Holiday Wines to Pair with Your Feast

Experts share their top picks for wines to serve with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive meals

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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With so many different dishes on the holiday table, it can be tricky to choose the perfect wine pairing. Wine expert Randy Fuller shares his top recommendations for wines that will complement a variety of holiday foods, from roast turkey and ham to pumpkin pie. From rich, buttery Chardonnays to spicy Syrahs and festive sparkling wines, Fuller provides a guide to the best bottles to stock up on this season.

Why it matters

The right wine can really elevate a holiday meal, bringing out the flavors of the food and adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Fuller's expert advice helps take the guesswork out of wine pairing so hosts can serve wines that will impress their guests and pair perfectly with their holiday spread.

The details

Fuller suggests a range of wine styles and varietals that will work well with holiday foods. For starters, he recommends rich, buttery Chardonnays that feature seasonal flavors like honey, graham cracker, and cinnamon. Versatile Rieslings, both dry and off-dry, can pair with a variety of dishes from ham to spicy foods. Pinot Noir, with its cinnamon and clove notes, is a crowd-pleasing red that goes well with turkey, duck, and even cheese plates. Fuller also highlights bold, fruit-forward Syrahs and Zinfandels that can stand up to roasts and smoked meats. And for dessert, he suggests indulgent dessert wines like Port, late harvest Riesling, and Muscat. To keep things festive, Fuller recommends sparkling wines, which he says can "fit in well with nearly everything, even beef."

  • The holiday wine guide was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Randy Fuller

A wine expert and author of the article.

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What they’re saying

“My first rule of wine pairing is, "There are no rules." As you do the rest of the year, you should drink what you like and like what you drink.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Expert (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

With Fuller's expert recommendations, holiday hosts can confidently choose wines that will complement their festive meals and create a truly memorable dining experience for their guests. Whether it's a rich Chardonnay, a bright Riesling, or a celebratory sparkling wine, the right bottle can make all the difference in bringing holiday flavors to life.