WineGB Trade Ambassadors’ English wine recommendations for Christmas 2025
Looking for some inspiration to create new traditions and drink English and Welsh wine this festive season? Here’s what some of our trade ambassadors are recommending.
Vanessa Pearson, Ocado Retail
Folc Rosé
Rosé isn’t just for the summer and this is a great expression of English rosé and perfect as alternative to an aperitif – it will give a lighter touch over the festive period.
Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée, Kent
A new cuvée from this collaboration with Taittinger, three years aging gives complexity and mouthfeel but with a vibrant clean profile. A new name on the scene that’s definitely worth a try.
Chapel Down Kits Coty Coeur de Cuvée 2016, Kent
A real treat for over the festive period, elegant and rich with apple, toasted nuts and a worthy gold medal winner this year!
James Wright, Majestic Birmingham
All Angels “No. 36”, Berkshire
I love a wine with a story and this one feels personal. No. 36 nods to Elgar’s Enigma Variations (Op. 36), which I actually performed in the Elgar Concert Hall during my music degree at the University of Birmingham (once where Elgar was the first Professor of Music!). It’s a beautifully smooth, gentle English sparkling designed to enjoy through a meal, not just as a toast. After six years on lees, it’s soft, rounded and incredibly food-friendly.I’ll be opening this on Boxing Day with the full spread: turkey, ham, pigs in blankets, pickles and bubble & squeak. Pure festive comfort.
Chapel Down: Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2022, Kent
There’s just something about Chardonnay at Christmas — the body, the texture, the cosy baked-apple flavours… it handles a full roast dinner like a complete pro. Kit’s Coty is one of England’s finest: handpicked fruit, whole-bunch pressed, gently aged in French oak and full of ripe lemon, pear and that gorgeous toasty finish. It’s elegant and comforting — my ideal Christmas combination. I cannot wait to open this on the big day… it might be too good to share.
Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2018, Hampshire
A wine that basically defines “Christmas Day showstopper.” Pale-gold elegance with green apple, hedgerow freshness and that gorgeous buttered-brioche depth from years on lees. Normally I’m a big fan of Crémant for Christmas starters, but from this year forward we’re officially switching to this English sparkler. I’ll be pouring it with a prawn cocktail; delicate, creamy dishes are where it really shines.
Aline Logaw, Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham
Hanwell Wine North Star 2018, Nottinghamshire
A late-harvest wine made from Madeleine Angevine, one of the few sweet wines produced in England, and from one of the few wineries located in the central part of the country. It shows notes of apricot and mango marmalade, with great acidity that balances the sweetness. Perfect for pairing with cheese, foie gras, and Christmas crumble with stone fruit.
Gusbourne Blanc de Noirs 2019, Kent
From an estate that works exclusively with selected vintages and has been named Estate Winery of the Year by WineGB for three consecutive years. Made from 100% hand-picked Pinot Noir, this wine shows vibrant acidity, fresh red fruit, orange peel, and a subtle sourdough character that adds texture and depth. Ideal for pairing with charcuterie, soft cheeses, fondue, tapas with sobrasada, and duck with red fruit compote.
Harrow & Hope Blanc de Blancs 2020, Buckinghamshire
From vineyards planted on chalk and gravel in the Thames Valley, made with minimal intervention. Four years on lees give this wine great structure and depth, showcasing rich notes of pineapple, lemon, and flint, with a long, vibrant finish balanced by generous autolytic character. It pairs beautifully with scallops, crab, salmon, and also goose, thanks to its structure and freshness
Katherine Diment, Trinity, London
Vale Vineyard’s Robin Goch Red 2023, Denbighshire, Wales
The perfect red to enjoy curled up by the fire this Christmas, and a great conversation starter for those who have never tried a Welsh wine! This intriguing blend of Rondo, Cabaret Noir and Divico has resulted in a refined, yet approachable wine, with enticing aromas of dark fruit and juicy berries on the palate. Run by husband and wife, Rhys and Gwen Davies, Vale Vineyard is all about family unity. Not only is ‘Robin Goch’ Red named after Rhys’ dad, who helped to establish the vineyard, it also means red robin in Welsh – a wonderfully fitting wine to share with your loved ones over the festive period!
Flint Vineyard’s Silex 2023, Norfolk
This is one of my favourite English still wines, and almost too good to share! A white reminiscent of a brilliant Burgundy but with quintessentially British charm. This wine is from the innovative Flint Vineyard in Norfolk (Flint translates to Silex in French), made with only the best grapes from Crouch Valley and Kent. Chardonnay dominates the blend, alongside Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, resulting in a bright, mineral style balanced perfectly with an elegant, buttery finish. Aromas of citrus, baked pear and subtle cinnamon spice lead to notes of biscotti, orchard fruit, and orange rind on the palate. The wine’s complexity will pair perfectly with your turkey and all the trimmings, or why not try with a nutty Comté on your cheeseboard?!
Roebuck Estates’ Classic Cuvee, 2019, West Sussex
I’ll always have a soft spot for Roebuck’s wonderful wines! This year, I was a member of their Viticulture Academy – an opportunity to tend to my own vines at Roebuck, and learn hands-on about the process behind the bottle. What struck me most was how deeply passionate every member of the team was – not only about producing impeccable wine, but also about protecting the planet in the process. Roebuck is committed to minimising their environmental impact and maximising conservation and biodiversity in and around their vineyards. Why not enjoy a wine that has a positive impact AND tastes great this Christmas? The perfect aperitif with picky bits, or a terrific tipple to toast – notes of baked apple and ripe citrus meet a biscuity richness and a hint of sweet spice – cheers!
All Angels Classic Cuvée 10th Anniversary, 2014, Berkshire
Trust me, this is the ONLY angel you’ll want on top of your tree this Christmas! A truly spectacular sparkling that epitomises everything we know and love about English wine, Berkshire-based All Angels have nailed their 10th Anniversary release. Refined, elegant and beautifully balanced, this wine awakens the senses with notes of vibrant citrus, followed by orchard apples and freshly baked croissants. Invitingly fresh yet complex and creamy, this wine’s long, lingering finish will leave you unable to resist another sip. What better way to kickstart the festivities on Christmas morning? ‘Merry’ never tasted so good…
For more English and Welsh wine ideas to carry you through the festive season, search the WineGB Golden 50 Wine List and our UK Wine Map to find cellar doors in your area.