A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Wines for Christmas: From Budget Bottles to Show-Stopping Treats

Discover an easy beginner’s guide to choosing Christmas wines, from budget-friendly bottles to impressive festive treats. 

Perfect for UK readers looking to buy wine with confidence this holiday season.

Choosing wine for Christmas doesn’t have to be intimidating. 

With supermarket shelves stacked high and endless jargon on the labels, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re not a wine expert. 

The good news? You don’t need to be. Whether you’re looking for affordable bottles for casual sipping or something a bit special for Christmas dinner, this beginner-friendly guide will help you pick wines with confidence, whatever your budget.

Start with a Budget in Mind

Christmas can get expensive quickly, so setting a clear budget helps narrow the choices. Happily, good wine doesn’t need to cost much. Supermarkets in the UK offer excellent value, with plenty of dependable options under £8–£10 and some cracking offers in December. If you’re splashing out, the £12–£20 range delivers fantastic quality without going into fine-wine territory.

Budget-Friendly Wines: Great Taste Without the Price Tag

These bottles are perfect for parties, buffets, and curling up on the sofa with a mince pie, or two. We won't judge!

Red:

Spanish Tempranillo – Soft, fruity, and easy to drink.

Chilean Merlot – Smooth, warm, and crowd-pleasing.

Portuguese Red Blends – Often superb value with rich berry flavours.

White:

South African Chenin Blanc – Fresh, versatile, and great with party food.

Sicilian Grillo – Crisp and aromatic with a sunshine feel.

Pinot Grigio – Light and reliable for large gatherings.

Fizz:

Prosecco – Affordable, cheerful, and perfect for toasts.

Cava – Excellent quality for the money, often drier than Prosecco.

Mid-Range Wines: Ideal for Christmas Dinner

If you’re hosting or want something a step up without breaking the bank, the £10–£20 range delivers plenty of festive magic.

With Turkey or Chicken

French Pinot Noir – Silky with bright red fruits.

Beaujolais Villages – Light, fruity, and great with classic Christmas trimmings.

Oaked Chardonnay – Creamy, rich, and ideal with roast poultry.

With Beef or Lamb

Malbec from Argentina – Bold yet smooth.

Australian Shiraz – Spicy, warming, and perfect for winter.

Spanish Rioja Reserva – Elegant with layers of flavour.

With Fish or Vegetarian Dishes

Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and zingy.

Viognier – Floral, peachy, and lovely with creamy veggie dishes.

Albariño – Excellent with seafood and lighter starters.

Fizz to Impress Slightly

Crémant (France) – Traditional-method sparkling wine without the Champagne price.

English Sparkling Wine (Smaller Bottles Available) – Wonderfully festive and increasingly award-winning.

Premium Bottles: When You Want Something Special

If Christmas is your excuse to indulge, here are some reliable top-tier choices:

Champagne

Look for reputable houses such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, or Moët & Chandon. For great value, supermarket own-label Champagnes often win awards. Also, look out for member's only offers for Tesco, Morison's, Marks and Spencer's, etc.

Fine Reds

Bordeaux (Left Bank for structure, Right Bank for softness)

Barolo – Elegant and powerful.

Amarone – Rich, velvety, and perfect by the fire.

Fine Whites

Chablis Premier Cru – Crisp, classy, and superb with smoked salmon.

White Burgundy – Smooth and luxurious.

These bottles are best kept for the big meal, Christmas Eve supper, or as a gift for someone who knows their wine.

Tips for Buying Wine with Confidence

Don’t fear screw caps – They’re reliable and preserve freshness.

Look for supermarket award stickers – A quick shortcut to quality.

Check for seasonal offers – December is full of multibuy deals.

Buy a mix of styles – Something fruity, something dry, something fizzy; you’ll please everyone.

Ask in-store staff – They genuinely enjoy helping.

How Many Bottles Do You Need?

For gatherings, a helpful rule is one bottle per two or three adults for an evening event. Add a couple of extra bottles of fizz for toasting and you’ll be well covered.

