New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection, celebration, and toasts of the years past and all those to come. No doubt the wine glasses will be clinking throughout, so choosing the right wine for the occasion can set the tone to bring in the New Year as you mean to go on!
Whether you’re planning a cosy evening at home, a big blowout party with friends, or a romantic dinner with the better half, the perfect wine sets the tone for the celebration. This guide will help you choose the best wines, from across various budgets, to bring in the New Year in style.
Affordable Yet Festive Options
We get it, it’s the punchiest time of the year, with gifts, parties and hosting throughout December. So, if you’re planning a budget-conscious New Year’s Eve celebration, the good news is that there’s no need to compromise on quality!
Prosecco: The Italian Superstar
Prosecco is a go-to option for those looking for affordable bubbles. Originating from the northeast of Italy, it’s light, fruity, and easy to drink. The best examples have a great balance between residual sugar and acidity, making it ideal for ideal for toasting or serving with light appetizers such as finger food, seafood, and even desserts.
The Rising Tide of Crémant
Crémant has been one of France’s best-kept secrets for years, with regions such as Loire, Jura, Burgundy and Alsace producing fabulous value bubbles in the same style as the famous Champagne region. Great on its own, but even better with food, including fatty or fried foods.
Check out our Festive Sparkling Wine Saving Case (6 bottles) that features both Prosecco, Crémant and more! Bubbly Joy for Every Budget This Christmas!
Great Value Still Wines
If you’re serving a meal at home for your family and friends, then still wines are a must-have alongside the sparkling options. Versatility is the name of the game.
For red wines, think about a crowd-pleasing Malbec with its bold, fruity flavours that pair well with red meats and hearty dishes. Otherwise, the ever-enjoyable Pinot Noir delivers a lighter-bodied red that complements poultry and vegetarian dishes.
In terms of white wines, a classic grape variety that gives fabulously versatile wines is Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp and citrusy notes, ideal for seafood and light appetizers. We’d also always want to include a Chardonnay but do be careful not to go too niche if you have a large gathering. Go for an option that showcases the smooth, buttery notes that pair with chicken, pasta, and creamy sauces.
Our Pick: Caythorpe Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Taking The Budget Up a Notch
For those who want to elevate their New Year’s Eve experience without breaking the bank, mid-range wines strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Sparkling Wines That Shine
As soon as you take a nudge over £30, the world of sparkling wines opens up for you with the addition of top wines from Champagne and England. Produced from the famed chalk subsoils of the Paris basin, these traditional method bubbles offer a perfect balance of flavour and refreshing acidity that always hits the mark on New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget, also, the rosé Champagnes that can offer a luxurious feel and a great food pairing element.
Still Wines for a Special Meal
The classic and much-loved wines from Chianti Classico are versatile reds with bright acidity and earthy flavours, perfect for pasta or roasted meats. There’s also the world’s favourite red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, which offers rich, full-bodied wines that pair well with grilled steaks and robust dishes.
Our Pick: Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico, Montebuoni, Tuscany, Italy
For white wine lovers, you’re in for a treat. Luxury white wines are one of the best value niches in the world of wine and you’ve got so much to choose from. The cool climate and subtle Chablis are refined Chardonnay wines with crisp minerality and hints of green apple. The massively underappreciated Viognier is also an incredible food pairing option, with floral and fruity flavours that complement seafood, poultry and curried dishes.
Our Pick: Chateau de Beaucastel, Coudoulet, Côtes du Rhone Blanc, 2020, France
Splurge-Worthy Wines for a Luxury New Year’s Eve
For those of you hosting an extravagant New Year’s Eve party, bringing in 2025 in style, perhaps consider spending your budget from vintage Champagne to Grand Cru wines. They hardly fail to keep you smiling through midnight and beyond.
Vintage Champagne
Nothing says luxury like vintage Champagne, made only in the best years with top-quality grapes.
Our Pick: Billecart Salmon Champagne 2009, Magnum, Champagne, France
Classic Wines from Classic Regions
The Grand Cru Classé wines of Bordeaux’s left bank have been in high demand since their inception in 1855. The regions of Pauillac, Margaux, St Julien and St Estephe produce some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends in the world.
Our Pick: Chateau Dufort-Vivens 2016, 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux, France
Iconic Whites
For white wine lovers, we’re again going to head to eastern France and the Chardonnay heartlands of white Burgundy. Don’t forget, however, the wine lover’s white grape of choice, Riesling, which produces some of the most complex and age worthy wines across the globe.
Our Pick: Albert Boxler, Sommerberg Riesling Grand Cru 2004, Alsace, France
Other Tips for Selecting Your New Year’s Eve Wine
No matter your budget, here are a few final things you shouldn’t forget before buying your wines.
What Does the Menu Look Like?
If you’re serving appetizers and light snacks then the sparkling wine options above can perfectly complement salty snacks, seafood, and finger foods.
When it comes to main courses then poultry and vegetarian dishes are great with Pinot Noir, or a fuller-bodied Chardonnay. Beef or lamb needs something a bit bigger, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec. And for those of you with the seafood platters, look no further than the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, or a crisp Chablis.
Choose Versatile Wines
If your guest list includes a variety of tastes, select wines that are versatile and appeal to a wide audience. Sparkling wines are always an excellent choice, as they pair well with almost any dish and are universally enjoyed.
Don’t Forget the Toast
New Year’s Eve is all about the midnight toast. Get the glasses and the bubbles ready with time to spare, so you can bring in 2025 with the best possible start!
This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge
Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.
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