Christmas is the time for indulgence, and nothing elevates a festive feast quite like an exceptional red wine. Whether you’re serving the traditional turkey, a majestic roast beef, or a rich nut roast, the wines on our list are guaranteed showstoppers.

But premium festive wines don’t have to carry a premium price tag. At Winedrops, we’ve sourced five of the most sought-after reds—from iconic classics to everyday favourites—to prove that you can achieve world-class taste and unbeatable value this Christmas.

We’ve ranked our top five essential Christmas Red Wines and put our pricing to the ultimate, verifiable test: a transparent, side-by-side comparison against major UK high-street retailers. Uncork superior value this festive season!

The Essential Guide: Ranking and Reviewing Winedrops’ Five Must-Try Bottles

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2023

This South African cult classic is a majestic Cape Red Blend, predominantly Syrah, built for a luxurious Christmas meal. Its intense character and spiced complexity make it an unparalleled choice for standing up to the multitude of rich flavours on the festive table.

Winedrops Membership Price

£19.25

Price Comparison

Taste and Profile

A powerful, full-bodied red blend. The nose is seductive, bursting with notes of dark cherry, espresso, cedar, and smoky black pepper. The palate is rich and velvety, dominated by concentrated cassis and ripe plum, underscored by a distinctive mocha/dark chocolate complexity and a long, seamless finish with integrated, soft tannins.

Awards

  • Vivino Score: 4.2 / 5
  • Rated 93 points by Tim Atkin MW
  • Rated 92 points by James Suckling

Food Pairings

  • Classic: Roast Rib of Beef or Venison Stew with a dark, rich reduction sauce.
  • Contemporary/Vegetarian: A luxurious, dense mushroom and truffle Wellington.
  • Surprising Choice: Mature, extra-aged Gouda cheese served after the meal.

La Rioja Alta S.A. Viña Ardanza 2019

Viña Ardanza is a benchmark for top-tier traditional Rioja. With its beautiful spice, mellow texture, and complex tertiary notes, this wine has the elegance and age-worthiness to be the star of a sophisticated Christmas dinner, particularly if ham or fowl is the centrepiece.

Winedrops Membership Price

£24.99

Price Comparison

Taste and Profile

A sophisticated, full-bodied Spanish red. The aroma is highly complex, featuring polished leather, mahogany, sweet vanilla, and dried cherry. On the palate, it is velvety smooth, showcasing mature red berry fruit, baking spices (clove, cinnamon), and a beautiful acid-tannin balance that makes it highly refreshing despite its age.

Awards

  • Vivino Score: 4.3 / 5
  • Rated 96 points by Decanter
  • Rated 95 points by James Suckling

Food Pairings

  • Classic: Glazed Christmas Ham or Roast Goose.
  • Contemporary/Vegetarian: Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni with a rich tomato sauce.
  • Surprising Choice: Salted Caramel and dark chocolate desserts (the mature fruit acts like a bridge).

19 Crimes The Banished

Moving to the bold, unapologetic flavours of Australia, The Banished is a dark red blend that provides immediate satisfaction. Its deep, juicy fruit profile is perfect for matching up to heavily seasoned Christmas sides and barbecued Boxing Day leftovers.

Winedrops Membership Price

£7.99

Price Comparison

Taste and Profile

A full-bodied, rich, and dark Australian red. The nose is dominated by sweet spice, mocha, and black forest fruits. The palate is plush, with concentrated blackberry and dark cherry jam flavours, complemented by a hint of dark chocolate and a plush, smooth finish. Built for easy drinking and maximum flavour.

Awards

  • Vivino Score: 4.0 / 5 (Top 4% of wines in the world).

Food Pairings

  • Classic: Christmas Day cheeseboard with strong Cheddar and spicy chutney.
  • Contemporary/Vegetarian: Bean burgers or a spicy chilli con carne.
  • Surprising Choice: Bacon butties on Boxing Day morning.

19 Crimes Red Blend NV

The original and most popular of the 19 Crimes lineup. This non-vintage blend is the ultimate party wine, offering tremendous flavour and approachability for a large Christmas gathering. It’s the dependable, everyday red that everyone will enjoy without breaking the bank.

Winedrops Membership Price

£7.99

Price Comparison

Taste and Profile

Medium to full-bodied, focusing on immediate fruit flavour. Aromas of red berry compote, sweet vanilla, and a hint of licorice. It has a soft, inviting palate with juicy plum and raspberry notes, minimal tannins, and a short, easy finish. A fantastic, non-challenging all-rounder.

Awards

  • Vivino Score: 4.0 / 5 (Top 5% of wines in the world).

Food Pairings

  • Classic: Turkey sandwiches and cold cuts buffet.
  • Contemporary/Vegetarian: Pizza or a simple pasta dish with a hearty meat or lentil sauce.
  • Surprising Choice: Salted pretzels and crisps during a festive film.

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block NV

We finish with a special Winedrops offering—a non-vintage bottling of The Chocolate Block, secured directly from the winery. This offers the core character of the legendary blend at an astonishing member-level price, an unmissable Christmas treat.

Winedrops Membership Price

£15.00

Price Comparison

Taste and Profile

Reflecting the classic blend’s profile, expect intense blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and smoky wood spice notes. This NV is built to be enjoyed now, offering a slightly softer, more fruit-forward expression than the vintage, yet retaining the full-bodied power and silky texture the wine is famous for.

Awards

  • Vivino Score: 4.2 / 5

Food Pairings

  • Classic: Rich, herby stuffing and pigs in blankets.
  • Contemporary/Vegetarian: A smoky BBQ pulled jackfruit wrap.
  • Surprising Choice: Black Forest Gateaux or a dense chocolate tart.

This Christmas, don’t settle for less-than-stellar wine or pay high-street prices. Our selection of five top red wines, from accessible crowd-pleasers to prestigious fine wine, proves that Winedrops offers a genuinely superior path to stocking your cellar for the festive season. The savings speak for themselves, but the quality of the wines is the true gift. Take the stress out of your holiday shopping and ensure every bottle on your table is a celebration.

Download the Winedrops app today to unlock membership pricing, start saving immediately, and secure your perfect Christmas reds before they sell out!