The holiday season in Spain has always revolved around the table. Christmas isn’t just about the food itself, but about how the meal unfolds — slowly, joyfully, and always accompanied by wine. From the first glass poured at aperitivo to the final sip enjoyed with dessert, Spanish wines are designed to guide the rhythm of the celebration.
At Socarrat, we embrace this philosophy every holiday season, curating wines that pair naturally with festive dishes while encouraging conversation, sharing, and long sobremesas. Here’s how to build a Spanish wine journey for the holidays — one course at a time.
Aperitivo: Setting the Tone for the Celebration
In Spain, Christmas celebrations begin long before anyone sits down to eat. The aperitivo is a moment to gather, toast, and ease into the meal. Wines at this stage should feel light, refreshing, and inviting.
Crisp, coastal whites like Albariño or Txakoli are perfect openers. Their bright acidity and saline notes awaken the palate without overwhelming it. At Socarrat, wines such as Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño or Oreka Txakoli capture that festive energy — fresh, lively, and ideal alongside olives, marinated anchovies, almonds, or simple pan con tomate.
These wines create anticipation. They don’t steal the spotlight; they prepare it.
Tapas & Small Plates: Versatility Is Key
As tapas begin to arrive, the table fills with variety — creamy croquetas, fried artichokes, seafood dishes, and comforting classics. Holiday tapas are all about sharing, which means the wines must be versatile enough to move seamlessly from dish to dish.
This is where expressive whites like Godello shine. With more body than Albariño but the same refreshing lift, Viña Godeval Cepas Vellas Godello balances richness and freshness beautifully. It complements fried textures, creamy fillings, and even heartier seafood preparations without losing elegance.
For meat-forward tapas or charcuterie boards, a smooth red like Socarrat Tempranillo Rioja introduces warmth and structure while remaining approachable — exactly what you want when plates keep circulating and conversations keep flowing.
The Main Event: Traditional Christmas Dishes
Spanish Christmas meals are hearty, festive, and often include roasted or baked dishes that bring the family together. Popular choices include roast lamb, pavo trufado (truffled turkey), besugo al horno (baked sea bream), and seafood platters, such as langoustines or lobster. These dishes demand wines with depth, balance, and elegance.
For seafood-centered Christmas dishes, structured whites like Godello or mineral-driven Albariño are perfect. They enhance the natural flavors of shellfish and fish while keeping the palate refreshed.
For roasted meats — whether lamb, turkey, or pork — fuller-bodied reds such as Rioja Crianza, Ribera del Duero, or Priorat, like Belezos Crianza or Pago de Carraovejas, bring ripe fruit, gentle spice, and tannic structure. These wines complement the richness of roasted meats and festive sauces without overwhelming the dish, making them the ideal choice for the heart of the holiday table.
The Pause: Wine for Conversation & Sobremesa
One of the most cherished Spanish holiday traditions is the sobremesa — the lingering moment after the plates are cleared, when conversation continues and wine is poured just a little more slowly.
At this stage, fuller-bodied reds come into their own. Wines like Izadi Reserva or Protos Gran Reserva invite reflection, storytelling, and connection. Their layered aromas and silky tannins encourage sipping rather than rushing, making them ideal companions for cheese, cured meats, or simply the joy of being together.
This is where time stretches — and wine becomes part of the memory.
Dessert: Ending on a Sweet Spanish Note
No Spanish holiday table is complete without dessert — and dessert wines are where Spain truly shines. Rather than overwhelming sweetness, Spanish dessert wines offer depth, warmth, and complexity.
Custard-based desserts like flan or crema catalana pair beautifully with Lustau East India Oloroso, whose nutty, caramelized notes echo cinnamon and brûléed sugar. Chocolate desserts find their match in Pedro Ximénez, rich with flavors of raisin, cocoa, and toffee.
And of course, no Christmas is complete without turrón, the iconic Spanish nougat. Soft varieties (turrón blando) pair beautifully with Moscatel or lightly sweet sparkling wines, while hard almond turrón (turrón duro) is enhanced by Pedro Ximénez or Oloroso, whose richness complements the nutty, honeyed flavors. For a lighter, festive finish, a sparkling Moscatel like Reymos adds floral sweetness and gentle bubbles that refresh the palate.
These wines don’t just end the meal — they extend it.
Christmas, the Spanish Way
Holiday wine pairing doesn’t require rigid rules. In Spain, it’s about balance, generosity, and choosing wines that encourage sharing. A great Christmas table is one where bottles are passed freely, glasses are refilled often, and the evening unfolds naturally.
At Socarrat, we believe Spanish wines belong at the holiday table — from the first aperitivo to the final toast. They are wines made for celebration, connection, and moments that linger long after the last glass is poured.
This holiday season, celebrate the Spanish way — entre copas.
