explained, everything can be returned without hassle, and all in all, it’s a very complete and worthwhile wine subscription experience, with 7 different subscriptions to select from. It really brings the world of wine to your front door, or your giftees door… right?

Find here: £99-£199 for a 12 bottles case

The Best Beer Subscription to Gift This Christmas

Beer 52 - The Craft Beer Discovery Club

Beer 52’s Discovery Club is all about just that, with a different themed box delivered to your door every month, containing 8 beers, Ferment magazine and some suitable snacks too. At the time of writing, all the beers celebrate the Celtic Nations, but the variety is huge so it’s great for drinkers that want to try beers from all across the world each month, all selected by experts. Delivery is free, and if you’re not keen on the beers, then they pick up the tab! Mixed beers or light beers are your choices with this one.

Find here: £27 per box

The Best Gin Subscription to Gift This Christmas

Craft Gin Club

We were big fans of their advent calendar, and their subscription is also great for the same reasons. Craft Gin Club are the biggest gin subscription in the UK, and joining it gives you access to their packed boxes. A full-sized bottle of craft gin is the highlight, but there are also ingredients for your own seasonal cocktail, the perfect pairing tonics and garnishes, various delicious treats, and glossy magazine. They list all their previous boxes on the site so you can see what you get for the money, be that December’s Manchester Gin, October’s Mexican, or July’s Scotland. They all look stunning too, and with so many gin lovers at the moment, this will definitely make someone’s Christmas.

Find here: £40-£45 per month

The Best Whisky Subscription to Gift This Christmas

The Whisky Nest

Becoming part of The Whisky Nest brings unique distilleries to your front door, with new releases, modern twists, cocktails, and other exciting ways to explore whisky. At the centre of it all is the 100ml sample, one of the largest on the market, and you’ll get all the information about that featured distillery, tasting cards and videos, free delivery, discounts, and video calls with the community – so it really is a club.

Find here: £18.95 per month

The Best Rum Subscription to Gift This Christmas

Craft Rum Club

Established in 206, Craft Rum Club now offer a really great, flexible subscription service. Each month focuses on a new destination, but you have 6 plans to choose from, so you can explore all kinds of rum, or stick to one style. You can get one bottle or two, and alongside that will be other goodies – mixers, cocktail ingredients, snacks, and their magazine. The rum is full sized too which is always a plus.

Find here: £39.95 per month