Conclusion

Buying wine for Christmas doesn’t need expert knowledge or a huge budget. With a little guidance and a sense of adventure, you can choose bottles that suit every guest, every meal, and every moment of your festive celebrations. From bargain finds to something luxurious for the big day, the perfect Christmas wine is out there waiting — and now you know exactly how to find it.

Cheers to a deliciously merry Christmas!

Christmas Drinks? We have that covered!

It may still be summer, but Christmas will be here before you know it - and now’s the perfect time to get ahead on gift planning. 

This year we have organised our favourite spirits by price, making it easy to find something great no matter your budget. Whether you’re after affordable stocking fillers, great-value picks or a show-stopping gift, consider it sorted. From crisp gins and award-winning whiskies to vibrant liqueurs and inclusive non-alcoholic options, our selection offers something special for every taste and occasion.

Under £10 

Sierra Margarita Canned Cocktails  

Ready to chill and serve, Sierra Margarita cans are a playful addition to Christmas celebrations - perfect for parties, stockings, or sharing with friends.

The Sierra Margarita cans have been designed in vibrant colours and feature the iconic guitar-playing Jimador, Poncho, relaxing in the sunset. 

The Sierra red sombrero is instantly recognisable as a mark of quality and heritage, guaranteeing that the cocktail inside is full of bold flavour, expertly mixed and made for those moments worth savouring. These ‘bar-quality’ Margaritas have launched in two flavours, Lime and Strawberry.

Sierra Lime Margarita and Sierra Strawberry Margarita Range 12 x 250 ml Can Pack RRP £30.00 ABV: 6%. Available from Amazon and convenience stores across the UK. 

RRP: 1 x 250ml can for £2.49. ABV: 6%. Available to purchase from Lidl.

Under £20 

Australian Bitters 

A must for any cocktail enthusiast, Australian Bitters brings depth, character, and complexity to both classic and contemporary serves - from Old Fashioned's and Manhattans to Espresso Martinis.

 A true essential for any well-stocked bar.

Australian Aromatic Bitters RRP: 1 x 250ml for £14.50. ABV: 45%. Available to purchase from Amazon. 

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

For those skipping the alcohol but not the celebrations, Van Hunks Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé is a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing alternative. 

Crafted using traditional winemaking techniques and carefully de-alcoholised to retain character and balance, it’s ideal for festive toasts, thoughtful gifting, or pairing with light dishes and good company.

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic: RRP £14 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 0.5% Available from Amazon and Van Hunks Website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Limoncè Limoncello  

Crafted in Sicily using handpicked Femminello lemons—renowned for their intense citrus character—Limoncè Limoncello is Italy’s number one selling limoncello and a benchmark for quality and tradition. 

Free from artificial flavours or colouring, it’s made using a cold-infusion technique that preserves the natural brightness and zest of the fruit, while gentle double filtration delivers clarity and finesse. 

The result is a vibrant, aromatic liqueur with a citrus-forward profile, balanced sweetness, and a refined, zesty finish. Enjoy Limoncè Limoncello chilled or in a refreshing Limoncè Spritz. I first found Limoncello in an Italian cocktail bar in London. Absolutely amazing drink!

Limoncè Limoncello: RRP from £15 50cl | ABV 25%. Available from: Amazon, Master Of Malt and Ocado

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence 

A beautifully crafted, lower-alcohol alternative from the award-winning Cotswolds Distillery.

 Made with 10x the botanical concentration of their signature Dry gin, this small but mighty bottle delivers all the flavour with a fraction of the alcohol. 

Each 5ml serve contains just 0.23 units of alcohol and 14 calories, just enough alcohol to toast, not topple. Simply add tonic for a lighter version of a G&T or add to your other favourite classic Gin cocktails. 

Whether gifting to a cocktail enthusiast, a health-conscious friend or someone exploring low-alcoholic options, this is a gift that feels refreshingly different. 

