Holiday Dessert and Wine Pairings

The trick to pairing wine with any sweet dish is to find a wine that has similar notes or that can stand up to the dessert’s bold flavors. Whether entertaining others or yourself, here are some delicious wine pairings to try as you celebrate this holiday season.

Image by Taste of Home

Sugar cookies with frosting are served at nearly every Christmas party. The festive shapes plus sweet flavors will pair well with a bubbly serving of Prosecco. The bubbles will help to cut through the butter, shortening, and sugar of this yummy treat.

Image from King Arthur Flour

The dried fruit in both the fruit cake or panettone will pair well with a chilled glass of Moscato d’Asti. Moscato d’Asti’s peachy notes and lower alcohol content will have you feeling less guilty if you happen to pour yourself a second glass. Check out this recipe for Everyone’s Favorite Fruitcake by King Arthur Flour.

Image by Taste of Home

Anise, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and confectioners’ sugar blend to form the signature flavors of this timeless cookie. Heavy on spice, it needs a bold wine to stand up to its big flavors. Try Pinot Noir for an indulgent tasting experience. Give this Pfeffernuesse recipe from Taste of Home a try.

Image by Family Circle

Port has a talent for perfectly complementing chocolate and chocolate-flavored desserts. Try serving your chocolate yule log with a hearty glass of port for a decadent dessert pairing. Port will also pair well with other holiday chocolates, like chocolate truffles or chocolate bark.

Image from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Riesling often has notes of the same spices present in gingerbread, making it the perfect pairing for this timeless treat. Try this festive recipe for Gingerbread.

Image from New York Times

This extra-sweet dish with notes of brown sugar, cream, and vanilla finds its equal match in cream sherry, which is also sweet. Here is a recipe for a delightful sticky toffee pudding to try.

Image by Will Cook for Smiles

This scrumptious cheesecake has candied cranberries, cranberry jam, and white chocolate mousse. Pair it with a Canadian ice wine with hints of strawberry and rhubarb for a berry-ful tasting experience. Get the cheesecake recipe.

Image by Seaside Baker

The beautiful red color of red velvet cake is a festive addition to any holiday table. Pair traditional red velvet cake with Pinot Noir which will accent the cherry, berry, and chocolate flavors of this popular dessert. Try this red velvet cake recipe.

We hope you have enjoyed our festive holiday dessert and wine pairing roundup. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed winter season filled with joy and lots of wine.