A festive tradition with a twist: how to pair food and wine this Christmas ? 

In this guide, we’ll share tips to pair your turkey with red wines, your ham with bold Bordeaux, and even reveal some hidden festive pairings to make your Christmas unforgettable!

Christmas brings families together around a table laden with festive dishes, laughter, and cherished traditions. But this year, why not add a touch of French elegance to your celebrations? With Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, you can discover exceptional wines, expertly paired with classic Christmas dishes, while saving significantly compared to UK high street prices. As Jérôme Pont, co-founder of Calais Vins, puts it:

"For less than £10, you can find hidden gems in our Calais stores, and for over £15, I guarantee the choice will be top of the class and you won’t be disappointed."

With the added appeal of duty-free shopping and the magic of Calais’ festive attractions, your Christmas "Grape Escape" promises to be unforgettable.

"We want our customers to experience the joy of Christmas in every sip," says Olivier Vermisse, co-founder of Olivier Vins. "Our curated selection ensures that every meal becomes a celebration."

Classic Christmas dishes and Perfect wine pairing

Pairing Turkey, the Star of British Christmas Tables, with the Perfect Red Wine

Turkey, the centerpiece of many British Christmas dinners, is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with Bourgogne wines. These wines enhance the natural flavors of turkey, creating a harmonious dining experience.

• Côte Chalonnaise Pinot Noir (Vignerons de Buxy 2019):

This wine, priced at €9.95 (£6.99 tax free *), offers a vibrant fruitiness that complements turkey’s juicy texture. Compared to £13.90 in the UK, it represents a saving of nearly 50%.

• Chorey-les-Beaunes Rouge (Domaine Martin Dufour 2016):

For those seeking depth and sophistication, this wine offers a full-bodied complement at €25.70 (£18.05 tax free *), saving over £9 compared to UK prices.

Picture this: The aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, mingling with the fruity bouquet of a glass of Pinot Noir. Your guests raise their glasses in a toast, savoring the harmonious pairing. This is the magic Calais Vins can bring to your Christmas.

Roast Ham and Bordeaux

The salty richness of roast ham pairs beautifully with Bordeaux’s robust and fruity profile. Bordeaux wines offer structure and balance, making them a perfect match for this dish.

• Château Recougne Bordeaux Supérieur (2017):

Smooth and vibrant, this wine is available at €7.95 (£5.58 tax free *), while UK shoppers pay £15 for similar quality.

• Château Lamothe-Cissac Haut-Médoc (2017):

A more luxurious option at €13.90 (£09.76 tax free *), this wine’s complexity enhances the flavors of ham.

Imagine the first slice of a honey-glazed ham paired with the velvety texture of a Bordeaux. The warmth of the wine enhances the meal, leaving everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Vegetarian Dishes and Beaujolais

Vegetarian options like roasted chestnuts or vegetable wellington deserve a wine that enhances their earthy richness.

• Fleurie Coeur de Granit (Château de Chénas 2019):

At €8.95 (£6.28 tax free *), this wine’s delicate floral notes elevate vegetarian dishes.

• Brouilly Cuvée "L'enfer de Balloquets"(Robert Perroud):

Offering richness and depth, this wine is available for €10.95 (£7.69 tax free *), compared to £16.90 in the UK

The glow of candles lights the table as a hearty nut roast is served. The fruity aroma of a Beaujolais fills the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Sweet Endings with Dessert Wines

No Christmas meal is complete without dessert, and the perfect wine can elevate every bite. Pair your rich Christmas pudding with a Sauternes Château Dudon 2019, a luxurious Bordeaux sweet white wine that offers notes of honey and apricot, priced at just €14.95 (£10.50 tax-free *). For chocolate-based desserts, a fortified wine like Porto Ramos Pinto Reserva Collector adds depth and complexity with its rich, velvety texture, available for €19.95 (£14.01 tax-free *). These pairings promise a sweet, festive finale to your holiday feast.

Sparkle and Savings: Festive Toasts with Sparkling Wines

Christmas celebrations are incomplete without a toast. Sparkling wines bring joy to every occasion, from welcoming guests to ringing in the New Year.

Champagne Autréau 1er Cru (75 cl):

Celebrate in style at €24.95 (£17.52 *), significantly less than UK prices of £29.90.

Crémant de Bourgogne (Bailly Lapierre Réserve):

Perfect for toasts at just €9.95 (£6.99 tax free *)

"With our sparkling wines, we bring the sparkle back into Christmas celebrations," says Jérôme Pont.

Unmissable Savings: Real-Life Comparisons

As highlighted in the Daily Mail article "My Booze Cruise Bonanza" (30 November 2024):

• Charles Pelletier Brut Blanc de Blanc:

Now on sale for just €4.92 (£3.45 tax-free *) at Calais Vins! With UK prices averaging £16.88, that’s a remarkable saving of over 75%. This sparkling wine, with its crisp bubbles and refreshing notes, is the perfect choice for toasts and celebrations without breaking the bank. Cheers to incredible savings and unforgettable moments!

• Pinot Noir Maison Ropiteau 2023:

Six bottles are £31.34 * at Calais Vins, versus £102.20 in the UK – a remarkable saving of nearly £70.

Experience the Grape Escape

A Seamless Duty-Free Experience

With Brexit came duty-free allowances that benefit British shoppers:

• 24 bottles of still wine (18 liters).

• 12 bottles of sparkling wine (9 liters).

• 42 liters of beer.

"Our innovative VAT refund system, powered by Global Blue and Skiptax, ensures a seamless shopping experience," explains Jérôme Pont. Refunds are processed within 48 hours, allowing customers to enjoy their savings without hassle. 

Festive Attractions in Calais

Beyond wine shopping, Calais offers a festive escape:

• Dragon of Calais: A 15-meter mechanical marvel offering panoramic seafront rides.

• Christmas Market: Open until January 5, the market brims with festive cheer. Find out more about the Christmas Market in Calais 2024.

A Story of Rediscovery: The Booze Cruise Reimagined

Once known for its "booze cruises," Calais has transformed into a destination for wine connoisseurs. The Daily Mail highlights how the combination of premium wines and duty-free savings makes the "Grape Escape" a must for British shoppers.

"The Grape Escape isn’t just about wine; it’s about savoring life – from the perfect glass to the festive atmosphere of Calais," says Jérôme Pont

Conclusion: A Christmas to Remember

With Calais Vins, your Christmas feast becomes a masterpiece. From carefully paired wines to significant savings, the journey across the Channel is as rewarding as the wines themselves. Make this Christmas exceptional with Calais Vins.

Plan your Grape Escape at Calais Vins today and get advantage of the free ferry crossing from Dover to Calais.

*Prices in GBP are approximate and calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of this publication. Calais Vins assumes no responsibility for variations in exchange rates or pricing discrepancies at the time of purchase. As the pound is strong at the moment, this is the best time to buy and enjoy even greater savings