Holiday Wine Traditions From Around the World
- Lauren Twitchell
- Nov 19
- 4 min read
Wine has always been more than just something to drink. It’s been part of rituals, celebrations, and family gatherings for thousands of years. And nowhere is that truer than during the holiday season.
Across the globe, wine takes center stage in different ways: mulled and spiced, poured to toast, shared in community, or served as part of symbolic traditions. Each culture brings its own flavor, reminding us that wine isn’t just about taste—it’s about meaning.
Here’s a tour of holiday wine traditions from around the world, and a few ideas for how you can bring them into your own celebrations.
Germany & Northern Europe: Glühwein
When the weather turns cold, Germany embraces Glühwein—a hot, spiced red wine often served at Christmas markets.
How it’s made: Red wine simmered with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, citrus, and sugar. Sometimes a splash of brandy is added.
When it’s served: Outdoors, in mugs, with snow falling and stalls glowing with lights. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the cozy feeling it creates.
Bring it home: Simmer your own version on the stovetop or grill-side in a cast iron pot. It pairs beautifully with cookies, roasted nuts, or a night by the firepit.
Italy: Vin Brulé & Prosecco
Italy celebrates with two very different holiday wines:
Vin Brulé: Similar to Glühwein, this is Italy’s mulled wine, often enjoyed at Christmas festivals in the north.
Prosecco: In contrast, sparkling Prosecco is the go-to celebratory pour for Christmas and New Year’s gatherings.
Both traditions remind us that wine can be warming comfort or sparkling joy—depending on the moment.
France: Champagne at Christmas and New Year
France is known for Champagne, and the holidays are when it truly shines.
Tradition: Champagne is the default for toasts at Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve.
Why it matters: The bubbles symbolize joy, fresh starts, and festive spirit.
Bring it home: You don’t need expensive Champagne—sparkling wines from California, Italy, or Spain can carry the same celebratory feel.
Spain: Cava & Holiday Toasts
Spain’s answer to Champagne is Cava—a sparkling wine made in the traditional method.
Tradition: Families gather to toast with Cava during both Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Fun fact: In Catalonia, many pair it with turrón, a nougat-like dessert.
Bring it home: Add a Spanish touch to your holiday by serving Cava with sweets after dinner.
Portugal: Port Wine
Portugal brings richness to the holiday table with Port, a fortified wine known for its sweetness and depth.
Tradition: Often sipped with dessert, especially with cheese or dried fruit.
Why it works: The sweetness complements holiday pies, puddings, and chocolates.
Bring it home: A bottle of Ruby or Tawny Port pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie or pecan bars.
Eastern Europe: Holiday Honey Wines
In parts of Poland, Lithuania, and beyond, mead (honey wine) is part of holiday feasts.
Tradition: Honey has symbolic meaning—sweetness for the year ahead.
Why it matters: These drinks tie the holiday to wishes for prosperity and happiness.
Bring it home: Experiment with brewing a small batch of mead if you’re already curious about winemaking.
Greece: Retsina & Festive Tables
Greece celebrates with Retsina (a resin-flavored white wine) and other local varietals.
Tradition: Poured during large holiday feasts alongside roasted meats, vegetables, and breads.
Cultural note: Wine is tied to hospitality—offering it is a sign of welcome and abundance.
South America: Holiday Sparkle
In Argentina and Chile, sparkling wines are common at Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Tradition: Hot summers mean chilled wines—especially sparkling—are the centerpiece of outdoor gatherings.
Why it matters: Wine adapts to climate and culture, always finding a place at the table.
United States: Mulled Wine, Homemade Batches, & Local Traditions
Here in the U.S., holiday wine traditions vary regionally.
Mulled wine shows up at winter markets and parties.
Homemade wines—from fruit wines to small vineyard bottles—often get shared as personal, thoughtful gifts.
Regional favorites: California Zinfandel, Oregon Pinot Noir, New York Rieslings—all make their way to holiday tables.
For home crafters, the U.S. holiday tradition is simple: share what you’ve made. A bottle of wine from your own fermenter is as meaningful as any vintage.
At the heart of all these holiday traditions is the same truth: wine is about more than taste.
It’s about gathering, sharing, and celebrating together.
It warms. Mulled wines chase away the cold.
It sparkles. Champagne and Cava bring light to dark winter nights.
It comforts. Port, Prosecco, and homemade batches connect us to family and culture.
When we pour wine during the holidays, we’re not just filling glasses—we’re filling them with history, memory, and meaning.
Bringing Global Traditions to Your Table
You don’t need to travel to taste these traditions. You can:
Simmer Glühwein in a pot on the grill.
Pop a bottle of Prosecco for New Year’s Eve.
Serve Port with your pumpkin pie.
Brew a small batch of mead for next year’s celebration.
These small touches expand the holiday experience, giving your table flavor and story from around the world.
Wine has been part of holiday traditions across cultures for centuries—warming, sparkling, comforting, and connecting.
This year, as you gather around your own table, consider weaving in one of these traditions. Make a pot of mulled wine. Share a sparkling toast. Gift a homemade bottle.
Because wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the meaning it carries. And during the holidays, that meaning matters more than ever.
🍷✨ Crafted by hand, shared with heart.
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