Christmas time, Mistletoe and Wine!
Corney and Barrow’s Guide to Christmas Wines
Christmas is a magical time. It’s a time for getting together with the people you love, making memories and eating far too much. But let’s be honest, it can also involve a lot of decisions. What to cook, what to buy, how much you’ll need and, of course, what to pour. So, when it comes to the wine, why not make things easy? This is your guide to crowd-pleasing bottles that are perfect for stocking up, sharing and keeping everyone’s glass topped up. Less time making decisions, more time making memories.
Nothing brings sparkle to the festive season quite like a frothy flute of fizz. A cork pops, bubbles flow and the merry feelings usually follow closely behind. However, if you’re pouring for a crowd, Champagne can get expensive quickly. Thankfully, many wines are made in exactly the same way without exacting the same price. The traditional method was pioneered in Champagne but cava, crémant and English sparkling wines are all made using this method today.
C&B recommends: Corney & Barrow Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle NV £14.50 (Available in magnums, £29.95)
Corney & Barrow’s own-label sparkler has been one of our best-sellers for years. Made in the traditional method and aged for 12 months in cellars, it is fragrant and refreshing with its fine bubbles, soft texture and delicate orchard fruit.
Why choose between red or white? When it comes to Christmas, it pays to cover all your bases – but there’s no need to overthink it. Whether you are sitting around a dinner table or simply raising a glass to the season, you can rely on these wines to bring everybody together.
C&B recommends: Les Lys de Leon Sauvignon Blanc £13.75
A refreshing, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from vineyards just south of the Sancerre appellation in the Loire Valley. Bursts with lively citrus and gooseberry flavours, backed by bright acidity and chalky minerality.
C&B recommends: Cabernet Sauvignon Domaine de Saissac £11.45 (Available in magnums, £23.95)
The grapes are grown in the heart of Languedoc in the picturesque commune of Homps on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Deep red to black in colour, with notes of cassis and cedar, ripe and sweetly fruited.
It certainly wouldn’t be Christmas without a sweet treat. And a dessert wine works just as well with a cheeseboard as it does with a pudding. Plus, if you’re too full after the festive feast, hello liquid dessert!
C&B recommends: Corney & Barrow 20-year-old Tawny Port £42.95
Aged Tawny is such an accessible way to enjoy port, with or without food – with none of the fuss of decanting. A complex nose of warming fruit, complemented by hints of orange, nuts and spice.
Delightfully fresh, particularly served slightly chilled.
C&B SCOTTISH WINTER TASTINGS
AYR
VENUE: Ayr Town Hall,
New Bridge Street, Ayr, KA7 1JX
DATE: Tue 17th November 2026, From 6pm-8pm
PRICE: £30 TO BOOK: Please email ayrevents@corneyandbarrow.com
EDINBURGH
VENUE: Surgeons Hall, Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW
DATE: Wed 11th November 2026,
From 6pm – 8pm
PRICE: £30 TO BOOK: Please visit www.corneyandbarrow.com/events
GLASGOW
VENUE: Trades Hall of Glasgow, Glassford Street, G1 1UH
DATE: Thu 26th November 2026,
From 6pm – 8pm
PRICE: £30 TO BOOK: Please visit www.corneyandbarrow.com/events
You can find all the wines mentioned in this
article at Corney & Barrow Ayr, which is open
Tuesday – Saturday, from 10am – 5.30 pm.
For advice and queries, you can also email
ayr@corneyandbarrow.com or phone 01292 267 000.
