A Very Bubbly Christmas: Holiday Wines, Pairings & Cheer
Ahhh, it’s that time of the year again! (And how did it sneak up on us so quickly? It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the Carmel sunshine…)
Let me start by wishing new readers and long-time supporters of Carmel Wine and Wandering a most joyous Holiday season - no matter your race, creed, convictions, or whether you believe in Santa Claus (personally, I do, but that’s a different story!). Most importantly: have fun, be safe, and love the hell out of each other. We need that now more than ever.
And of course, this season means celebrations, adult beverages, festive dinners, and perhaps a few more adult beverages. And naturally: wine. Let’s not forget that delicious juice, despite the recent rumblings of doom and gloom in the industry. Reports of vineyards being pulled, slower tasting room traffic, lower sales… many say the wine world is slipping into long-term doldrums. Not true, I say! It’s just a momentary dip. Wine will absolutely regain its rightful place as the most delightful and versatile beverage on earth.
But let’s talk about the good stuff: Holiday cheer, Christmas feasting, winter gatherings, and how food and wine together can elevate every celebration. Where you live, your personal palate, how you entertain, and your holiday traditions all play a role in what ends up on your table—and in your glass.
If you’re celebrating in sunny Florida, hearty stews and brooding red wines may feel a bit heavy. But in the mountains of Colorado? Bring on the steaming soups, slow-cooked venison, rib-sticking roasts, and deep, soul-warming reds that stave off the cold the moment you step inside.
Far be it from me to prescribe what you should drink—and anyone who has joined me on a Carmel Wine and Wandering tour knows how often I extoll the joy of drinking whatever makes you happy. But I always encourage guests to push beyond the familiar. Expand your palate. Try something unexpected. That’s where the magic happens.
“White wine with fish, red wine with red meat”? Bah. Toss out that old tired axiom! Be brave! Try a pairing you might not usually consider. Of course, a powerhouse Zinfandel isn’t likely to flatter a delicate Dover sole, and a whisper-light Sauvignon Blanc won’t stand up to your spicy, slow-cooked ribs, but within those boundaries, there’s a whole world of delicious experimentation.
One thing I will stand firmly behind: Champagne pairs beautifully with absolutely everything. Yes, everything. Christmas breakfast? Champagne. Christmas dinner? Champagne. Christmas by yourself on the sofa watching Love Actually again? Champagne! It’s celebratory, uplifting, and, let’s be honest, soul-healing.
People often ask me what my favorite glass of bubbles is. Easy: it must be well-made, crisp, dry, and elegant, with zero sweetness. A brut rosé tends to be my go-to - more body, more texture, more flavor from grapes like Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Syrah, Grenache, even Malbec occasionally show up in rosé bubbles, though darker grapes can sometimes bully the palate.
Grower Champagnes - estate-grown, small-production wines - are my personal favorites. While the large houses like Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, or Pol Roger do beautiful work, they purchase fruit from across the region to maintain consistency. Grower-producers, however, make wines that reflect their own land and their own hand. They’re the Champagne equivalent of stumbling upon a tiny local bistro down a winding European street: authentic, distinctive, unforgettable.
And the best part? These Champagnes are widely available, just ask your local wine shop for grower Champagne. Fingers crossed they know what you’re talking about. If not, encourage them to stock producers like:
Marie Courtin
Pierre Peters
Jerome Prevost
Caillez Lemaire
Pierre Paillard
Egly-Ouriet
Jean Veselle
Hure Frères
Domaine Vincey
These wines vary in price, but they often deliver far more character and value than the million-case houses blasting holiday ads at you from every direction. Support the little guys!
Holiday Wine Traditions in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here at Carmel Wine and Wandering, the holidays are one of our favorite seasons to share with guests. The village transforms into a twinkling, storybook setting - the perfect backdrop for a cozy winter wine tasting experience. Many guests join our wine walking tours as part of their Christmas tradition: a relaxing break from the holiday rush, a chance to stroll through Carmel’s charming courtyards, and a way to discover the small local wineries that make our region shine. If you’re visiting Carmel this December, a wine tour is one of the best ways to slow down, savor, and immerse yourself in the magic of the season.
Local Wine Recommendations for Your Christmas Table
We also love helping guests select bottles that will make their holiday dinners unforgettable. Our region produces everything from refined Chardonnay to rich Pinot Noir to beautifully balanced sparkling wines, each perfect for festive gatherings. During our Carmel wine tours, we highlight boutique producers whose wines fit beautifully with Christmas classics like roast turkey, glazed ham, winter vegetables, seafood feasts, and even dessert. Many travelers leave our tour with new favorites they proudly serve at their holiday tables year after year.
Why Wine Tasting Is the Perfect Holiday Activity
If you’re looking for a joyful, stress-free holiday activity, wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea checks every box. It’s social, relaxing, delicious, and filled with discovery. Our guides (and the occasional festive sweater) make the experience feel warm and personal. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a romantic winter escape, or simply needing a break from shopping and wrapping, a Our thoroughly personalized Carmel Wine and Wandering tours add sparkle to the season, and give you stories and bottles to take home.
