Holiday Wine Trends 2025: What Everyone Will Be Drinking This Season

Every holiday season brings its own flavor trends, both on the table and in the glass. But 2025 is shaping up to be especially exciting. Consumers are drinking more intentionally, choosing wines that fit the way they gather, cook, and celebrate. Whether it’s a cozy Christmas dinner, a lively Hanukkah party, or a New Year’s Eve feast, the wines we reach for are changing in ways that blend comfort with curiosity.

This year, three wine trends are set to define holiday tables everywhere. If you want to know what to pour and why it works so well with rich winter menus, this blog walks you straight into the spirit of the season.

Trend #1: Lighter, Brighter Reds Take Center Stage

Holiday meals tend to be rich: roasted meats, gravy, herb stuffing, buttery vegetables. Instead of heavy, tannic reds, more drinkers are choosing lifted, aromatic red wines that keep the palate refreshed.

Why Lighter Reds Work in 2025

• They have soft tannins, making them ideal for turkey and pork
• Their acidity cuts through richness
• They echo seasonal flavors like herbs, spices, and roasted vegetables
• They appeal to diverse groups at the table

Top Red Wines Shaping 2025 Holiday Pairings

Pinot Noir: The Evergreen Holiday Hero

Pinot Noir remains unmatched for versatility. Expect red berries, gentle spice, and a silky texture that complements turkey, cranberry sauce, mushroom dishes, and stuffing. It’s also a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Cabernet Franc: The Savory Favorite

Cabernet Franc is having a moment. Its herbal edge and medium weight pair seamlessly with roasted beef, lamb, root vegetables, and herb-heavy preparations. It offers structure without heaviness, exactly what holiday cooks reach for now.

Zinfandel: Comfort in a Glass

Zinfandel’s warm spice and ripe fruit feel tailor-made for colder months. It shines with glazed ham, sausage stuffing, and dishes that lean sweet-and-savory. Expect it to be the "surprise hit" on many 2025 tables.

Syrah: Big Flavor Without Overwhelm

Syrah bridges richness and restraint. Its peppery depth works beautifully with prime rib, short ribs, and charred holiday roasts. It is the season’s go-to for “one big red” that still plays well with a full menu.

These lighter reds remind us why balance matters more than power. In 2025, they’ll be the bottles that keep the entire holiday table connected. 

Trend #2: Aromatic Whites Make a Major Comeback

Consumers are rediscovering whites that bring both freshness and flavor. This year, the emphasis is on aromatic, expressive wines that lift heavy courses and brighten herbal or citrus-driven dishes.

Why Aromatic Whites Dominate in 2025

• They energize rich meals
• They pair with both savory and subtly sweet dishes
• They fit the shift toward vegetable-forward side dishes
• They work whether the meal is traditional or modern

Top White Wines for 2025 Holiday Menus

Riesling: The High-Flex Holiday White

Dry and off-dry Rieslings are both trending because they handle virtually every holiday flavor: salty, spiced, sweet, or citrusy. It pairs beautifully with ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Chardonnay: The Classic With Renewed Popularity

Chardonnay continues to dominate, especially unoaked or lightly oaked styles. The texture mirrors creamy dishes while acidity keeps the palate refreshed. It remains the top choice for mashed potatoes, gratins, casseroles, and roast chicken.

Sauvignon Blanc: The Green, Fresh Counterbalance

With more holiday spreads featuring herbs, citrus, and vegetable dishes, Sauvignon Blanc feels perfectly aligned with 2025’s lighter eating patterns.

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio: The Crowd-Friendly Starter

Bright, neutral, and refreshing, Pinot Grigio still wins for appetizers, seafood, and arrival snacks.

As holiday menus evolve, these expressive whites step in with clarity and lift. They brighten the meal, freshen the palate, and bring effortless harmony from the first course to the last.

Trend #3: Sparkling Wines Become the All-Day Holiday Staple

The biggest shift for 2025 is how sparkling wine is enjoyed—not only as a toast, but from appetizers to dessert. More holiday hosts are choosing bubbles because they are versatile, celebratory, and food-friendly.

Why Sparkling Wine Has Dominated 2025

• It pairs with every course
• It makes meals feel festive
• It works beautifully with salty, rich, or fried foods
• It’s perfect for morning, afternoon, or evening gatherings

Sparkling Wines Leading the Trend

Champagne: Especially for Brunch

Champagne cuts through pastries, eggs, smoked salmon, and richer brunch classics. It adds lift and elegance to any early holiday gathering.

Prosecco: The Friendly, Easygoing Crowd Pleaser

Prosecco’s fruitiness and gentle bubbles make it ideal for appetizers, cheese boards, and mid-meal sipping. It’s the sparkling wine of casual celebrations.

Sparkling Rosé: The Most Versatile Bubbly of 2025

Sparkling rosé brings extra fruit and structure, making it perfect for turkey, ham, charcuterie, and festive spreads. Its popularity is climbing quickly this year.

With bubbles that fit every dish and every moment, sparkling wine is becoming less of a special-occasion pour and more of a holiday essential you’ll want on repeat throughout the season.

Course-by-Course Holiday Pairing Guide for 2025

Are you worried about which wine to serve this holiday season? We got you covered. Here is a step-by-step breakdown: 

Appetizers

Start bright:

• Sparkling wine
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Light rosé

These wines bring energy and match well with herbs, veggies, and cheese boards.

Main Courses

Turkey: Pinot Noir or dry Riesling
Beef roast: Syrah or Cabernet Franc
Ham: Zinfandel or Off-Dry Riesling

Each pairing balances flavor and texture rather than overpowering the dish.

Creamy Sides

Chardonnay shines here thanks to its body and freshness.

Desserts

• If you have Apple pie, opt for Moscato or Ice Wine
• If you are serving a Chocolate dessert, go for Tawny Port or Madeira

These wines enhance sweetness instead of competing with it.

WHWC Somm Picks for 2025

Here are a few bottles currently featured on the WHWC site:

• A lifted, aromatic Pinot Noir for turkey and herbs
• A creamy Chardonnay for winter sides
• A festive Champagne for brunch or dessert
• A warming Zinfandel for ham
• A versatile Riesling for sweet-savory plates
• A structured Syrah for roast beef

You can explore more holiday selections on the WHWC shop page.

FAQ: Holiday Wine Trends 2025

What wines will be most popular during the holidays in 2025?

Lighter reds, aromatic whites, and sparkling wines across all meals.

Why is Pinot Noir still the top choice for turkey?

Its acidity and gentle tannins match the turkey’s texture and herbs effortlessly.

Is Chardonnay still relevant for holiday meals?

Absolutely! A lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay is ideal for creamy dishes.

Toast To A Fresh, Festive 2025

2025 holiday wine trends mainly focus on ease, versatility, and expressive flavor. Whether you’re pouring Pinot Noir, popping Champagne, or exploring bright aromatic whites, each brings something essential to the table. 

Browse Woodland Hills Wine Company’s curated holiday selection to build a lineup that feels modern, warm, and unmistakably festive.

Related Products