The Perfect Wine and Dessert Pairings for the Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and of course, delicious food. While the main course is important, it’s often the dessert that steals the show. Whether you’re serving pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, or your favorite chocolate treat, some adults may be looking to pair their dessert choice with a nice glass of wine. At McCray’s Tavern, we want to help you find the perfect wine pairing for your favorite holiday dessert, which is why we’ve compiled this helpful list of popular wine and dessert pairings that are perfect for any holiday meal.

Rieslings and Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic and one of the most popular desserts during this time of year. While some people enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, others prefer to pair it with a delicious glass of wine. If you’re looking for a tasty pumpkin pie and wine pairing, we recommend a nice glass of Riesling. The sweetness of the wine will complement the spices in the pie, while the acidity will cut through the richness of the dessert.

Spiced Wine and Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, and they’re often enjoyed with a glass of milk. However, if you’re looking for a more adult beverage to enjoy with your cookies, we recommend trying spiced wine. The flavors of the wine will complement the spices in the cookies, and the sweetness of the wine will help to balance out the gingerbread’s signature molasses flavor.

Moscato and Fruitcake

Fruitcake is a divisive dessert, but there’s no denying that it’s a holiday favorite for many people. If you’re a fan of fruitcake and want to pair it with a nice glass of wine, we recommend Moscato. The sweetness of the wine will complement the sweetness of the cake, and the low alcohol content means that you won’t have to worry about getting too tipsy at your next holiday party.

Wine and Chocolate

Chocolate is a classic holiday flavor, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re eating chocolate truffles, drinking hot cocoa, or indulging in a chocolate dessert, there’s a wine that will pair perfectly with it. For instance, if you’re enjoying a milk chocolate dessert, we recommend pairing it with a glass of Moscato d’Asti. The sweetness of the wine will help to balance out the richness of the chocolate. If you’re enjoying a dark chocolate dessert, we recommend pairing it with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold flavors of the wine will complement the intensity of the chocolate, and the tannins will help to cleanse your palate after a rich dessert.

Enjoy Some Holiday Wine Pairings at McCray’s Tavern

This year, treat your guests to something truly special by enjoying a holiday wine pairing at McCray’s Tavern. Our expert staff will guide you through a selection of mouth-watering meals, each paired with a perfectly matched wine. So come raise a glass with us and enjoy a festive end to your holiday meal in our main dining area or by reserving our Smyrna event space today!