Wine Pairings for a Vegan and Vegetarian Festive Feast

Pairing vegan wines with festive vegan and vegetarian dishes can enhance each course of your holiday feast. From a nut roast with Viognier to root vegetables with Albariño and a toast with vegan Champagne, these plant-friendly wines bring out the best in every dish.

Finding the perfect wine for a vegan or vegetarian festive feast isn’t just about taste – it’s also about pairing wines that match your food choices. Vegan wines, free from animal-derived fining agents, ensure your meal remains plant-friendly from plate to glass. And when it comes to vegan dishes, certain wines can truly enhance each bite, whether you’re after vibrant freshness, hearty warmth, or something sparkling to toast the season.

For many, a hearty nut roast is the centrepiece of a vegan Christmas table. The Yalumba Y Series Viognier from Australia offers a wonderful match with its rich, apricot and floral notes, creating a balance of creamy texture and gentle acidity. But, nothing says winter quite like roasted root vegetables – sweet carrots, honey and mustard parsnips and earthy, soft beetroot. These caramelised, earthy flavours pair beautifully with the fresh, citrusy notes of the Martín Códax Albariño. This crisp Spanish white from Rías Baixas brings a refreshing zest that cuts through the sweetness of the vegetables, making it a lovely choice to balance out richer dishes.

Moving on to the main event, a Mushroom Wellington is a festive showstopper, and its depth of umami calls for a light yet complex red. The Coney 'Pizzicato' Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Martinborough region brings soft tannins and red berry flavours, adding a light, fruit-forward contrast to the rich mushrooms. Pinot Noir’s subtlety allows the dish’s earthy flavours to shine while enhancing each bite with a gentle layer of fruit.

Comforting winter favourites like lentil or chestnut stews need a wine that’s bold enough to stand up to the big, earthy flavours. Enter Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva, one of the most famous wines from Spain. This Tempranillo dominant blend is sourced from vines that are at least 50 years of age. Its rich, concentrated flavours of summery berry, liquorice, and vanilla are the perfect match for a warming stew, while its smooth tannins and oak spice flavours add complexity, beautifully complementing the rich texture of a slow-cooked dish.

No festive occasion is complete without a celebratory glass of sparkling – but did you know that most Champagnes are naturally vegan? Options like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot Brut bring the sparkle without compromise, offering delicate bubbles, a refreshing acidity and a hint of brioche. These Champagnes are perfect for pairing with light appetisers or raising a toast to a festive season filled with good food and great company – plus the magnum size is always a fun showstopper if you’re hosting this Christmas or New Year.