Holiday Wine Trends for 2025: Sparkle, Spice, and Everything Nice

• Posted on 24 November 2025
• Posted in argentina, Austria, California, cider, france, Georgia, Italy, spain, Virginia
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The holidays bring more than just festive decorations, they bring a surge of curiosity about wines that suit celebrations, special dinners, and gift-giving. Wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike are searching for wines that offer excitement, approachability, and a sense of occasion. This year, searches spike for bubbly wines, crisp whites, aromatic orange wines, chillable reds, and approachable alternatives to Cabernet. Each category resonates with a different kind of holiday moment, and the wines chosen perfectly answer that demand.

Holiday searches for sparkling wines are booming because people want a sense of ceremony in every pour. Consumers are drawn to wines that lift the mood, whether to toast a new year, a family gathering, or simply to make a weeknight dinner feel special. Lambrusco, Prosecco, Cava, sparkling rosé, and Pet-Nat are all on trend because they combine effervescence with approachable flavors, often at a friendly price point. Wines like Pares Balta Blanca Cusinè from Catalonia and Le Colture Prosecco Valdobbiadene from Italy offer delicate, floral, and fruity aromatics that feel celebratory without being intimidating even for being the Cadillac in their class. Paltrinieri Solco Sorbara Lambrusco brings a playful red sparkle, while Gouguenheim Extra Brut Rosé delivers refined, crisp bubbles for more formal festivities that include a mushy brownie!  Treveri Cellars Gewürztraminer Demi-Sec gets the nod as a fun sparkler with its fruity sweet aromas of pear, green apple and flavors of caramel, orange, lychee balanced by mouthwatering acidty, and Limited Addition Mencia Pet Nat Rosé, satisfies those looking for something unusual like Mencia, and adventurous, giving holiday entertaining a fun, conversation-starting twist.

As people research high-acidity whites, they are usually looking for wines that can balance rich holiday foods, cleanse the palate, and provide refreshing brightness during long, indulgent meals. These wines are prized for their ability to stand up to buttery sauces, roasted vegetables, and seasonal seafood, all while staying lively and zesty. Assuli Terre Siciliane Insolia Carinda offers a crisp Sicilian profile with citrus notes and classic Sicilian volcanic rock, while Cadre Sea Queen Albariño, from California, provides bright minerality that matches perfectly with lighter fare or festive hors d’oeuvres. European classics like Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Grigio and Michel Fonné Pinot Blanc, add elegance with delicate aromas and bright acidity, and Cacciata Vermentino rounds out the group with herby, Mediterranean freshness, delivering wines that feel modern and versatile for any holiday menu.

Interest in orange wines has grown as consumers search for distinctive wines that showcase texture, tannin, and aromatic complexity. These wines appeal to those wanting something different from standard whites or reds, often sparking curiosity due to their striking amber hues and floral, spicy, or nutty aromas. Schuchmann Vinoterra Rkatsiteli, from Georgia exemplifies traditional skin contact techniques, offering depth and subtle tannin for those new to orange wines. Merkin Vineyards Shinola Orancia and The Vice Gewürztraminer Brooklynites 3.0 Orange highlight expressive aromatics and modern winemaking approaches in the U.S., while Field Recordings Domo Arigato Mr. Ramato adds a playful yet sophisticated California option. Mil Historias Amber Blend brings Spanish amber wines to the forefront, giving holiday wine lovers a chance to explore layers of flavor that are both unexpected and crowd-pleasing.

Yes, every wine has an ideal serving temperature, though some lighter red wines are more flexible. These reds are comfortable at room temperature alongside savory meals, yet a slight chill can bring out their vibrant fruitiness. The growing interest in chillable reds reflects a desire for wines that are approachable, versatile, and easy to enjoy at slightly cooler-than-typical room temperature. People are seeking reds that are fruit-forward, gentle on tannins, and ready to drink without the need for decanting, making them perfect for casual meals or charcuterie boards. Wines like Vinkara Kalecik Karasi, from Turkey, or Evolució Blaufränkisch, from Austria, fit that profile, offering fresh red fruit and gentle acidity. Cantina Clavesana Dogliani Dolcetto and Jean-Paul et Charly Thevenet “Tradition” Morgon provide French and Italian classics that are elegant yet easy-going. Selections like La Despensa Pais Boutique, Mil Historias Bobal Old Vine, and Isaac Fernandez Seleccion Legado del Moncayo bring a global perspective, combining approachable styles with bright flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings where people want light but flavorful red wines.

Many holiday wine searches revolve around Cabernet Sauvignon or other big reds, but people are curious about wines that offer similar richness without the same intensity or tannin profile. These “next-step” wines satisfy the need for depth, while exploring something new. Bodega Sumun Almarada Malbec and Casa Rojo Machoman provide plush, dark-fruit-driven profiles that are approachable yet full-bodied. Colli du Lapio Vigna Andrea Taurasi and Descendientes de José Palacios Pétalos offer Italian and Spanish alternatives with structure and elegance, while McPherson Cellars Petite Sirah and Robert Foley Vineyards Charbono provide bold, nuanced options for those seeking complexity and regional expression.

Searches for local wines are driven by holiday shopping, interest in supporting nearby producers, and the desire for unique gifts. Virginia wines combine accessibility with a sense of place, letting wine lovers connect with their region while discovering new favorites. Albemarle CiderWorks Pomme Mary and Ox-Eye Vineyards Extra Brut Blanc De Blanc offer sparkling options with local charm. Bluestone Vineyards Petit Verdot, Hark Vineyards Merlot, Gabriele Rausse Cabernet Franc, and Bluestone Vineyard Houndstooth Estate Red Blend provide reds with depth and character, perfect for holiday dinners or gifting, and highlight the diversity and quality of Virginia’s wine scene.

The holiday season is the perfect time to explore, experiment, and enjoy. From lively bubbles to textured oranges, chillable reds to high-acidity whites, and local Virginia treasures, these trending wines give you the chance to celebrate every occasion with style, sophistication, and a touch of adventure. Whether entertaining friends or treating yourself, this season’s wine searches reveal a desire for both comfort and discovery, exactly what these wines deliver.