Whether you’re a Christmasaholic or a Grinch at this time of year, there’s no denying that the festive season is now well and truly with us.
Though it’s certainly full on in the shop, we’ve managed to grab a few of the team to find out what they’re drinking in December and why. Those not listed below are crazy busy packing, selling and delivering wine. The exception to this is John (who’s off sunning himself) but, let’s face it, we all know he’d pick something South African if he was in Blighty for Christmas.
Here are our team picks for December in date drinking order…
Rox
My friend Vikki and I have a festive tradition. It began some time in the late 1990’s and we’ve not missed a year since (barring covid). The concept is simple, we find an evening in December and get together to drink some fizz, eat some food and wrap our presents together.
This year, we’ll be drinking Rathfinny Estate Classic Cuvee. This is very much a “Sorry, not sorry” from me. Whilst I regularly rave about Rathfinny to anyone who’ll listen, I make no apology for that because this is really great English sparkling wine which is hand harvested from grapes grown and pressed on the estate in East Sussex. Grapes wise, it’s predominantly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a little Pinot Meunier, is made using the traditional method and spends 36 months ageing on the lees. It’s citrussy with a hint of apple and it also has those biscuity notes.
I’m super excited that we’ve just added this to our wine lists in all the Gusto Pronto pubs (except The Beerhouse) and at Damson & Wilde. A glass of Sussex sparkling anyone?
Ev
Working in the wine industry at Christmas seems glamorous — fancy bottles, clinking glasses, and festive cheer. But behind the scenes, it’s organised chaos. The days start early and end late. Often filled with unloading pallets, building orders, and wrapping endless gifts. Even Santa’s elves would admire the precision and speed of packing wine cases! Festive playlists offer little distraction from the workload, but knowing those wine cases will brighten someone’s celebration makes it all worthwhile.
As for me? By Christmas Eve, my own wine cabinet is nearly empty, abandoned after the rush to stock everyone else’s. But when the dust settles, the work is done, and I finally pop a bottle open for myself on Christmas Day, it best be a magnum of sorts. Preferably the one I've been staring at all December... Dönnhoff Höllenpfad im Mühlenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs. With a glass of that in hand, it will be the moment of cheers to one and all - we're so grateful for this crazy, exhausting, but totally rewarding festive season.
Jake
In contrast to most people’s expectations, I’m not precious about food and wine pairing. Especially when it comes to the Christmas dinner. So I’ll just need something wet to offset the dryness of the overcooked turkey… If I must indulge (and I absolutely must) I’ll take a bottle of Westcott Vineyards 'Butlers' Grant' Cabernet Franc from Niagara, Canada. I was lucky to visit earlier this year and this wine made the bloke next to me tear up whilst tasting. “Allergies”, he protested…
Why do I love it? Well, it satisfies my requirement as a wine merchant to pick something esoteric and a little bit pretentious. But it is, above all, bloody delicious. Juicy and rich with loads dried fruit and flowers and a touch of uplifting spice. Also, the people that make its are really lovely humans and the vineyard dog, Nelly, is very cute. Hopefully the wine will evoke sunnier thoughts of my time visiting them to take my mind off dealing with an overtired, overstimulated, so-done-with-Christmas toddler.
Dave
I'm going for Domaine Rolly Gasmann Riesling. In my opinion, this is one of the best "Bang for your buck" wines on the VG shelves. It's got a hint of sweetness with great vibrant acidity, it's a versatile wine with food but equally delicious on its's own..... I want to try it with a lump of Fen Farm’s Baron Bigod and some Wooster’s malt loaf just after my Christmas Day afternoon nap!
Henry
While I have not yet planned my Christmas Day booze, I have decided how my New Year's Day breakfast will take shape. Champagne and croissants. Need I say more?
When I pop the cork of a good bottle of bubbly, I want it to taste almost like a croissant. It should have oodles of pastry notes and autolytic yeasty qualities supported by (the less croissant-y) white fruit and fresh zippy apples. I love traditional method bubbly that favours the black grapes over Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are my best friends, so this year the booze that kicks off my 2025 will be Champagne Lété-Vautrain Brut 204. 50% Meunier with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay evenly sharing the other half of the blend, the wine beautifully delivers my favoured style and will compliment the croissants from our friends down the road at Wooster’s brilliantly.
Cheers all!
Leave a comment