December on the Isle of Skye has its own rhythm. The light fades early, the air carries a hint of peat smoke, and every evening feels like an invitation to slow down. It’s the season for good food, long conversations, and, of course, the right glass of wine.
As the owner of Wine Guy on Skye Ltd, an independent, veteran-owned wine merchant on the Waternish Peninsula, I spend much of the year helping people find wines that fit the moment. Every bottle I sell has been chosen personally — from vineyards in France, New Zealand, and England — after visiting the winemakers and understanding what drives them.
At Christmas, the focus shifts to comfort and celebration. And while many people think first of Champagne or white wines for festive meals, red wines have a quiet power. They bring warmth to the table, complement rich dishes, and create that sense of togetherness that makes the season special.
So whether your Christmas dinner is traditional or a little more modern, here’s how to find the right red for every kind of festive plate.
The Classic Roast Turkey Dinner
The traditional Christmas roast is full of contrasts — savoury stuffing, sweet cranberry sauce, buttery potatoes, and the delicate flavour of turkey. That balance calls for a wine with freshness and subtle fruit rather than overpowering tannins.
A Pinot Noir from Burgundy or England is a perfect match. Its light body and bright red fruit complement turkey beautifully without masking the flavours of the meal. A Central Otago Pinot, for instance, brings a hint of spice and silky texture that ties everything together.
If you prefer something slightly fuller, try a Cru Beaujolais — made from the Gamay grape. It’s elegant, lively, and easy to drink, perfect for a long lunch that turns into an evening around the fire.
Pairing tip: English Pinot Noir also works beautifully with glazed ham or nut roasts, where sweetness and spice come into play.
Beef or Venison — The Winter Feast
For some families, Christmas means beef Wellington, venison, or even rib roast. These dishes demand structure and depth, and that’s where a more robust red comes into its own.
A Bordeaux Supérieur or a Côtes du Rhône Villages are ideal choices. The Cabernet and Syrah blends offer dark fruit, pepper, and just enough tannin to stand up to rich, meaty dishes.
I like how these wines evolve in the glass over the course of a meal. They start bold and earthy, then soften as the conversation and the food unfold. That slow shift feels a lot like Christmas itself — full of anticipation, then comfort.
If you’re serving venison, a Syrah from the Northern Rhône is outstanding. It mirrors the game’s depth with its peppery, smoky notes while keeping the finish clean.
Pairing tip: Decant your wine an hour before serving. It will open up and show more layers — a small detail that makes a big difference.
Lamb with a Twist
More and more people are moving away from turkey and beef for their Christmas centrepiece. Lamb, particularly Scottish lamb, makes a wonderful alternative. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and pairs beautifully with fruit-forward reds.
A Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend or a Rioja Crianza complements lamb’s natural richness without being heavy. Both offer supple tannins and ripe red fruit with a touch of spice — perfect for lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic or cooked slowly with root vegetables.
If you want something a little more adventurous, a New Zealand Pinot Noir again shines here. The subtle acidity balances the fat beautifully and highlights the herbaceous notes in the dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Christmas Dinners
Not every festive table features meat, and thankfully, red wine doesn’t need it to shine. Mushroom-based dishes, nut roasts, roasted beetroot, and lentil wellingtons all have deep, earthy flavours that love a good red.
For these plates, I suggest a Chilean Carmenère or a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. Both bring freshness and spice that lift plant-based dishes rather than overwhelm them.
For something richer, an Australian Grenache or French Côtes du Rhône adds warmth and a soft finish. These wines pair especially well with dishes that include roasted root vegetables or caramelised onions.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
When the plates are cleared and the conversation lingers, it’s time for a red that can bridge the savoury and the sweet. A festive cheese board — with Isle of Mull Cheddar, Brie, and a handful of dried fruits — deserves something with charm and depth.
Try a Malbec from southwest France or Argentina. It’s round, velvety, and full of dark plum flavours that pair beautifully with strong cheese and cured meats. A Grenache blend also works well, offering warmth without heaviness.
If you enjoy a bit of dessert but don’t want to switch to a sweet wine, a soft Merlot makes a fine match for fruitcake, dark chocolate, or even mince pies. Its plummy richness echoes the season’s flavours perfectly.
Non-Traditional Christmas Meals
Many people now celebrate Christmas with global menus — from Italian feasts to spicy curries and Asian-inspired dishes. The key is to find reds that complement bold flavours without dominating them.
For tomato-based pasta dishes, a Chianti Classico is ideal. The acidity in Sangiovese balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cuts through cheese beautifully.
If your meal leans toward spice — think glazed duck, Moroccan lamb, or Thai-inspired plates — a Zinfandel or Shirazworks well. Their ripe fruit and smooth body complement spice and sweetness in equal measure.
For an Asian-style Christmas buffet, I often recommend a lighter Pinot Noir chilled slightly. It’s unexpected but refreshing, and it pairs with everything from soy-glazed salmon to sesame vegetables.
Choosing Red Wines That Fit Your Table
The best red wines for Christmas are the ones that make your meal — and your guests — feel complete. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, just one that fits the moment.
That’s what I look for when selecting wines for Wine Guy on Skye. Every bottle, whether it’s a supple Pinot Noir or a structured Bordeaux, is chosen for balance, authenticity, and character. I’ve met the winemakers, learned their stories, and brought those stories back to the island.
Do you want to have your Christmas wines ready when you arrive on Skye? Or perhaps you’d like to give a thoughtful gift — something personal, something memorable? I can deliver anywhere on the Isle of Skye and across the UK, and I offer bespoke tastings for guests staying on the island.
Christmas is about more than food and wine — it’s about slowing down, appreciating good company, and raising a glass to what matters most. Whether your table is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, there’s a red wine to match it perfectly.
You can explore my festive red wine selection and arrange delivery at www.wineguyonskye.com.