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Looking to break free from traditional turkey this Christmas? Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or simply craving something memorable, these alternative Christmas dinner showstoppers bring bold flavours, impressive presentation, and modern twists to the festive table. Even better — each one now comes with a carefully selected wine pairing to elevate your meal.
1. Festive Beef Wellington + Red Bordeaux or Pinot Noir
The rich beef, earthy mushrooms, and buttery pastry call for a wine with structure and elegance.
Best pairing:
- Red Bordeaux (Cabernet/Merlot blend) — for depth and tannins
- Pinot Noir — for a lighter, silkier complement
Either choice enhances the umami of the duxelles without overwhelming the meat.
2. Glazed Ham with a Twist + Riesling or Zinfandel
The sweet-salty glaze loves wines with fruitiness and bright acidity.
Best pairing:
- Off-dry Riesling — balances sweetness and salt
- Zinfandel — bold red fruit that pairs with spiced or smoky glazes
Perfect for cherry, maple, whisky, or citrus-based glazes.
3. Whole Baked Salmon + Chardonnay or Grüner Veltliner
A whole salmon is elegant and versatile, especially with citrus and herbs.
Best pairing:
- Chardonnay (oak or unoaked) — richness meets freshness
- Grüner Veltliner — crisp, peppery, and great with herbs
Both wines lift the delicate fat and flavour of the fish beautifully.
4. Vegetarian Showstopper (Nut Roast or Veg Wellington) + Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône
Vegetarian mains often have earthy, nutty notes and sweet hints like cranberry or squash.
Best pairing:
- Pinot Noir — gentle tannins, earthy undertones
- Côtes du Rhône — warm spice, soft fruit
These wines are festive, flexible, and never overpowering.
5. Stuffed Porchetta + Barolo or Vermentino
Porchetta is rich, aromatic, and full of garlic and herbs.
Best pairing:
- Barolo — bold, savoury, with enough tannin to cut through the fat
- Vermentino — a surprising white option that works with fennel and herbs
Choose red for richness; choose white for brightness.
6. Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Shoulder + Rioja Reserva or Syrah
The warm spices of this dish pair beautifully with juicy, slightly smoky reds.
Best pairing:
- Rioja Reserva — smooth oak, dark berries, warm spice
- Syrah/Shiraz — big flavours that stand up to the lamb
These enhance the cinnamon, cumin, and coriander without clashing.
7. Vegan Centrepiece (Stuffed Squash or Vegan Wellington) + Beaujolais or Sauvignon Blanc
Plant-based mains often feature earthy vegetables, herbs, and sweet-savory notes.
Best pairing:
- Beaujolais (Gamay) — vibrant red fruit, low tannins, pairs with almost anything
- Sauvignon Blanc — refreshing and aromatic, great with herbs and veg
Both keep things lively without overwhelming the dish.
8. Christmas Paella + Albariño or Tempranillo
Whether seafood, chicken, or vegetarian, paella bursts with Mediterranean flavours.
Best pairing:
- Albariño — crisp, citrusy, perfect with seafood
- Young Tempranillo — smooth red fruit for meatier versions
Choose based on whether your paella leans more toward the sea or the land.
Christmas is the perfect time to embrace new flavours and break traditions in the best way possible. With the right showstopper and a thoughtful wine pairing, your festive table will be both delicious and unforgettable — no turkey required.
