Great Holiday Wine Party Ideas to Host a Christmas Tasting

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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive wine tasting party? Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, you’re probably searching for great holiday wine party ideas to host a fabulous Christmas wine tasting at your home. 


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A holiday wine tasting party is a wonderful way to share your love of wine with friends and family.

But with so many different types of wine and party ideas to choose from, where do you begin?

Great holiday wine party game ideas


To help you get some holiday party plans started, we’ll provide you with some great holiday wine party ideas to help you create a memorable event for the wine lovers in your life.

We’ll cover the different types of perfect wines that you can serve, along with suggestions for food pairings, small bites, and even a traditional white elephant gift exchange with a wine party-themed twist.

Wine Sampler holiday wine party


Additionally, we’ll share some tips on how to set the perfect ambiance for your wine tasting, including ideas for decorations, holiday movies, and Christmas music.

Whether you’re starting a fun holiday tradition for a small gathering or a perfect pairing for a larger party, incorporating great wine ideas will help you create a great party.

So, sit back, open your favorite bottle of wine, pour a glass of wine, and learn the perfect way to host a fabulous holiday wine party.

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What kind of wines should I offer at my holiday wine party?

Hosting a wine-tasting party is a perfect time to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

One way to make your party stand out is to offer a variety of the best wine from the California Wine Club

Food holiday wine party ideas


You’ll save a trip to grocery stores or the local liquor store when you order from a wine club.

In addition to the convenience of having wine delivered to your home, offering a variety of wines from a wine club will provide your guests with a unique experience to try new and exciting wines.

Opening bottles of wine from different regions and kinds will be an excellent opportunity to introduce your guests to new wines and expand their palate.

Great holiday wine party food ideas


No matter where you purchase your wine, consider offering several types of wines.

Serve a variety of whites like white wine varieties:

  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chenin Blanc


Enjoy serving bolder red wines like:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Delicious Pinot Noir
  • Merlot


Feature sweet wines for different taste buds like:

  • those with notes of citrus
  • Strawberry 
  • Elderberry 
  • Blueberry 


Celebrate the holiday party with sparkling wine like:

  • Champagne
  • Prosecco


Check out more information and learn how to order wine the easy way.

Now, you’re all set so grab your bottle of a favorite wine, an automatic wine opener, and let the party begin.


What other great holiday wine party items should be served?

With so much wine, a cheese party with charcuterie boards is a classic holiday party favorite that can be easily incorporated into Christmas wine-tasting party themes.

These boards provide a perfect accompaniment of hard and soft cheese and a variety of food like cut pork tenderloin, grapes, crackers, and cold meats.

Great holiday wine party ideas charcuterie board


When creating your boards, aim to offer a variety of different bites of flavorful foods, as well as textures and tastes to appeal to a range of palates.

Include different types of cheeses such as soft, hard, and aged, as well as a mixture of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. 

A great example to add some festive to this creative theme is to incorporate a little bit of seasonal fruits for this time of year like pomegranates, figs, and grapes, as well as nuts and crackers

Great holiday wine party setting up


You can also put out simple snacks like mixed nuts, potato chips, or festive popcorn for your guests to enjoy.



Offering a range of options to invite guests to enjoy your cheese and charcuterie boards will impress them and make your Christmas wine-tasting event one to remember.


What are some great holiday wine party ideas to add a festive atmosphere?

If you’re planning to host a Christmas wine-tasting party, it’s important to set the right ambiance for your guests.

One perfect place to begin is incorporating holiday decorations, music, and movies into your party theme.

Table Setting for holiday wine party


Start by decking out your home for a great time with festive Christmas decor, from twinkling lights to wreaths and garlands.

Play classic holiday tunes in the background to get everyone in the festive mood. 

You can also consider screening some classic Christmas movies, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Carol,” to add to the holiday atmosphere. 

These small touches can really elevate your party letting everyone enjoy some quality time, and make it a memorable experience for your guests this holiday season.



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In addition to wine, what kind of non-alcoholic drinks work at a great holiday wine party?

When hosting a Christmas wine tasting, it’s important to remember that not all guests may drink or enjoy alcohol.

Offering non-alcoholic options like hot cocoa is a great way to accommodate guests who prefer not to drink or who are designated drivers.

Great holiday wine party setting up ideas


Hot cocoa is a classic holiday beverage that can be easily prepared in large batches and served in festive mugs. 

Consider providing toppings like whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings to allow guests to customize their drinks and be a part of the festive party. 


It’s also a good idea to provide other non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, soda, or juice to ensure all guests can enjoy the holiday party.

By offering a variety of beverages, you can create a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all your guests to enjoy.


What is a great holiday wine party idea to help guests keep track of their drinks?

