It's hard to think of a reason not to stock up on wine all year round. However, during the holiday season, it’s even more imperative to have a wide variety of wines on hand. Got a crowd coming over, thirsty and ready to party? Will you need a variety of wine, or is quantity of wine your need? What about gifting? Do you need a hostess gift? Whether you're entertaining for the holidays and need perfect wines for party guests, cooking or gifting — buying wine with wine clubs to stock up makes it easier, less expensive, and a time saver.
Check out our recommendations at the end of this post! (These are our favorites.)
Entertain with Ease
The most obvious reason to stock up is hosting. Entertaining family and friends often requires more wine than you might anticipate. With a lot of guests, you may need to open several different varieties to accommodate a range of preferences. No one wants to run out of wine, and often going to the store to make a purchase is not an option, with long lines, busy schedules, and tight budgets.
Cooking with Wine (Chef's Kiss)
So many holiday, hearty, comforting foods call for wine. All chefs will tell you that when cooking with wine, you should use a wine that you would actually drink. Sorry, but buying the cheapest bottle of red for your special roast or short ribs, or braised onions isn’t making those foods taste good, and it’s not worthy of the time and effort you put into your holiday celebration.
Wine is the Perfect Present
Of course, wine is great for gifting. Buying a “mixed” wine club (reds & whites) with a variety of different types of wine ensures you’ll have a varietal for everyone on your list, as well as for those surprise occasions. The gift of wine is much more appreciated than a generic gift like an apple pie-scented candle or a picture frame for that random coworker you drew for the office Secret Santa exchange. (Yes, this comes from experience.) Even if they are not a big wine drinker, they can serve it at their gathering.
I also love a themed gift. For my friends who cook, I might include a really nice cabernet in a basket with pasta sauce, fresh pasta, a fresh basil plant, and some festive Italian Christmas cookies. Or for my best brunch gal pal, make a gift box with a great Prosecco, some orange juice, a dozen eggs, and a pound of extra fancy bacon. Beach-loving friends might get a beach tote with a crisp Rose, some suntan lotion, a plush beach towel, and fun plastic wine glasses. Be creative and personal.
Having a stockpile of wine also ensures you’ll never go anywhere empty-handed. I’ll die on this hill. You never show up to a gathering without bringing something. But when you run into a neighbor on Friday morning who invites you to their house that night for a last-minute, casual Christmas party, you don’t have to scramble. You have wine for the hosts.
Additionally, there are always folks who bring an unexpected friend to your house during the holidays. That person was thoughtful enough to bring you a little gift. If you’re like me, you hate to receive a gift without giving one in return. Having wine on hand (and wrapped) means you can gift them a bottle.
Buy What You Drink and Then Add Variety
Start with what you love and drink regularly. Then add a range of styles so you’re ready for hosting, cooking, gifting, and those inevitable last-minute holiday surprises. Having a well-rounded wine stash means you’ll never scramble, overspend, or show up empty-handed during the busiest time of the year.
Everyday Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Red Blends): These are the workhorses of holiday hosting. Most guests enjoy a bold red, and these pair effortlessly with rich winter dishes. They’re also perfect for gifting because they feel classic and substantial.
Lighter & Food-Friendly Reds (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Beaujolais): Holiday meals are diverse (think turkey, ham, roasts, stuffing, and sides galore). Light reds please almost everyone, pair with nearly anything, and are ideal when you’re opening multiple bottles to suit different palates.
Crisp Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): Not everyone wants a heavy red. These refresh the palate, pair with appetizers, and are great to have chilled for unexpected guests.
Full-Bodied Whites (Chardonnay, Viognier): Perfect when entertaining people who love richer wines, and especially useful for hearty winter dishes like creamy pastas or roasted chicken.
Sparkling Wine (Prosecco, Cava, Brut Sparkling Whites): These are your celebration go-tos: brunch gift baskets, hostess gifts, New Year’s Eve, and all things festive. Bubbles instantly elevate a moment, and they also make great mimosas or spritzes for themed gifts.
Rosé (Dry Rosé, Sparkling Rosé): Great year-round; especially for beach-themed gift baskets, lighter meals, and guests who don’t love deep reds or heavy whites. Rosé is also a catch-all when you’re unsure what someone likes.
Cooking Wines (Drinkable Reds & Whites for Recipes): Holiday cooking requires wine. Braises, sauces, reductions, and stews all rely on good-quality wine. Keep a few reds and whites reserved specifically for cooking so you're never tempted to dump in a “too cheap” bottle that ruins a dish.
Dessert Wines (Port, Late Harvest Whites, Ice Wine): Perfect for pairing with pies, cookies, and cheese boards. These are also wonderful gift bottles for someone who enjoys something sweet or special.
Boxed Wine (Red Blend, Chardonnay, Rosé): A lifesaver for big gatherings or heavy cooking days. Boxed wine stays fresh for weeks, meaning you always have something ready for recipes, casual sipping, or surprise drop-ins without constantly opening new bottles.
Non-Alcoholic Wines (Red, White, and Sparkling): Essential for inclusive hosting. Some guests don’t drink, are pregnant, prefer low-alcohol options, or simply want something festive without the buzz. Having non-alcoholic options makes everyone feel welcome, and sparkling NA wines are perfect for toasts. Plus, you’ll be ready for Dry January.
Our “stock up on wine” recommendations.
Our recommendations for stocking up this holiday are below. Starting with Boxed Wine (because it's great for parties!) we also have recommendations for great wine that have really low cost on buying in bulk!
Gratsi Wine Editor choice
Really Good Boxed Wine Editor choice
Firstleaf Wine Club Review Best value
Splash Wines Review Best value
Naked Wines Holiday Sparkle Case
Stocking up on wine for the holidays isn’t about excess. It’s about being prepared, thoughtful, and ready for every moment the season brings. Whether you’re hosting a full house, cooking something special, giving meaningful gifts, or handling last-minute invites, having a varied wine stash takes the stress out of the busiest time of year. Buy what you love, add a few extra varietals for everyone else, and you’ll glide through the holidays with ease, generosity, and a perfectly poured glass in hand. Cheers to a season that’s festive, flavorful, and wonderfully well-stocked.
In fact, don't forget about the sober guests in your holiday festivities! We also have great recommendation in The Zero Proof!
