The holiday season is all about gathering around the table, sharing delicious food, and making memories with the people who matter most. And whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning an elegant Christmas celebration, or simply bringing a bottle to share, the right wine can make every occasion feel a little more special.
At Patterson Cellars, we believe great food deserves great wine. That's why we've put together our 2026 Holiday Food & Wine Pairing Guide, featuring some of our favorite wines to complement everything from savory holiday classics to decadent desserts.
Consider this your guide to sipping, serving, and celebrating all season long!
Start the Celebration with Something Bright & Bubbly
2023 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay
Nothing says celebration quite like a glass of sparkling wine! With lively bubbles and a clean, refreshing finish, our 2023 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay is the perfect way to welcome guests and kick off your holiday festivities.
Its refreshing character also makes it an excellent palate cleanser between rich, flavorful dishes.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Spinach and artichoke dip, baked mac and cheese, and lemon pie.
Christmas Pairings: Oysters, smoked salmon, caviar, deviled eggs, baked brie, and sugar cookies.
Our Tip: Pour a glass as guests arrive and serve alongside your favorite holiday appetizers for an effortless start to the celebration.
Fresh Whites for Your Holiday Favorites
2025 Grenache Blanc | 2026 Fall Release
Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully crisp, our 2025 Grenache Blanc is an excellent choice for lighter holiday dishes and appetizers. Its fresh character complements savory flavors without overpowering the food, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Christmas Pairings: Shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, goat cheese crostini, and baked brie with apple.
2025 Chardonnay
Rich holiday dishes call for a wine that can hold its own! Our 2025 Chardonnay offers a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity, making it a beautiful match for comforting sides, creamy sauces, and decadent seafood.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Pumpkin risotto, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cornbread stuffing.
Christmas Pairings: Lobster, crab, potatoes au gratin, baked brie, roasted chicken, and creamy pasta.
Our Tip: If your holiday menu includes plenty of buttery, creamy dishes, Chardonnay is a wonderful wine to have on hand.
Red Wines Made for the Holiday Table
2023 Grenache | New Release
Looking for a red wine that pairs with just about everything on your Thanksgiving table? Meet our newly released 2023 Grenache!
Silky, versatile, and full of character, this wine complements a wide variety of holiday flavors, from roasted vegetables to savory meats. It's an especially great choice when you're serving several dishes and want one red wine that can do it all.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Brie, crispy Brussels sprouts, smoked turkey, ham, gravy, and roasted squash.
Christmas Pairings: Glazed ham, pork tenderloin, duck, sausage stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Our Tip: Grenache is a fantastic crowd-pleaser for gatherings where everyone has a different favorite dish.
2022 BDX | New Release
For the heartier dishes of the holiday season, reach for our newly released 2022 BDX.
Bold and structured, this red blend is made for rich, savory flavors and beautifully roasted meats. Whether you're serving a traditional prime rib dinner or preparing a special Christmas feast, BDX brings a little extra elegance to the table.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Prime rib, rosemary lamb, loaded mashed potatoes, and cranberry glaze.
Christmas Pairings: Prime rib, beef tenderloin, rosemary lamb, potatoes au gratin, and mushroom dishes.
Our Tip: Planning a holiday dinner centered around beef or lamb? Make BDX your featured red wine.
Save Room for Something Sweet
The celebration doesn't have to end when dinner is over! Dessert wines are a wonderful way to finish a holiday meal and give guests something special to enjoy alongside their favorite seasonal treats.
2025 Late Harvest Reserve | New Release
Lush and honeyed, our 2025 Late Harvest Reserve is a delightful companion to holiday desserts. Its concentrated sweetness pairs beautifully with everything from buttery cookies to creamy, fruit-forward treats.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Figgy pudding, lemon meringue pie, shortbread cookies, and vanilla ice cream.
Christmas Pairings: Cheesecake, crème brûlée, lemon tart, fruit tart, and baked pears.
2022 Rubi | Port-Style Wine
Rich, velvety, and wonderfully indulgent, our 2022 Rubi is the perfect after-dinner pour.
Its full-bodied character makes it an excellent match for chocolate desserts, toasted nuts, and bold cheeses. It's a lovely way to slow down, savor the evening, and enjoy one last toast with family and friends.
Thanksgiving Pairings: Chocolate pecan pie, blue cheese, dark chocolate truffles, and candied nuts.
Christmas Pairings: Chocolate Yule log, pecan pie, dark chocolate truffles, and chocolate-covered cherries.
Our Tip: Serve Rubi alongside a holiday dessert board featuring dark chocolate, nuts, and blue cheese for an easy, elegant finish.
A Few Tips for Perfect Holiday Wine Pairings
You don't have to be a wine expert to create a memorable holiday dining experience! Keep these simple tips in mind when planning your menu.
1. Serve your wines at the right temperature.
For the best flavors, serve white wines lightly chilled, around 45–50°F, and reds slightly cool, around 58–62°F.
2. Match the intensity of your food and wine.
Lighter dishes tend to pair beautifully with lighter wines, while richer, heartier foods call for fuller-bodied selections.
3. Offer a little variety.
Having a refreshing white, a versatile red, and something sparkling or sweet gives your guests plenty of options throughout the meal.
4. Don't forget dessert!
A thoughtfully selected dessert wine can turn a simple slice of pie or a plate of holiday cookies into a memorable final course.
Raise a Glass to the Holiday Season
Whether you're gathering around the Thanksgiving table, hosting Christmas dinner, or celebrating with friends throughout the season, we hope these pairings inspire you to try something new and make your holiday meals even more memorable.
From our newly released 2023 Grenache and 2022 BDX to festive sparkling wines and indulgent after-dinner pours, there's something for every holiday menu and every reason to celebrate.
Visit one of our tasting rooms or shop our wines online to find the perfect bottles for your holiday celebrations.
Cheers to good food, great wine, and a wonderful holiday season!