Christmas Wine: Champagne, Sparkling, Crisp Whites and Rosé for a Summer Christmas

What Wine Goes with an Australian Christmas Lunch?

The short answer is chilled and fresh. Seafood loves a crisp white or Champagne, glazed ham suits rosé and Pinot Noir, and roast turkey sits happily beside Chardonnay or a lighter red.

Prawns, Oysters and Seafood

Oysters and prawns shine with Champagne, a zesty Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough or the Adelaide Hills. For more ideas, read our guide to wine pairings for seafood and shellfish.

Ham and Turkey

Glazed ham brings sweetness and salt, so a dry rosé or a juicy Pinot Noir works beautifully. Turkey and roast chicken suit a rounder Chardonnay, or a medium bodied red served slightly cool. For a true Aussie touch, a chilled sparkling Shiraz is a festive partner for the ham.

Pavlova and Summer Fruit

For pavlova, berries and mango, finish with a glass of bubbles. A sparkling rosé from Tasmania or the Adelaide Hills brings fresh red fruit for the berries, while a gently sweet Moscato d'Asti keeps pace with the meringue. The rule of thumb: the wine should be sweeter than the dessert.

Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Christmas

Nothing says celebration quite like the pop of a cork. Our sparkling wine picks include Champagne from houses such as Laurent-Perrier, Charles Heidsieck and Jacquart, alongside fine Australian bubbles from Tasmania.

For a lighter, fruitier glass through a long lunch, Prosecco from Italy is an easy crowd pleaser.

Christmas Wine Gifts

A bottle of good wine is one of the easiest Christmas gifts to get right. Choose Champagne for the friend who loves to celebrate, a silky Pinot Noir from Central Otago or the Yarra Valley for the red lover, or a whole case so the gift lasts into the new year.

Looking for something to unwrap? Our gourmet hampers pair wine with indulgent treats and make a generous gift for family, friends and clients. For gifts all year round, browse our wine gifts.

Christmas Wine Questions, Answered

What is a good wine for Christmas dinner?

A dry rosé or a Pinot Noir is a flexible choice. Both work with ham and turkey, rosé suits prawns and grilled seafood, and Pinot Noir suits salmon. If you are hosting a crowd, add a Champagne for the toast and a crisp white for the prawns.

Can you drink red wine at Christmas in Australia?

Yes, just keep it light. Pinot Noir, Gamay and lighter styles of Grenache can be served slightly chilled, which keeps them fresh on a warm day and friendly with ham and turkey.

When should I order wine for Christmas?

Order early in December. Deliveries travel with Australia Post, and November and December are its peak season, so ordering ahead gives your wine time to arrive.

Why Buy Christmas Wine at YourWines?

Our team has gathered summer friendly wines for the whole festive season in one place, and many come by the dozen, so stocking up for family and guests is easy.

Shipping is free Australia wide, with a $20 surcharge for TAS, WA and remote QLD. Once the presents are open, keep the celebration going with our Boxing Day wine and our picks for New Year's Eve.