9 top drops for seasonal entertaining

Let’s face it, we all have our festive favourites… chardonnay to chime with seafood starters, Rioja with roast lamb, and a pinot noir to pep up the turkey and all the trimmings.

So chances are you’re looking forward to switching up the wine rack, pouring a merry measure, and having everything to hand to see you through the holiday season.

However, deciding which wines to grace the table can be challenging – this is where good all-rounders come into play, alongside a couple of top-notch choices – after all, no-one wants to be left out in the cold.

Here’s what’s flowing with yuletide cheer, and comes highly recommended…

1. SPAR Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore, Italy, £9.99, SPAR, in-store

We’re suggesting you sprint, rather than stroll, to pick up this fabulous fizz. Awarded Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, it’s pitch perfect with delightful peachy nuances, soft, blossomy mousse and light, fresh finish. A brunch time party-pleaser for sure.

2. Rose & Rose Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11.50, (£9 Mix Six), Majestic

A stylish sauvignon blanc – and looker with its green label which aligns perfectly with fir tree centrepieces for your tablescape – this refreshing, pristine white opens up with aromas of ripe tropical fruits, fleshy guava and citrus; fruit-forward with a lively minerality and herbaceous notes, it will wash down beautifully with shellfish, goats cheese and appetisers.

3. Waitrose No1 Gavi di Gavi 2024, Italy, £15, Waitrose

With the fanfare of food, in-between brunches after Boxing Day, and fun suppers, a versatile white with enough verve to complement a Christmas Eve pasta or plate of seafood is a must. Step-in this gorgeous Gavi which combines citrus blossom, pear, peach and lime with bright acidity and zesty finish.

4. Corney & Barrow White Burgundy Maison Auvigue 2022, Mâcon-Villages, France, £17.75, Corney & Barrow

A polished Burgundy and joyous glass, delicate aromas of white blossom give way to ripe, rounded fruit, a gentle honeyed, creamy note, with good body and delicious freshness. Sleek in texture, the overall impression leaves you thinking one bottle isn’t enough! Delicious with roast chicken and bread sauce, not to mention seafood starters such as pan-fried scallops.

5. Tesco Finest Chablis Premier Cru 2022, Burgundy, France, £24, Tesco

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without an elegant Chablis, and this International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025 gold medal winner is the ticket to pleasure. Partially oaked for a layered complexity, it’s citrus-scented with florals coming into play, ripe citrusy fruit, expressive minerality and long finish. Divine with Dover sole or crab cakes.

6. Les Armes Des Princes 2024, Principauté d’Orange IGP, France, £9.99 from £14.99, (now until January 5, 2026), Laithwaites

A classy looking red from Southern Rhône, this grenache dominant blend proves the wines of the principality of Orange are just as impressive as those of its famous neighbour, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Beautifully aromatic with silky red and black fruits, damson, spice, herbs, liquorice and delicious depth of flavour, it over-delivers for the price.

7. Incanta Pinot Noir 2023, Romania, £10, (£7.50 Mix Six) Majestic

At the top of their game, Romanian producer Cramele Recas are behind this perfectly poised pinot noir – and a sure bet for the big day. A perfect match with a bronze turkey and all the trimmings, flavours of ripe raspberry and cassis combine with lifted cherry aromas; harmonious and seamless with a fresh, juicy finish, it’s a crowd pleaser and can cope with a plate piled high.

8. Norton Winemaker’s Reserve Malbec 2023, Argentina, £10, Waitrose

Velvety smooth and a model malbec, beautiful aromas of violet, black plum and blueberry are backed by a delicious combination of forest fruits, with good concentration and hint of vanilla from oak-ageing, leading to a long finish. A winner with Christmas roast beef or New Year’s Eve steak.

9. Bodegas Roda Sela 2022, Rioja, Spain, £19.50, The Champagne Company

There are labels you love to drink again, and again… especially if you’re after an absolute corker to serve with roast leg of lamb. A class act, Bodegas Roda’s Sela is a superb introduction to their portfolio – and will keep you coming back with its delightful aromas of herbs, flowers and cassis; engaging black fruits entwined with garrigue herbs, gentle oak, fine tannins and long, lingering finish. Happy holidays!