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence: RRP from 18.50 for 100ml. ABV 46%. Available from The Cotswolds Distillery https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Under £30

Van Hunks Brut  

Crafted in the traditional méthode cap classique, Van Hunks Brut Sparkling Wine is a premium South African fizz made from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. 

Aged on the lees for 30 months, it offers refined complexity with delicate fruit, fine bubbles, and a beautifully balanced finish.

It's ideal for festive celebrations, thoughtful gifting, or raising a glass in style. 

Van Hunks Brut: RRP from £25 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 12%. Available from Amazon and Van Hunks website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Dutch Barn Vodka  

Dutch Barn Vodka Original

A beautifully smooth and exceptionally clean vodka, Dutch Barn Vodka Original is perfect for those who appreciate quality and simplicity. 

Its crisp, pure character makes it ideal for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails—an elegant gift to toast the season with style. And it's made with apples! In Yorkshire.

Dutch Barn Vodka Original RRP: from £25 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka,  Amazon and Sainsbury’s.  https://dutchbarn.com

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry

Add a splash of festive cheer with Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry. This vibrant cherry-flavored vodka delivers a luscious, fruity twist on the classic, ideal for holiday cocktails or warming winter drinks. A delightful gift that brings a burst of joyful flavour to any Christmas celebration.

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry RRP: from £32 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka, and  Amazon.

Under £40 

Pantalones 

This Christmas, gift an organic tequila that combines quality and character. Pantalones Tequila comes in two expressions, Reposado and Blanco, each crafted to deliver a distinctive and smooth experience. 

Co-founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, this award-winning spirit invites you to enjoy life with a lighthearted spirit.

Pantalones Reposado 

A perfect gift for the tequila lover who appreciates a richer sip this holiday season. Aged nine months in American oak whisky barrels, this smooth and golden Reposado offers warming notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak - ideal for cozy winter evenings and festive celebrations.

Pantalones Tequila Reposado: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

Pantalones Blanco  

Bright, fresh, and smooth, this organic Blanco is bursting with subtle notes of honey, citrus, and cooked agave. Its clean, crisp profile makes it a versatile gift, perfect for classic cocktails or enjoying neat during holiday gatherings.

Pantalones Tequila Blanco: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

£50 and over 

Renais Gin Original (Can be Personalised)  

A standout gift for the season, Renais Gin brings thoughtful detail and flavour together in one beautifully crafted bottle. 

Available with personalisation when purchased from the Renais website, it’s an ideal choice for hosts or gin lovers on your list. 

Founded by Alex and Emma Watson and inspired by their family vineyard in Northern France, it’s made using upcycled wine grapes and infused with botanicals like linden flowers, cubeb berries, and acacia honey. The result is a smooth, floral gin that shines in a classic G&T or festive spritz.

Renais Gin RRP: From £48.00 for 70cl. ABV: 40% . Available from www.renais.co.uk 

Renais Grand Cru 

Just in time for buying in for the festive season, Renais Grand Cru is a limited-edition gin matured for a year in a single Grand Cru Chablis oak cask. 

It's smooth and gently spiced, it’s layered with notes of vanilla, citrus and oak, and comes in a beautifully designed bottle, hand-numbered and boxed in sustainable mycelium packaging. 

With only 800 bottles available, it’s a rare and thoughtful gift for any gin lover.

Renais Grand Cru Cask Aged Gin RRP: From £90 for 70cl. ABV 50%. Available exclusively at www.renais.co.uk

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky 

A bold and luxurious choice for whisky lovers, the Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky is matured exclusively in STR (that's shaved, toasted, and re-charred) ex-red wine casks to create a rich and intense festive dram. 

Non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, this cask-strength expression (around 60% ABV) offers a deep, complex flavour profile with notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and red berries, followed by layers of mocha, cinnamon, and warming ginger spice. The finish brings hints of baked bread and peppery heat — ideal for sipping slowly by the fire over the Christmas holidays.

