Holidays
9 Wine Pairings for Your Christmas Dinner Menu
Photography by Ariel Tarr | Recipe: Maple-Glazed Turkey Breasts
Holidays
9 Wine Pairings for Your Christmas Dinner Menu
A true holiday feast isn't complete without something to sip on.
With celebrations taking place all season long, having a bottle of wine (or two!) on-hand doesn't hurt. If you're hosting Christmas dinner or another merry affair this year, pairing your food to your sips is a simple way to up the festive anti.
We've matched up some our favourite appetizers, entrees, and desserts with wines to take the guessing out of your prep.
If wine isn't your thing, be sure to whip up one our delicious holiday-ready mocktails.
3 holiday appetizer and wine pairings
Mini Leek and Bacon Pies
Photo courtesy Jeff Coulson | Recipe: Mini Leek and Bacon Pies
These cute individual pies are a rich bite-sized snack. To cut through the pastry and salty bacon, go for an herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing Pinot Grigio.
Our Pick: 13th Street Winery's Expression Pinot Grigio 2024
13th Street Winery, $18
With notes of golden delicious apple and a light spice, this dry and fresh wine is the perfect complement to a rich appie.
Onion Confit & Pomegranate Sweet Potato Bites
Photography by Ariel Tarr | Recipe: Onion Confit & Pomegranate Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet onion confit marries with a bright burst of pomegranate in this one-bite wonder. Pair it with a light Pinot Noir to match the onion's umami and citrus bite.
Our Pick: Pelee Island Winery Pinot Noir VQA
Pelee Island Winery, $15
A 2025 Gold award winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada, this medium ruby-red wine has aromas of leather and tobacco, plus a juicy hint of raspberry and sour cherry.
Grilled Shrimp with Sriracha-Lime Cocktail Sauce
Photo by Yvonne Duivenvoorden | Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Sriracha-Lime Cocktail Sauce
This grilled twist on the classic shrimp-cocktail appetizer is served with a zesty sriracha-lime sauce. Serve it with a refreshing wine like Vinho Verde or a sparkling prosecco.
Our Pick: Benjamin Bridge 2019 Brut
Benjamin Bridge, $52
An elegantly refined sparkling wine, this brut has a nose of white flowers and lemon zest with a palate of crisp green apple and minerals.
3 holiday entree and wine pairings
Maple-Glazed Turkey Breasts
Photography by Ariel Tarr | Recipe: Maple-Glazed Turkey Breasts
Our Maple-Glazed Turkey Breasts have a hint of sweetness and are served with our nutty Chestnut Stuffing. This dish has a variety of flavour notes melding together, so you could take your wines a few different routes. Go for a fruity Pinot Noir to complement the maple and chestnuts or an off-dry Riesling for juicy balance.
Our Pick: Tantalus 2025 Riesling Lab
Tantalus, $22
This edition of Tantalus's Riesling Lab made up of several lots of their Ontario Riesling hard pressings. It's juicy, lively, and has a zesty lingering finish.
Citrus and Herb Rib Roast
Photography by Jodi Pudge | Recipe: Citrus and Herb Rib Roast
This impressive roast is coated in a crispy, flavour-packed crust that adds elegance to your dinner plate. Juicy red meat pairs deliciously with a full-bodied red, like a Bordeaux, or a Syrah with dark fruity notes.
Our Pick: Blasted Church Syrah 2022
Blasted Church, $34
Sourced from a handful of lots in B.C.'s Osoyoos region, this Syrah has a balance of florals, fruits, and gamey taste.
Nutty Quinoa and Mushroom Strudel
Photography by Jodi Pudge | Recipe: Nutty Quinoa and Mushroom Strudel
This savoury vegan entrée is filled with quinoa and mushrooms for a satisfying, delicious meal even meat lovers will enjoy. For this nutty, earthy dish, an oaky Chardonnay or fruit Pinot Noir is your best bet.
Our Pick: Strewn Winery 2022 Terroir Chardonnay Canadian Oak
Strewn Winery, $32
This Canadian oak barrel-aged Chardonnary combines ripe fruit and a hint of spice.
3 holiday Dessert and wine pairings
Mulled Wine and Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Candied Sage
Photography by Angus Fergusson | Recipe: Mulled Wine and Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Candied Sage
This intensely rich dark chocolate cake uses Cabernet Sauvignon for its balance of deep fruity and black pepper flavours. Serve your slices with more Cab Sauv or a Zinfadel to bring out those spiced notes.
Our Pick: Icellars Estate Winery 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Icellars Estate Winery, $106
Picked from the best blocks in the vineyard, this Ontario Cab Sauv is rich and full-bodied.
Berry Pavlova Wreath
Photography by Jodi Pudge | Recipe: Berry Pavlova Wreath
The unmistakable sweetness of this Pavlova is offset with a tart berry topping. You'll want to match the sugar of this dessert with a bright wine for balance, such as a Moscato d’Asti or a heavier Rosé.
Our Pick: The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2024
The Foreign Affair Winery, $20
With aromas of strawberry rhubarb and watermelon, this dry rosé is the soft pairing a delicate pavlova needs.
Grapefruit Thyme Shortbread Bars
Photography by Jodie Pudge | Recipe: Grapefruit Thyme Shortbread Bars
Tart grapefruit gives refreshing flavour to these savoury shortbread cookie bars. Pair with a light Pinot Noir or a sparkling wine to match the buttery sweetness.
Our Pick: Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Gravel Force Pinot Noir
Blue Mountain, $48
This textural Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with buttery cookies.
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