Your Guide to Holiday Wine and Food Pairings

‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry—and in Paso Robles Wine Country, that motto takes on delicious new meaning. Between festive gatherings, family dinners, and celebrations with friends, the coming weeks promise tables laden with cherished dishes and glasses filled with exceptional local wines.

With Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations around the corner, there’s plenty to consider when choosing what to pour alongside your holiday feast. Should you reach for bold Cabernet Sauvignon with that prime rib? Will sparkling wine elevate your cheese board? What pairs best with traditional latkes or glazed ham?

To guide you through the season’s flavor combinations, we’re sharing the best holiday wine pairings Paso Robles offers—from crispy appetizers to show-stopping mains and sweet endings. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these expert matches ensure every course shines. Let’s explore how Paso’s exceptional varietals transform good holiday meals into unforgettable ones.

Appetizers & Starters

Cheese & Charcuterie Boards

No holiday gathering feels complete without an impressive spread of artisan cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments. The key is choosing a wine versatile enough to complement diverse flavors.

Sparkling wine reigns supreme here—its effervescence cleanses the palate between bites while its bright acidity cuts through rich, creamy cheeses. The bubbles create a festive atmosphere that perfectly suits holiday celebrations, and the wine’s versatility means it pairs beautifully with everything from tangy goat cheese to aged manchego, prosciutto to salami.

Where to find it: Halter Ranch, Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery, Hayseed and Housdon

For those preferring still wine, Grenache works beautifully with its medium body and bright red fruit that won’t overpower delicate cheeses, while its subtle spice notes enhance cured meats. Viognier offers another elegant option with aromatic appeal and stone fruit character that pairs exceptionally well with creamy brie and aged cheddar alike.

Where to find it: Kiamie Wine Cellars, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Caliza Winery, Cass Winery

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

These crispy Hanukkah favorites—golden on the outside, tender within—deserve a wine that cuts through the richness while complementing both traditional toppings of sour cream and applesauce. Albariño delivers perfectly with its bright acidity, citrus notes, and mineral backbone. The wine’s crispness refreshes the palate between bites while its subtle stone fruit flavors play beautifully with applesauce’s sweetness.

Alternatively, try a dry Rosé for its versatility. The wine’s red fruit character bridges savory and sweet elements, while its refreshing acidity cleanses the palate after each crispy bite.

Where to find it: Brecon Estate, Copia Vineyards, Écluse Wines

Main Courses

Prime Rib & Beef Tenderloin

When Christmas calls for an impressive roast, reach for Paso Robles’ signature Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold red boasts the structure and tannins necessary to stand up to rich, fatty cuts of beef. Notes of blackberry, cassis, and often a hint of eucalyptus complement the meat’s savory crust while the wine’s acidity cuts through richness. The result? Each bite and sip elevate the other.

For those seeking something equally bold but with a different character, Petite Sirah offers intense dark fruit, peppery spice, and a full body that makes prime rib taste even more luxurious.

Where to find it: Eberle Winery, Chateau Margene, Robert Hall Winery

Glazed Ham

Holiday ham—whether studded with cloves, glazed with brown sugar and mustard, or brushed with honey—bridges sweet and savory in ways that challenge wine pairing. Grenache rises to the occasion with its bright red fruit that mirrors the glaze’s sweetness while its subtle spice notes complement the ham’s savory depth. The wine’s medium body won’t overwhelm the meat’s delicate flavor.

Syrah offers another excellent option, especially with spicier glazes. Its dark fruit, peppery notes, and smooth tannins create harmony with caramelized edges and rich, salty meat.

Where to find it: Tablas Creek Vineyard, Mitchella Vineyard & Winery, Calcareous Vineyard

Brisket

This centerpiece of many Hanukkah celebrations demands a wine with enough structure to match its rich, slow-cooked depth. Zinfandel—one of Paso Robles’ historic specialties—delivers bold fruit, peppery spice, and just enough tannin to complement the meat’s tender texture and caramelized edges. The wine’s jammy character plays beautifully with brisket’s savory gravy.

For a more elegant approach, Cabernet Sauvignon brings classic structure and dark fruit that enhances every forkful, especially when the brisket features a slightly sweet glaze or sauce.

