The 12 wines of Christmas 2025

Christmas is coming, the diary’s filling fast, and the corkscrew is about to earn its keep. From tree-decorating tipples to Boxing Day revivers, the holiday season is one long excuse to pop, pour, and toast. But with so many occasions – and so many glasses to fill – what wine should be in your shopping basket exactly? Joe Keats from Petersons Wines Singapore (petersonswines.com.sg), and Aura Kwan Muang, business agent of Australian Wines, share their ultimate buys for the weeks ahead. Fizz, reds, sweets, and secret weapons – we’ve got every festive moment covered.

1. The Tree-Decorating Tipple

Joe: A midweek or Sunday evening calls for something simple as the decorations go up. If you’re keen, mulled wine can make its debut, but more often it’s a forgotten bottle from the fridge. Better still, pour your partner’s favourite – at our house it’s a light white like Petersons 2023 Semillon ($35).

Aura: While mulled wine is the European classic, Australians are leaning towards juicy, vibrant reds. One By Penfolds 2022 Shiraz ($56) is an easy-drinking yet flavour-packed drop to enjoy while hanging baubles and untangling fairy lights. Plush berry and spice notes keep things festive without feeling heavy.

2.  Christmas Eve Sparkle

Joe: With a big day ahead, keep it light and fresh with a Sparkling Rosé such as NV Peterson House Sparkling Pink Blush ($39.50). For those who celebrate with Christmas Eve reunions, stock up on extra bottles to keep the cheer flowing.

Aura: Eight at the Gate Sparkling Shiraz NV ($54) is a fizzy red that tastes like Christmas dessert in a glass. Its spice and fruitcake flavours make it the perfect pour for family or friends gathering together.

3. The Santa Stopper (for when he pops by with the pressies!)

Joe: He’s driving, so best leave the big guy a glass of milk alongside the mince pie.

Aura: Big, oak-aged reds such as Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth ($107) capture the reflective mood. Bold and powerful, this bottle is the ideal accompaniment to a late-night spread of mince pies, cheese, or Christmas cake – the ultimate end-of-day glass before turning in.

4.  Christmas Morning Mimosa

Joe: Breakfast fizz calls for prosecco-style bubbles. NV Petersons Sparkling White ($45) is wallet-friendly, palate-pleasing, and ideal for blending with OJ.

Aura: Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvée Brut NV ($73) is bright and crisp, transforming into a great breakfast cocktail when mixed with orange juice. Light enough for the morning, yet still festive and refined.

5. The Turkey Sidekick

Joe: Turkey loves full-bodied whites or lighter reds. Petersons Cuvée Chardonnay ($40) is fruit-driven, lightly oaked, and straight from the Hunter Valley.

Aura: An elegant Chardonnay with just enough weight and texture is essential for roast turkey and trimmings. UMAMU Estate Chardonnay 2019 ($88) brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness, making it a true table hero.

6. Boxing Day Uplifter

Joe: Pair the leftover spread with a crisp yet flavoursome 2023 Petersons Vermentino ($39).

Aura: UMAMU Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 ($58) is zesty, citrusy, and refreshing – a palate-cleanser that revives after a rich Christmas Day. Perfect with leftovers or seafood.

7. The Pudding Pour

Joe: After pudding, belts are loosened and brains are buzzing. Balance the bulge and the sugar rush with something sweet but light: NV Moscato ($39.50), bursts with lychee freshness.

Aura: Choose a golden dessert wine brimming with stone fruits, citrus, marmalade, and gentle oak, like De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2019 ($69). Sweet, luscious, and indulgent, it’s the ultimate partner for Christmas pudding, blue cheese, or crème brûlée.

8. Cheese Board Banger

Joe: For cheese lovers, a robust red is hard to beat. The 2021 Petersons Barossa Cabernet ($80) is bold, structured, and indulgent.

Aura: A crisp unoaked Chardonnay balances creamy textures with bright acidity. Petersons Chardonnay Clare Valley 2022 (Unoaked) ($45) delivers fresh fruit character that complements both soft and hard cheeses.

9. The Aussie Backyard BBQ Bottle

Joe: This is the time for a Shiraz, but keep it soft and approachable. The 2023 Petersons Shiraz ($45) is BBQ-ready and even handles a stint in the esky.

Aura: Bruno & George Eden Valley Montepulciano ($68) is medium-bodied, vibrant, and fruit-forward, with ripe cherry, raspberry, juicy plum, hints of tobacco, and dried herbs. A juicy red that thrives at a BBQ, it pairs seamlessly with grilled meats and sausages.

10. New Year’s Eve Showstopper

Joe: Skip the midnight fizz and open something with a little age, like the 2017 Petersons Cabernet ($80). Rich, elegant, and a worthy farewell to the year.

Aura: Nothing says celebration like sparkling wine. Clover Hill Tasmania Exceptionelle MV ($79) combines French-style elegance with Australian freshness. Complex with citrus, brioche, and fine mousse, it’s a winning bottle for the toast at midnight.

11. The ‘Naughty But Nice’ Nightcap

Joe: Forget port – go for Grenache ($80). Less sweet than most fortifieds, but equally warming and boozy.

Aura: De Bortoli Sacred Hill Reserve Tawny NV ($44) is a comforting fortified wine made for sipping late at night by the glow of fairy lights. Sweet, nutty, and warming, it’s a gentle way to round off the evening.

12. The Host’s Secret Weapon

Joe: NV Petersons Sparkling Shiraz ($49) is the all-round festive star. It shines at BBQs, pairs with most dishes, and brings instant celebration. Just be sure it’s ice-cold before you pop the cork!

Aura: EVOI Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($69) is a versatile Cabernet that works with almost anything on the festive table. Rich enough for beef or lamb, smooth enough to sip solo, it’s balanced, elegant, and always a pleasure to pour.