The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a glass of wine or two. Whether your customers are hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying an outing at your bar and restaurant, having the right wines can elevate the guest experience to the next level. 

These wine varieties offer a range of flavors and styles to complement the diverse flavors of traditional holiday dishes, making them popular choices for the season. From rich reds to sparkling whites, we explore the top wine categories that consumers will look for to make their festivities extra special.

Unveiling the Best Wine Varieties for the Holidays

Cabernet Sauvignon

First on our list is the bold and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its deep red color and rich flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect choice for those who enjoy full-bodied wines. This wine pairs well with hearty dishes like beef or lamb, making it a great option for holiday roasts. Discover Cabernet Sauvignon on Provi.

Beaujolais Nouveau

Next up is the festive and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau, made from the Gamay varietal just south of Burgundy. This wine is released fresh and just in time for the holiday season and is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. With its light, fruity taste, Beaujolais Nouveau is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from roasted turkey or chicken to glazed ham. Discover Beaujolais on Provi.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir's bright acidity and red fruit flavors make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving. It complements the turkey's white meat and enhances the flavors of cranberry sauce, while its versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of side dishes. From Oregon’s Willamette Valley to California’s Sonoma Coast to New York’s Finger Lakes, many regions outside of Burgundy are producing world-class Pinot Noir these days. Discover Pinot Noir on Provi. 

Zinfandel

Zinfandel's bold, fruity flavors and peppery notes make it a fantastic choice for holiday meals. It pairs well with hearty dishes like ham and complements the savoriness of stuffing with its spice and berry undertones. Discover Zinfandel on Provi.

Grenache

Grenache's red berry flavors and subtle spiciness make it a great match for holiday dishes, especially those with Mediterranean or Spanish influences. It complements dishes like roasted lamb and chorizo stuffing or even slow-cooked stews and braises for those colder evenings. Discover Grenache on Provi.

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah's robust character, with dark fruit and spicy notes, pairs wonderfully with smoked or grilled dishes due to its inherent smokiness. Things like barbecue or smoked chicken are go-to pairings. Discover Syrah/Shiraz on Provi. 

Chardonnay

For those looking for a versatile and crowd-pleasing option, Chardonnay is the way to go. This white wine is loved for its smooth and buttery (or not buttery) flavors, which complement a wide range of foods. Whether you're serving seafood, poultry, or vegetarian dishes, Chardonnay is a great choice that will please even the pickiest of palates. While Grand Cru Chardonnay is a delectable treat, there are other Burgundian wines that offer similar tasting notes at more humble price points, such as Aligoté and the Chardonnay-based Chablis. Discover Chardonnay on Provi.

Riesling

With its sweet and fruity profile, Riesling is a versatile option that can balance the spiciness of dishes like stuffing with sausage. Its acidity and touch of sweetness make it a great match for the variety of flavors on holiday dinner tables. Look outside of Austria and Germany for remarkable Rieslings such as New York’s Finger Lakes region or the Alsace region of France. Discover Riesling on Provi.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc's crisp acidity and herbal notes can contrast with the richness of the holiday meal. It pairs wonderfully with green bean casserole and salads, adding a refreshing element to the palate. Look for the inimitable French bottlings or explore New Zealand’s Marlborough region for a pop of citrus zest. Discover Sauvignon Blanc on Provi.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer's aromatic profile, featuring lychee and rose petal notes, pairs wonderfully with spicier holiday dishes. It complements the flavors of dishes like curry-infused gravy and sweet potato casseroles. Discover Gewürztraminer on Provi.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc's crisp acidity and apple and honey flavors make it a refreshing choice for holiday dishes. It pairs beautifully with dishes like honey-glazed carrots and sweet potato pie. Discover Chenin Blanc on Provi. 

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio's crispness and flavors of citrus and pear make it a refreshing choice that can cut through the richness of many holiday dishes. It particularly complements lighter fare like seafood or green salads. Discover Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris on Provi.

Viognier

Viognier's full-bodied and aromatic profile, featuring peach and floral notes, pairs well with dishes like roasted butternut squash and herbed stuffing while its complexity enhances the dining experience. Discover Viognier on Provi.

Prosecco

No holiday celebration is complete without some sparkling wine. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a joyful experience. Consider Prosecco. This Italian sparkling wine is loved for its light and refreshing bubbles, making it a great option for toasting and celebrating. Discover Sparkling wine on Provi.

Port

Last but not least, we have the luscious and sweet Port Wine. This fortified wine is known for its rich and intense flavors, with notes of dried fruits and spices. Port Wine is the perfect choice for dessert pairings, especially with rich chocolate desserts or cheese platters. Its sweetness and complexity make it a great choice for sipping and savoring during the holiday season. Discover Port on Provi.

With these top wine categories, you can elevate your customers’ holiday celebrations and create unforgettable moments. Whether they prefer bold reds, sparkling whites, or luscious sweet wines, it’s important to have a selection for everyone to enjoy.