Hosting a Christmas wine-tasting party can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family.

One great idea to incorporate into your party is using wine glass charms with Santa hats or other holiday-themed decorations. 

People socializing during holiday wine party


These charms can be easily attached to the right place on the stem of a guest’s wine glasses, helping to prevent any mix-ups or confusion throughout the night. 

Not only do these charms serve a practical purpose, but they also add a playful and festive touch to your party decor. 

Magnetic wine charms are a fun idea as well to help guests keep their wine separate.


Your guests will love using them and they’ll make for great conversation starters as well as a party favor.


Should I have a blind tasting at my holiday wine party?

Hosting a holiday wine party is a great way to get together with friends and family during the festive season. 

One way to add some excitement to your Christmas tasting party is to incorporate a blind tasting.

People mingling during holiday wine party


This is a fun and interactive way to engage your guests and get them talking about the wines. 

To organize a blind tasting, cover the bottles with paper bags or wrap them in foil, and label each one with a number. 

Have your guests taste each wine and rate them on a scorecard. 

At the end, reveal the identity of each wine and discuss the results. 


This is a great opportunity to learn about different varieties and regions and to spark conversation and debate among your guests. 

Incorporating a blind tasting into your Christmas party is sure to take your wine-tasting party to the next level and the best part is you will make it a memorable experience for all.


What are ways to educate guests on wine during the holiday wine party?

One great idea to elevate your holiday wine party is to educate your guests on different wine regions around the world as well as grape growing and soil type.

You can showcase wines from lesser-known regions, such as South Africa or New Zealand, or from more popular regions like Napa Valley. 

Wine holiday party food ideas


To make the experience more interactive, you can provide a brief presentation on each region and the unique characteristics of the wines produced there as well as discuss the different price options of each.

In addition, encourage your guests to ask questions and provide their own insights as well.

This not only adds an educational aspect to your holiday wine tasting party but also allows your guests to discover new wines and expand their palate heading into the new year.


What are some great holiday wine party ideas for dessert?

One of the great holiday wine party ideas to host a Christmas tasting is to offer a dessert wine pairing.

Dessert wines are perfect for holiday celebrations as they pair well with sweet treats and desserts. 

Great holiday wine party ideas for friends


You can choose to feature a few dessert wines and invite your guests to try them alongside different desserts. 

This can be a fun way to introduce your guests to new wines and explore different pairings. 

Some popular dessert wines to consider include:

  • Port
  • Madeira
  • Moscato d’Asti
  • Ice Wine


It’s important to remember that dessert wines are meant to be sipped slowly and savored, so encourage your guests to take their time and enjoy the experience.


What kind of party favors are good to gift at a holiday wine party?

If you’re planning a wine-themed Christmas party, providing wine-themed party favors can be a great way to add a fun element to the event. 

One idea is to offer Santa hats with a wine-related twist or give Santa wine glasses with a holiday design

Great holiday wine party mingling guests


This can be a playful addition to the event and can also serve as a great photo opportunity for guests. 


Another option is to provide wine grab bags filled with small wine-related items, such as:


These can be a great way to thank guests for attending and give them a tangible reminder of the Christmas wine tasting party. 


What’s a great holiday wine party idea for games and fun?

One of the great holiday wine party ideas to host a Christmas tasting is to include a white elephant wine gift exchange during the gathering. 

This activity is perfect for groups of wine enthusiasts who enjoy trying different types of wine. 

Great holiday wine party with friends and family


The holiday game involves each participant bringing a bottle of wine wrapped in a festive gift bag. 

The bottles are then randomly selected and opened one by one. 

The person who goes first selects a wrapped bottle and opens it. The next person can either select a wrapped bottle or “steal” the bottle that the first person opened. 


This continues until all the bottles have been opened and exchanged. 

This fun activity not only adds an element of surprise to the party but also allows guests to try new wines they may not have otherwise tasted.

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Final thoughts

Hosting a Christmas wine tasting party can be a festive and enjoyable way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

By following some of the tips and ideas we covered, you can create a fun and memorable holiday event that highlights some of the best wines of the Christmas season.

Remember to choose a holiday wine theme, select a variety of wines, and provide some delicious food pairings. 

With a little planning and preparation, your holiday wine party is sure to be a hit. Cheers!


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Your turn!

Which of these great holiday wine party ideas is your favorite? Are you hosting a wine tasting event this holiday season?

Let me know in the comments!



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44 thoughts on “Great Holiday Wine Party Ideas to Host a Christmas Tasting”

  1. This is such a cool idea! The nice thing is there can be something for everyone!

    Reply
    • Hi Katherine!

      I’m happy you enjoyed the post on holiday wine party ideas. I love ideas that can offer something for everyone, too.

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
    • Hi Karen!

