Are you looking for some festive inspiration this Christmas? From showstopping fizz to indulgent white burgundy and fruit-filled Rioja, a few of our knowledgeable wine advisors from across our branches have picked their must-try bottles this season.
Welshpool
Viré-Clessé, Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon
An en primeur purchase from a few years ago, I’m down to my last bottle and will be stocking up again! This is laser-precise, old-vine Chardonnay from the Mâconnais, made by the highly-regarded Lafon family. Farmed biodynamically, they’ve created a wine with richness and elegance. Notes of yellow plum, orchard fruits and piercing citrus acidity. Delicious.
Phil Taylor, Branch Manager
Llandudno
Aldonia Vendimia, Rioja
A perfect Christmas treat! This is bursting with cherry, crystallised strawberry and cranberry, wrapped in rich layers of liquorice, citrus, chocolate and vanilla. Festive, indulgent, and full of charm, it’s my go-to for the season ahead.
Richard Stevens, Branch Manager
Hereford
Le Pigeoulet, IGP Vaucluse, Famille Brunier
Christmas is all about tradition – The Snowman, turkey dinner, awful jumpers and of course, a good bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But with its rising prices, I’ve found a hidden gem instead: Le Pigeoulet. Crafted by the Brunier family near Châteauneuf, it delivers rich, festive flavour far beyond its price. A true Christmas delight!
James Howells, Assistant Branch Manager
Chablis, Vieilles Vignes, Daniel-Etienne Defaix
The 2020 vintage, now drinking beautifully, comes from one of Chablis’s oldest estates – family-run for over four centuries. Grown on limestone-rich Kimmeridgien soil, it’s rich, mineral and expressive. With meticulous winemaking and 18 months’ ageing on lees, I love its fuller, rich style, which is perfect with seafood, fish, or your Christmas turkey and ham.
Neil Clarke, Branch Manager
Cellars Shop & A Taste of Tanners
Barbera d’Alba, Tibaldi
The Tibaldi sisters craft their wines with care and precision, and it shows in every glass. Inviting aromas of ripe cherries, redcurrants and spice lead to a juicy, vibrant palate. Barbera’s lively acidity and soft tannins make this an effortlessly food-friendly red which pairs perfectly with roast pork or glazed ham over the festive season. A joyful bottle to have on hand this Christmas!
Aisha Wootton, Wine Sales Advisor
Golpe Reserva, Douro Branco, Carvalho Martins
I keep coming back to this wine and every time I do, it reveals something new. Minerality is hard to define, but those chalky, gunflint notes are beautifully clear here – making it perfect with gravadlax salmon. Alongside that stony character comes soft, creamy stone fruit and remarkable complexity for under £20. This bottle really isn’t shouty but has understated, accomplished elegance.
Erica Littley, Cellars Shop Manager
Bridgnorth
Givry 1er cru Clos Jus, Domaine Mouton
I love this supple, elegant Pinot Noir which bursts with festive cherry and earthy spice. It’s brilliant with Christmas roast duck, turkey or mature cheese – charming southern Burgundy at its best – pure, generous and impeccably crafted. Plus, it’s available in magnum, offering twice the pleasure.
Jon Jacob, Wine Sales Advisor
Lugana, Vigne Alte, Zeni
Overlooking the shore of Lake Garda, Zeni Winery produces this super fresh and delightfully fragrant white wine. Perfect with a starter of oysters or a good old prawn cocktail, to mains of turkey and white meats, this has enough fruit to hold its own against an array of foods. A great example of what the Turbiana grape can deliver.
Mark Carter, Branch Manager
Chester
Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru, Michel Prunier et Fille
One of my favourite things about Christmas is the guiltless freedom to indulge in a special tipple. This premier cru Burgundy is a festive essential – a blend of three plots delivering pure Christmas in a glass. Expect aromas of cinnamon, plums, cloves and more. Smooth and savoury, it’s full of juicy redcurrant, cranberry and gentle warming spice. Perfect with turkey, goose, nut roast or pork.
Sam Jackson, Assistant Branch Manager
Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay, San Francisco Bay
Seeking an elegant, not overly oaked Chardonnay for Christmas dinner? Look no further… The ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay strikes the perfect balance of complexity, richness and freshness. Half aged in oak for a delicious, creamy texture, the rest is in stainless steel which adds crisp green apple and tropical fruit. Effortlessly drinkable, it’s sure to leave your guests wanting another glass.
Stephanie Pierce, Branch Manager
These staff favourites are bottles that bring the Tanners team joy. Whether you’re shopping for someone special or treating yourself, these seasonal picks will be sure to spark a little inspiration for your own celebrations.
Find your perfect bottle by shopping online, visiting our branches, or contacting our sales team to find the best wines for Christmas.
Portugal
