Sip, Savor, Celebrate: Wines to Pair with Every Holiday Tradition

 The holidays are a time to slow down and enjoy life’s simplest pleasures, and nothing pairs better with the season than a great glass of wine. Whether you’re decorating the tree, indulging in holiday baking, or cozying up by the fire, adding a thoughtfully chosen wine to the mix can take your favorite traditions to the next level. So pour yourself a glass, and let’s explore how the perfect pairing can make this holiday season your most memorable yet.

1. Tree-Trimming and Twinkle Lights

Decorating the tree is one of those traditions that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. As you unwrap ornaments that have been in the family for years or add twinkling lights to each branch, there’s something magical about the glow of the season. To complement this joyful tradition, a glass of Prosecco or Cava is the perfect choice.

Why sparkling wine? Its crisp, fruity notes—think green apple, pear, and citrus—mirror the lightness and joy of this activity. The tiny, lively bubbles feel celebratory, making every sip as cheerful as the season itself. Pair your sparkling wine with easy finger foods like Parmesan crisps, dried apricots, or a simple charcuterie board with creamy brie and honey.

Pro tip: Set up a sparkling wine station during your tree-trimming party. Include a few bottles of Prosecco, fresh fruit like cranberries and orange slices, and herbs like rosemary to create DIY festive spritzers. It’s an easy, interactive way to make your gathering feel extra special.

2. Baking Cookies with Loved Ones

The kitchen is the heart of the holidays, and nothing says “festive” like a full day of baking cookies with friends or family. Flour flies, frosting gets everywhere, and the smell of sugar and spice fills the air—it’s pure magic. To make the experience even sweeter, pair this activity with a glass of Moscato d’Asti or Late Harvest Riesling.

These wines bring a delightful touch of sweetness to match the sugary goodness of cookies. Moscato d’Asti is lightly sparkling and has floral, fruity flavors that complement frosted sugar cookies and gingerbread houses. A Late Harvest Riesling, with its notes of honey and apricot, pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread or nutty biscotti.

Turn up the holiday playlist, pour a glass of wine, and let the creativity flow as you decorate your cookies. Bonus idea: Prepare cookie gift boxes with matching mini wine bottles to share the pairing magic with friends and neighbors!

3. Holiday Movie Marathons

After a busy day of shopping or hosting, there’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch for a holiday movie marathon. Whether your go-to is Elf or Love Actually, make the experience even cozier with the perfect wine pairing. For this occasion, I recommend a smooth, easy-drinking red like Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Pinot Noir, with its notes of red cherry and cranberry, is a light-bodied red that’s easy to sip without being overpowering. It’s the kind of wine you can enjoy glass after glass while quoting your favorite lines from Home Alone. If you’re in the mood for something a bit richer, a velvety Merlot, with hints of plum and chocolate, is a lovely choice—especially with a side of popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and crushed peppermint.

To really set the mood, light a few holiday-scented candles (think balsam and cedar or vanilla bean) and bring out some cozy blankets. This simple pairing transforms your living room into a festive escape.

4. Wrapping Gifts Late Into the Night

Gift wrapping is one of those tasks that can feel like a chore—until you pair it with a festive glass of wine. Imagine sitting by the tree, scissors and tape in hand, while a glass of Rosé Sparkling Wine keeps you company.

The crisp, fruity flavors of Rosé Sparkling Wine—strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of citrus—add a playful, celebratory vibe to the task. Its light pink hue feels extra festive, like a holiday ribbon in a glass. Pair it with some chocolate-covered pretzels or cranberry-studded bark for an effortless treat while you work through your stack of presents.

Make the experience even better by turning on a holiday playlist and setting up a little gift-wrapping station. Use gold and burgundy ribbons to match the wine’s festive vibe, and you’ll actually start looking forward to this task year after year.

5. Fireside Evenings

There’s nothing like the simple pleasure of sitting by a crackling fire, a glass of wine in hand, while the world outside feels quiet and calm. For these reflective, intimate moments, a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Syrah is the perfect companion.

Cabernet Sauvignon offers deep, complex flavors of blackberry, cassis, and a hint of vanilla. It’s bold enough to make you feel grounded yet smooth enough to sip slowly as you let your thoughts wander. Syrah, with its smoky, peppery notes, is equally comforting, evoking the warmth and coziness of the fire itself.

For an indulgent pairing, enjoy your fireside wine with dark chocolate truffles, roasted chestnuts, or even a slice of flourless chocolate cake. Add a soft blanket, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for a quiet winter evening.

The holidays are made up of moments big and small, and the right wine can turn even the simplest traditions into something unforgettable. So whether you’re decorating, baking, watching movies, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, let wine be your guide to savoring the magic of the season.

Here’s to making your holidays brighter, cozier, and more delicious—cheers from Uncorked with Caroline!