      I’m excited you love the idea of a holiday wine party. I always enjoy offering something for every person’s tastebuds, too.

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  2. Great idea to make gatherings with wine lovers even more enjoyable! A few years back I had a supper party where everyone presented a different wine and people loved it, great way to discover new ones! Similarly, joining a wine club sounds cool. Thank you for this idea!

    Reply
    • Hi Charlie-Elizabeth!

      A supper party with different wines sounds like such a fun event and a great way to discover new wines.

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  3. Ooh never heard of a wine club before. This is pretty cool

    Reply
    • Hi Liv!

      I’m excited you think the wine club idea is pretty cool, too!

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
    • Hi Deanna!

      I agree! I love the variety of different wines and serving them at holiday wine parties.

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
    • Hi Christina!

      I think a holiday wine party and club is a great idea for a gift, too – especially hard-to-shop for people!

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  4. I agree a party is a good time for people to gather and enjoy some moments laughing together. These are great ideas!

    Reply
    • Hi Fransic!

      I love a good party, too! It is fantastic when people gather together. I’m glad you found some great ideas for a holiday wine party.

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  5. Would be great to have a wine party this holiday season with my lady friends! The wine club would be a great gift – even for myself!

    Reply
    • Hi Stephanie!

      I hope you are your friends have a blast at the holiday wine party. Wine is a great gift for yourself, too!

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  6. Christmas is just a few months away. Thanks for your idea on hosting Christmas party.

    Reply
  7. Those are all great ideas. My MIL loves cab Sauv’s and I’m a big fan of Reislings.

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  8. We have a wine club, I might have to utilize these ideas! So fun!

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  9. I love wine parties! I hadn’t thought about creating a wine theme for your wine party. That’s such a great idea! Games are a wonderful addition, too.

    Reply
  10. What a great way to have fun with friends and family. Keeping this for reference later.

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  11. I’ve never thought about hosting a wine party. This sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for all of the ideas.

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  12. Hhhhmmm…I love these ideas. I think I have an idea or two, about the games we can have, for this kind of party. Thanks for these.

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  13. I love these ideas! I cannot wait to host a wine party and impress my guests.

    Reply
  14. A holiday wine party sounds like so much fun. I used to love a good Shiraz but I also like some of the ones on your list like Prosecco, Merlot and Pinot Grigio. I also like the idea of games too. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. I’ve hosted a few wine tastings … but it’s been years. Thanks for the ideas, I may just have to host one this holiday season!

    Reply
  16. These are great ideas! I may have to host a holiday wine party now!

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  17. These are all really great and amazing ideas! I would love to have a wine party. Thanks for sharing this with us

    Reply
  18. There are several wine businesses who would be welcome to host a holiday wine parties, plus a wine tour at their farm! That is always a great experience with friends, even non-wine drinkers will enjoy too.

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  19. Your holiday wine party ideas are fantastic! They’re creative, well-explained, and perfect for hosting a memorable Christmas tasting. The tips on wine selection, decor, and food pairings are especially helpful. Cheers to a wonderful guide! 🍷🎄🥂

    Reply
  20. I just checked out your blog post on “Great Holiday Wine Party Ideas,” and I’m loving the festive spirit and creativity you’ve shared! From wine and cheese pairings to themed decorations, your ideas are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and fun to holiday gatherings. Thanks for the inspiration! Cheers to good times ahead!

    Reply
  21. I love tastings but never really thought about doing one at Christmas. I think it would be such a fun idea. Thanks!

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  22. Such excellent ideas for hosting my next holiday wine party in style!

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  23. Thanks for the great ideas. I always host New Years with friends and you have given me some new ideas to change things this year. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. If the wine tasting includes cheeses and charcuterie – I’m in! I also like the educational aspect of it too. To learn about the different wine growing areas would be great.

    Reply
  25. I’m don’t drink alcohol, so I was glad to see your section on what to serve at a wine tasting party for those who don’t drink. I also liked your section on the types of food to serve. Very colorful!

    Reply
    • Hi Lisa!

      I thought the hot chocolate station was a fun alternative to the wine. I’m glad you liked it!

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  26. Such great ideas here for a holiday wine party! I am not a wine drinker, but most of my friends and family are, and I will for sure implement some of your ideas.

    Reply
  27. such a great post on preparing for the holiday season, like that you showed a non-alcoholic option as well.

    Reply
  28. Absolutely love! I’m stepping into my wine era and I can’t wait to use these ideas for Friendsgiving and Christmas!

    Reply
    • Hi Beth!

      I’m so glad you found the wine party ideas amazing. I enjoy bringing holiday party ideas to readers.

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  29. Wine parties are amazing, I’m just terrible at organizing one. Thanks for these tips!

    Reply

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