Christmas is often a time for indulgence, with many of us eating and drinking more than we do throughout the rest of the year.
Alcohol can be a part of this indulgence. DrinkAware found that in 2024 almost two-thirds of UK drinkers intended to drink more at Christmas than they typically would. In their survey, wine was the most popular drink, with 75% of drinkers expecting to have at least one medium glass of wine.
The explosion in the alcohol-free drinks market has been good news for non-drinkers, with much more in the way of choice. Rewind 10 years, and you’d be lucky to find an occasional bottle of wine or beer that was even low alcohol, let alone alcohol-free.
Today, manufacturers have woken up to the demand for these drinks. According to YouGov, the proportion of UK adults who drink alcohol dropped from 78% in August 2024 to 73% by December 2024.
Here, we’ve put together a selection of 18 of the best wines and alcohol-free options to enjoy with dinner, to take to a party as a guest, or to buy as a gift.
Red wine can feel like the natural choice during the winter months, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort
1. Pinot Noir
Light and elegant, bursting with flavours of red fruits, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for serving with Christmas dinner. It’s versatile, making it universally enjoyed, and subtle enough not to overpower the taste of your food.
Try: Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, available from winedirect.co.uk
2. Merlot
If you’re taking a bottle to a party or a gathering, this crowd pleaser is a great choice. Bold, smooth, and fruity, it’s an easy-to-drink option for most wine-lovers.
Try: Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot, available from Waitrose
3. Barolo
When you’re gifting a bottle of wine, you need to think about the recipient’s taste, not your own! A bottle of Barolo is often a winner, with this classic Italian favourite offering a silky, smooth, and richly intense experience.
Try: Massalino Barolo, available from vinvm.co.uk
White wine can be a versatile festive choice, with food or on its own
4. Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re serving a traditional Christmas dinner, this is the ideal wine pairing. Crisp, clean, and dry, it’s a light and easy drink that complements the food without crowding it.
Try: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, available from Sainsbury’s
5. Chardonnay
This is a classic favourite, with a fresh, unoaked version or a slightly earthier oaked option. Either way, if you’re taking a bottle along to a party, it’s generally a popular choice.
Try: Domaine Louis Moreau Petit Chablis, available from Majestic Wine
6. Sancerre
Perfect for wine-lovers, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Sancerre as a Christmas gift. Crisp, dry, and sophisticated, it’s a beautiful, elegant choice.
Try: Domaine Naudet Sancerre, available from Waitrose
Rosé wine is a great alternative, adding a touch of festive colour
7. Provence
This is a delicate and subtle choice that pairs well with Christmas food. Fresh, crisp, and dry, it also adds some shimmer and sparkle to your dining table!
Try: Whispering Angel Provence, available from Sainsbury’s
8. Rioja Rosado
Fresh, fruity, and bursting with juicy flavours, this rosé offers universal appeal if you’re taking a bottle along to share.
Try: Muga Rioja Rosada, available from Laithwaites
9. Pink Moscato
For those with sweeter tastes, a Pink Moscato is a slightly syrupy wine, full of fruity flavours and aromas.
Try: Barefoot Pink Moscato, available from Ocado
Dessert wines are rich and sweet, a real indulgence
10. Sauternes
Dessert wines aren’t for everyone, as they are very rich and sweet. But if it’s your thing, then you’ll love this choice. Golden and honeyed, it’s also fresh, lifting the sweetness and keeping it highly drinkable.
Try: Bordeaux Filhot Sauternes Dessert Wine, available from Selfridges
11. Tokaji
This Hungarian wine is made for accompanying festive desserts, such as mince pies or a cheeseboard. Richly sweet, it brings flavours of apricot, orange peel, and spice.
Try: Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos, available from Laithwaites
12. Icewine
Intensely sweet, these wines are made from grapes frozen on the vine, which captures their natural sugars. They pair well with puddings like cheesecake or chocolate-based desserts.
Try: Gold Vidal Icewine, available from Simply Wines Direct
Sparkling wines are great for get-togethers and toasting special occasions
13. Champagne
An absolute classic. Champagne goes well with a traditional Christmas dinner, but nobody will mind if you take it along to a party or offer it up as a gift! Complex, dry, and aromatic, it’s a true festive treat.
Try: Bollinger Special Cuvée, available from Waitrose
14. Prosecco
A true crowd pleaser, Prosecco is light, fruity, and bubbly, easy to drink on its own or to pair with food.
Try: Bottega Gold Prosecco, available from Ocado
15. Cava
For those who prefer the dry taste of Champagne without the price tag, Cava is fresh, bright, and citrussy – perfect to enjoy with food without overpowering your taste buds.
Try: Perelada Brut Reserva Cava, available from The Fine Wine Company.
Alcohol-free is a good option if you prefer not to drink, or if you’re driving
16. Eisberg Merlot Alcohol-Free Red Wine
Full-bodied with intense flavours of plum and blackberry, this option keeps the essence of a Merlot but with the alcohol removed.
Available from Tesco.
17. McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and citrussy with notes of gooseberry and lime, this is an easy-drinking alcohol-free choice.
Available from Asda.
18. Nozeco
Refreshing, crisp, and dry, you may even struggle to notice this isn’t the real thing!
Available from Waitrose.
Get in touch
Cheers! Let’s raise a glass of our favourite tipple as we bid goodbye to one year and welcome in the next. As ever, we’ll be on hand to talk to you about all your financial planning in 2026.
Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.