How much wine should you buy for Christmas? An expert weighs in
Ah, Christmas—a time of twinkling lights, laughter, and, of course, sharing gorgeous bottles of wine with friends and family. How much wine should you buy for Christmas? If you’re anything like me, wine is central to every festive gathering, from clinking glasses of fizz to savouring a luscious red over a cheeseboard, however figuring out how much wine to buy (and which ones to pick) can feel a little daunting. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
Here’s my foolproof guide to stocking your Christmas wine rack, ensuring you have enough to go around while keeping it all stress-free.
How much wine do you really need?
The golden rule: plan for ¾ of a bottle per guest for every 2-3 hours of entertaining. It’s always better to have a little extra—leftover wine never goes to waste, especially during the festive season! If you’re hosting multiple events or a long dinner party, it’s handy to break it down further like this;
Canapés and starters: Sparkling or light whites work best (¾ bottle per 2 guests).
Dinner: Full-bodied whites and reds (1 bottle per 2-3 guests).
Dessert and cheese: Sweet or fortified wines (1 bottle per 4-6 guests).
Wine for canapés and nibbles
Start the festivities with wines that are light, refreshing, and versatile. Think sparkling wines or zippy whites to pair with delicate bites like smoked salmon, cheese straws, or bruschetta.
How much to buy: About 1-2 glasses per person (¾ bottle for every 2 guests).
My top picks: Cava – a crowd-pleasing, crisp sparkler or Sauvignon Blanc –zesty and vibrant, perfect for light nibbles.
The Main Event: Christmas dinner wines
Whether it’s roast turkey, honey-glazed ham or a veggie feast, your Christmas dinner deserves wines that complement the meal beautifully.
For white wine lovers: Opt for full-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Viognier—they’re perfect with creamy sauces and roasted vegetables.
How much to buy: 1 bottle for every 2-3 guests.
My top picks: Burgundy Chardonnay – buttery and elegant, it’s a classic – or Viognier – aromatic with notes of peach and spice, perfect for lighter mains.
For red wine lovers: Poultry dishes like turkey pair well with lighter reds like Pinot Noir, while richer meats like lamb or beef call for a bold Bordeaux or Rioja.
How much to buy: 1 bottle for every 2-3 guests.
My top picks: Pinot Noir – light, fruity, and versatile or Rioja Reserva – smooth and complex with layers of flavour.
After Dinner: Dessert wines and fortified delights
After the feast, it’s time for something indulgent. Dessert wines and fortified wines pair wonderfully with Christmas pudding, mince pies, and cheese boards.
How much to buy: Smaller servings mean 1 bottle per 4-6 guests.
My top picks: Sauternes – a luscious dessert wine with honey and apricot notes or Tawny Port – rich, nutty, and divine with cheese or chocolate.
Wine for cheese boards and finishing touches
To close the evening, offer a bold red or dry sherry to pair with savoury nibbles and cheeses.
How much to buy: 1 bottle for 4-6 guests.
My top picks: Amarone – velvety with dried fruit flavours – pure luxury – or Fino Sherry – crisp and dry, perfect with salty snacks.
Wine Planning Cheat Sheet
| Occasion | Wine Type | Quantity | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canapés | Sparkling or light white | ¾ bottle/2 guests | Cava, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Dinner (White) | Full-bodied white | 1 bottle/2-3 guests | Chardonnay, Viognier |
| Dinner (Red) | Light or bold red | 1 bottle/2-3 guests | Pinot Noir, Rioja |
| Dessert | Sweet or fortified | 1 bottle/4-6 guests | Sauternes, Tawny Port |
| Cheese Boards | Full-bodied red/sherry | 1 bottle/4-6 guests | Amarone, Fino Sherry |
Pro tips for stress-free wine planning
Stock up: It’s always safer to buy a little extra – you’ll thank yourself when the toasts keep flowing.
Serve at the right temperature: Whites and sparkling wines should be chilled to 7–10°C. Reds should be slightly below room temperature, around 15–18°C.
Plan ahead: Chill whites early, and decant bold reds one to two hours before serving.
Non-alcoholic options: Don’t forget sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine for those who aren’t drinking.
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