Oh yes, I’m fully aware that there are countless blog posts out there about pairing wine with Thanksgiving or Christmas food. But let’s face it: so many of them can feel repetitive and lack the diversity we see at actual holiday tables. I come from a very multicultural family, and while we do enjoy the classic holiday staples like turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes, we also celebrate with dishes like tamales, hot pot, and cabbage rolls. In this post, I’m going to share my favorite wine pairings for the variety of foods we enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something a little different, I hope this post will give you some inspiration for what wine to bring to your next holiday gathering!
The Classics: American Holiday Staples
Let’s start with the classics. I’m talking about mashed potatoes, turkey, ham, and all the familiar sides that many people across the U.S. associate with holiday meals. You’ll often see recommendations for wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Why do these wines work so well? Let’s break it down:
- Turkey, being lean and not too fatty, doesn’t need a super tannic or highly acidic wine. A medium-bodied white like Chardonnay, with its richness and hints of butter or oak, can really complement turkey’s subtle flavors.
- Mashed potatoes and gravy benefit from a wine that has some acidity to cut through the creaminess but also enough texture to match the richness. An oaked Chardonnay is perfect for this job, providing a balance of acidity and richness.
- Ham is salty, which makes it a perfect candidate for a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. Its acidity contrasts beautifully with the saltiness, refreshing your palate with each sip.
- And then there’s stuffing. While I’m personally not the biggest fan (I mean, it’s basically soggy bread, right?), Pinot Noir is a go-to pairing for it. The wine’s red fruit and earthiness can balance out the herbs and textures in stuffing.
Here’s an idea: start a new tradition of bringing a different wine each year to see how it pairs with the meal. Riesling might be an unexpected but delightful choice! Its light sweetness and acidity can really complement both the savory and sweet dishes on the table, making it an all-around winner.
Hot Pot: A Festive Feast for the Family
In my immediate family, we do things a little differently. Hot pot is a staple for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re unfamiliar, hot pot involves a large, simmering pot of broth placed in the center of the table, and everyone adds their own ingredients—meats, vegetables, noodles—into the pot to cook. Depending on if it’s in season, we might even throw in some crab, which is a real treat!
Since the ingredients are so diverse, I usually choose a few different wines to accompany the meal as a whole:
- When it comes to vegetables and seafood, a crisp Sancerre is ideal. It’s refreshing and its minerality pairs well with lighter ingredients like fish and leafy greens.
- For the lamb and beef slices, I recommend Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its bold structure and flavors of dark fruit and spice can hold their own against the richness of red meat.
- And when we’ve reached the point of eating and drinking too much (as one does during the holidays), honestly, any wine will do! At that point, it’s more about enjoying the company and sharing a glass together than analyzing pairings.
Tamales: A Labor of Love
Tamales are one of my favorite holiday foods, but they require so much effort to make. If someone goes through the trouble of making them or gifting you leftovers, consider yourself very lucky and loved! As for wine, while a Rosé might seem like a great match—and it can be—it’s not always the first choice in colder weather. Instead, I’d recommend a dry, fruity red like Tempranillo or Argentinian Malbec. These wines have enough fruit and structure to complement the masa and rich filling of tamales without overpowering the dish.
For something a little different and festive, you could also try a semi-sweet Lambrusco. It’s a sparkling red wine with a slight sweetness that can balance out the spiciness of tamales, making it a fun option to experiment with during the holidays!
Crispy, Golden Latkes: A Perfect Pairing Partner
Let’s talk about latkes—one of the most delicious fried foods out there, in my opinion! These crispy potato pancakes are often served with toppings like applesauce or sour cream, giving them both savory and slightly sweet elements. For wine, you want something with high acidity to cut through the richness of the fried potatoes.
- If you follow kosher dietary laws, don’t worry—there are plenty of kosher wine options available at stores like Total Wine & More.
- For everyone else, I’d recommend Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay for their acidity and brightness.
- And for something extra festive, you really can’t go wrong with sparkling wine! The bubbles add a celebratory vibe while the acidity helps cleanse your palate between bites.
Raise a Glass to What You Love
The beauty of holiday meals is their diversity—no two families serve the exact same thing. Whether you’re enjoying traditional American dishes, tamales, hot pot, or latkes, my best advice is to drink what you love! The holidays are all about coming together with friends and family, sharing love through food, and creating lasting memories. So pick a wine that makes you happy, and enjoy every sip alongside those you cherish.
