Best Wines to Pair with Christmas Charcuterie Boards

A festive charcuterie board is a holiday favorite, and pairing it with the right wine can elevate the flavors and add elegance to your Christmas gathering. Luxe Bites has curated a list of the best wines to pair with your Christmas charcuterie boards, making it easy to create the perfect wine and charcuterie experience for your holiday celebration.

1. Sparkling Wines: Prosecco or Champagne

For a lively start to your gathering, sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne are classic choices. These wines have a crisp acidity that complements a wide variety of cheeses and meats. The bubbles also add a celebratory touch, perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Recommended Pairing:

• Prosecco pairs well with soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, fresh fruit, and cured meats.
• Champagne brings out the flavors in rich charcuterie items like prosciutto and fig jam.

2. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine with bright fruit flavors and a light-to-medium body, making it an excellent pairing for charcuterie. Its smooth tannins and hints of red berries complement both savory and sweet elements on your board.

Recommended Pairing:

• Try Pinot Noir with aged cheddar, salami, and dried cranberries. It also pairs well with smoked meats and earthy cheeses.

3. Riesling

For a sweeter, refreshing option, Riesling offers a beautiful contrast to salty charcuterie items. This wine’s natural acidity and hint of sweetness balance savory flavors, making it a great option for boards with spicy or savory cured meats.

Recommended Pairing:

• Serve Riesling with peppered turkey, spiced nuts, and fruits like apple slices and grapes. Its sweetness also complements any blue cheese on the board.

4. Chardonnay

Chardonnay’s creamy texture and full body make it an ideal match for richer, creamier cheeses. Look for an oaked Chardonnay if you prefer a bolder flavor with notes of vanilla, which can enhance the buttery flavors in soft cheeses.

Recommended Pairing:

• Pair Chardonnay with Brie, Camembert, or Havarti, as well as savory elements like rosemary crackers and dried apricots.

5. Merlot

With its medium body and flavors of plum and dark berries, Merlot is a perfect winter wine for pairing with Christmas charcuterie boards. Its soft tannins work well with a variety of meats and cheeses, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for holiday gatherings.

Recommended Pairing:

• Merlot pairs beautifully with smoked gouda, roasted nuts, and prosciutto. It also complements rich flavors like truffle-infused cheeses and fig spreads.

6. Sauvignon Blanc

If you prefer white wine with a crisp, refreshing flavor, Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Its acidity balances creamy cheeses and fresh fruits, while its citrus notes add a bright, zesty flavor to the charcuterie experience.

Recommended Pairing:

• Pair Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, fresh berries, and lighter meats like turkey and mild salami.

7. Rosé

Rosé brings a delightful balance of light fruit flavors and a hint of acidity, making it a versatile wine for charcuterie. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste are perfect for adding a festive flair to your holiday table.

Recommended Pairing:

• Rosé pairs nicely with fresh mozzarella, smoked salmon, and cherry tomatoes. It also brings out the sweetness in fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds and apple slices.

8. Cabernet Sauvignon

For a bold red wine option, Cabernet Sauvignon offers a robust flavor that can stand up to stronger cheeses and hearty meats. It’s a great choice if you want to create a cozy, wintery feel to your gathering.

Recommended Pairing:

• Try Cabernet Sauvignon with sharp cheddar, spicy salami, and cured meats like soppressata. It also pairs well with roasted nuts and dark chocolate.

Make the Holidays Easy with Luxe Bites’ Christmas Charcuterie Boards

Hosting a holiday gathering can be effortless with Luxe Bites' custom Christmas charcuterie boards. Each board is crafted with high-quality, seasonal ingredients, perfect for pairing with a selection of wines. 

Enjoy your Christmas party with charcuterie and wine combinations that are designed to impress and delight.