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky: RRP £76 for 70cl. ABV  Between 59.1% ABV and 60.5%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum  

Make a statement this Christmas with the Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum , a 1.5L bottle of award-winning gin that's as impressive in size as it is in flavour. 

Crafted using a generous blend of nine carefully selected botanicals, including freshly peeled lime and pink grapefruit zest, this classic London Dry-style gin is bursting with citrus, spice and juniper-forward character. 

It’s the perfect centrepiece for festive celebrations or a standout gift for any gin lover.

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum: RRP £78 for1.5L. ABV 46%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

A Taste of Down Under: Exploring the Typical Australian Christmas Meal

When you think of Christmas, you'll probably envision snow, warm, cosy open fires, and hot mulled wine. 

But in the Land Down Under in Australia, where December is the peak of their summer, the Christmas season unfolds quite differently. Australians have adapted their Christmas traditions to the scorching sun and clear blue skies, including their Christmas meals. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical Australian Christmas meal and the unique culinary traditions that make it a memorable and mouth-watering experience.

Fresh Seafood

Christmas in Australia often begins with some fresh seafood. With the country's vast coastline and abundant marine life, it's no wonder prawns, oysters, and crayfish make their way onto the holiday table. Prawns, especially, are an iconic Christmas dish, often served cold with cocktail sauce or simply grilled with a touch of lemon. These delicious crustaceans symbolise the Australian love for outdoor barbecues and beachside gatherings during the festive season.

Roast Meats

While roast turkey or ham is a traditional Christmas centrepiece in many countries, Australians often opt for roast meats that are more suited to their warmer climate. Lamb, beef, or pork roasts are popular choices, often cooked on the barbecue to keep the heat out of the kitchen. These succulent roasts are typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and native herbs, giving them a distinctive Australian flavour.

Barbecue Bonanza 

Australians are known for their love of barbecues, and Christmas Day is no exception to this rule. Barbecues are often fired up to grill various meats, sausages, and even seafoods. Also in addition to the roast meats, you might find kangaroo steaks or emu sausages, which add a unique and exotic twist to the festive feasting.

Salads and Sides

Given the heat, a variety of salads and refreshing side dishes really are a must on the Australian Christmas table. Classic salads such as potato salad, coleslaw, and Greek salad are often featured alongside more innovative options such as mango and avocado salads, all designed to cool the palate and complement the grilled and roasted main dishes.

Australia also produces a range of interesting and tasty cheeses which find their way onto Australian Christmas cheeseboards. 

Christmas Pudding and Pavlova

Despite the heat, some Australian Christmas traditions align with those of the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas pudding, a rich, fruity, and spiced dessert, is still very much enjoyed, although it may be served with a dollop of ice cream to combat the warmth. But the true star of the Australian Christmas dessert table is the pavlova. This meringue-based dessert is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and traditionally topped with fresh fruits like passionfruit, kiwi, and strawberries.

Tropical Fruits

Australians take full advantage of the seasonal fruits that thrive in their warmer climate. Mangoes, cherries, watermelons, and lychees are commonly served during Christmastime, either as a refreshing snack or incorporated into desserts and fruit salads. These juicy, tropical fruits add a burst of colour and flavour to the festive feasting. 

Drinks

To beat the summer heat, Australians enjoy a variety of beverages during their Christmas celebrations. Iced tea, lemonade, and sparkling wines are some popular choices. Some may even indulge in a classic Aussie beer or a glass of chilled rosé. A non-alcoholic favourite is the "Aussie Punch," which is a fruity concoction made with fruit juices, soda, and a hint of mint.

The typical Australian Christmas meal is a reflection of the country's unique climate, culture, and culinary traditions. From fresh seafood and barbecued meats to tropical fruits and pavlova, the Australian Christmas feast is a true celebration of the nation's diversity and love for the outdoors. So, if you ever find yourself celebrating Christmas Down Under, be prepared for a mouth-watering and memorable culinary adventure that is sure to leave you feeling full and festive.

(Image courtesy of Uwe Jelting from Pixabay)