Where to find it: J Dusi Vineyards, Eberle Winery, Pear Valley Vineyards

Roasted Chicken or Turkey

For those preferring poultry at their holiday table, Chardonnay offers a luxurious pairing. Paso Robles Chardonnay tends toward a balanced style—neither too oaky nor too lean—with ripe apple and pear notes that complement herb-roasted birds beautifully. The wine’s creamy texture mirrors rich side dishes while its acidity keeps everything fresh.

Pinot Noir provides a lighter red option with bright cherry fruit, silky tannins, and earthy notes that enhance both white and dark meat without overwhelming delicate flavors.

Where to find it: Cordant Winery, Pear Valley Vineyards, Villa San-Juliette Winery

Desserts & Sweet Endings

Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)

These beloved Hanukkah treats—deep-fried and filled with jam—call for a wine that complements without competing. Late Harvest Viognier or a dessert-style white brings honeyed stone fruit notes and subtle sweetness that enhance the jam filling while cutting through the fried dough’s richness. The key is finding a wine with enough sweetness to match the treat but enough acidity to keep things balanced.

Alternatively, sparkling wine offers a festive option whose bubbles and bright acidity provide a delightful contrast to the doughnuts’ richness.

Where to find it: Kiamie Wine Cellars, Pelletiere Estate, Four Lanterns Winery

Christmas Cookies & Gingerbread

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without platters of sugar cookies, gingerbread, and other sweet treats. Rather than overwhelming delicate cookies with a heavy dessert wine, consider Moscato or a lightly sweet Riesling. These wines offer just enough sweetness to complement without competing, while their bright acidity keeps your palate fresh between cookies.

For spiced gingerbread specifically, Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and peppery spice create a surprisingly harmonious pairing that brings out the best in both wine and cookie.

Where to find it: Chronic Cellars, Tobin James Cellars, Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery

Chocolate Desserts

Rich chocolate cakes, truffles, or yule logs demand wines with enough body and sweetness to stand alongside cocoa’s intensity. Petite Sirah brings dark fruit, full body, and subtle chocolate notes that create a luxurious pairing with dark chocolate desserts. The wine’s bold character matches chocolate’s richness bite for bite.

For milk chocolate treats, Zinfandel’s berry-forward profile and touch of sweetness provide beautiful harmony without overwhelming.

Where to find it: Eberle Winery, Ecluse Wines, Bella Luna Estate Winery

Tips for Holiday Wine Pairing Success

Consider the whole meal: Unlike single-course dinners, holiday feasts present multiple dishes at once. Choose versatile wines like Grenache or Syrah that complement various flavors rather than wines so bold they dominate everything.

Temperature matters: Serve reds slightly cool (60-65°F) and whites well-chilled (45-50°F). Proper temperature enhances the wine’s best qualities and creates better pairings.

Stock up early: Visit Paso Robles early to taste and select your favorites. Many offer special holiday packaging and discounts for wine club members.

When in doubt, bubbles: Sparkling wine pairs with nearly everything and adds instant festivity to any gathering.

Planning Your Holiday Wine Country Visit

The holidays transform Paso Robles Wine Country into a magical destination. Many wineries feature special decorations, seasonal tastings, and holiday events throughout December. Consider planning a visit to stock up on wines while experiencing the region’s festive spirit.

The Adelaida District on the Westside offers stunning winter scenery, while the Willow Creek District provides easy access to multiple tasting rooms. For something different, explore Tin City, Paso’s urban wine hub with boutique producers, craft distilleries, and artisan food shops perfect for gathering holiday provisions. Check out all the local holiday events and celebrate the Holidays in Paso Robles.

Raise a Glass to the Season

The holidays are about creating memories, sharing joy, and savoring special moments with loved ones. The right wine elevates these experiences—turning good meals into great ones and ordinary gatherings into celebrations worth remembering. Whether you’re lighting the menorah or trimming the tree, Paso Robles wines bring warmth, flavor, and festive spirit to every holiday table.

This season, let Paso Robles Wine Country be part of your celebration. From the first appetizer to the last cookie crumb, these versatile, food-friendly wines ensure every course shines. Here’s to the most delicious holiday season yet—L’chaim and Merry Christmas from Paso Robles Wine Country!