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Festive wine guide 2025

The festive season is here, a time for cosy gatherings, long lunches, toasts with friends and plenty of delicious food. To help make your celebrations even better, here’s a curated list of budget-friendly wines, offering great flavour and value.

You’ll also find mulled wine and cider recipes, along with non-alcoholic recommendations so everyone can enjoy something special.

Sparkling (Brut & Rosé)

For festive fizz, party moments and instant celebration.

Sparkling wine sets the tone: bright, joyful and perfect with salty snacks or a festive aperitif. Whether you want something crisp and elegant or a rosé with a bit more depth, these bottles deliver quality without overspending.

Lidl Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene – £7.49
Light, crisp, and great for big gatherings. Perfect with canapés or a festive brunch.

Aldi Specially Selected Crémant du Jura — ~£8.99
Fine bubbles, orchard fruit, incredible value.

Waitrose No.1 Crémant de Loire Rosé – £15.99
Elegant, dry and subtly pink, with red berry notes. A lovely alternative to Champagne that still feels celebratory.

Waitrose Champagne Abel Charlot Brut NV — £34.99
Brioche, lemon zest and refined bubbles — a smart, affordable Champagne.

White Wine

Versatile winter whites for turkey, fish, veggie dishes and creamy comfort food.

These wines bring freshness, brightness and texture — exactly what festive food needs. From crisp Albariño to mineral Chablis, there’s something for every palate and every pairing.

Tesco Finest Albariño — £9
Zesty, aromatic and perfect as an aperitif.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Sicilian Grillo — £8
Vibrant and citrus-driven with broad food versatility.

Aldi Specially Selected Gavi — £7.49
Crisp lemon, almond and great everyday value.

Waitrose Jean Chanussot Chablis — £17.50
Classic, elegant Chablis with minerality and soft creaminess.

Red Wine

Winter warmers for roasts, cheese boards, slow-cooked dishes, and cosy nights in.

These reds offer fruit, spice and depth — exactly what festive food and cold weather call for. From smooth Rhône blends to lighter Burgundy, they’re made for long, lingering meals.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône — £8.50
Soft fruit and warming spice — ideal for winter dishes.

Majestic Definition Rioja Reserva — £12.99
Cherry, vanilla and festive spice.

Aldi Specially Selected Châteauneuf-du-Pape – £16.99
Full-bodied with plum, raspberry and warming spice. Perfect with roasts and winter stews.

Waitrose Côtes de Nuits-Villages — £25
Light, perfumed Burgundy perfect for turkey or game birds.

Mulled Wine & Mulled Cider

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm spices on a chilly festive evening. Mulled wine and cider are classic crowd-pleasers, filling your home with seasonal scents and offering a comforting, cosy drink for all.

These easy recipes will help you bring that festive magic to your gatherings — and they can be scaled up for larger groups too!

Mulled Wine (Serves 5)
1 bottle fruity red
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
2 star anise
1 orange, sliced
3 tbsp sugar or honey
Optional: brandy
Warm gently — never boil.

Mulled Cider (Serves 10)
1.5L dry cider
1 clove-studded orange
1 sliced apple
2–3 cinnamon sticks
Fresh ginger
2 tbsp brown sugar
Simmer until aromatic.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Celebrating the season doesn’t have to mean alcohol! Whether you’re hosting guests who prefer 0% drinks or simply want a lighter option, these non-alcoholic wines still bring style, flavour and festive cheer.

Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay 0% – from £12
Crisp, dry and genuinely wine-like — the perfect Champagne alternative.

DIVIN ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ (0.0%) – £11.50
A clean, zesty white with bright citrus and green notes, ideal for pairing with food without the alcohol.

Moderato Cuvée Révolutionnaire Pinot Noir (0.5%) – £14.49
A limited-edition alcohol-free red with structure and soft fruit.

With these supermarket-friendly bottles, delicious pairings and inclusive options, you’re all set for relaxed hosting, celebratory moments and plenty of seasonal cheer!