The Christmas holidays are a time for gathering, indulgence, and creating memorable experiences. At Rathfinny, we believe wine should be at the heart of these celebrations, enhancing every dish and elevating every meal.  

From the oyster-shell elegance of our Blanc de Blancs to the red-berry allure of our Sparkling Rosé, each bottle of our Sussex PDO wine is crafted with food in mind. To celebrate this, we invited the talented chefs from the Tasting Room restaurant and Flint Barns Dining Room to share their favourite Sussex Sparkling and festive food pairings.

Classic Cuvée

Classic Cuvée 2019 as Welcome Drinks with Canapés

Christmas gatherings begin with the pop of a bottle and the clink of glasses. Followed, of course, by those bite-sized treats: canapés. Our Classic Cuvée is the ultimate aperitif, with a crisp acidity cleansing the palate and preparing it for the meal ahead. 

Blended from the three classic grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—this sparkling wine boasts citrus notes and hints of stone fruit. Its versatility makes it a delightful companion to a range of canapés, from smoked salmon blinis to miniature goat’s cheese and cranberry tartlets.

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Sparkling Rosé

Sparkling Rosé 2019 with Traditional Turkey Roast 

Turkey may be the traditional centrepiece of a Christmas dinner, but so should a bottle of Sparkling Rosé 2019. Its delicate flavour complements white meat beautifully, while the dry style balances the richness of pigs in blankets. The red fruit notes harmonise perfectly with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce.

The vibrant red-berry hue of the Rosé also makes it visually stunning and festive. In fact, if you were to choose one wine to accompany you through all Christmas Day, it would have to be the Rosé by magnum; it pairs with a wide range of foods – including desserts – and is sure to impress and delight as an aperitif.

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Blanc de Blancs Sparkling

Blanc de Blancs 2019 with Plaice, Salsify, Brown Shrimp, and Seaweed Butter Sauce

For lovers of seafood, our Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a must-try pairing. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is known for its citrusy brightness and refreshing minerality, expressive of our coastal location less than three miles from the sea.

As a general rule, if a dish benefits from a squeeze of lemon—like white fish—the Blanc de Blancs is likely an excellent pairing. In this instance, the earthy salsify and rich seaweed butter sauce are beautifully complemented by the wine’s whistle-clean freshness, which recharges the palate with each sip. The wine’s natural salinity enhances the coastal flavours of the white fish and seaweed, creating a pairing that works on multiple levels.

Sound good? Discover the Plaice and Blanc de Blancs pairing in our fine dining Tasting Room restaurant in December.

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FEstive Food Pairing Wines-min

Blanc de Noirs 2019 with Scallops and Caviar

Our Blanc de Noirs 2019, made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, is a white wine crafted from red grapes, combining red fruit characteristics with freshness and depth. This makes it an ideal match for a dish as complex and indulgent as scallops and caviar.

The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the seafood and caviar, while its red fruit notes echo the deep, savoury flavours of the sauce. Together, this is a pairing of poised freshness and indulgence.

Sound good? Discover this pairing in our fine dining Tasting Room restaurant in December.

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Seven Sisters Brandy

Seven Sisters Brandy with Mince Pies

No Christmas celebration is complete without mince pies, and there’s no better pairing than our 2017 Seven Sisters Brandy. Aged to perfection, this brandy’s warm, spiced notes complement the sweetness of the pie, creating a decadent finish.

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Smoked Salmon
Jacob Pouring Sparkling

Elevate Your Christmas Dining Experience 

At Rathfinny, we’ve always sought to transform the act of eating into the art of dining. Our sparkling wines are crafted to complement the bold, rich flavours of festive dishes, ensuring every meal becomes an extraordinary experience. 

This Christmas, let our wines take centre stage at your table. Whether it’s the crisp elegance of Blanc de Blancs or the festive cheer of Rosé, there’s a Rathfinny wine for every dish and occasion.

If there is a group of you do also consider going grand with a magnum. The wines in this larger format and are the perfect way to impress and indulge over the festive season.

Further News

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Rose Sussex Sparkling in a nice bucket

The Sussex PDO: A Commitment to Exceptional English Sparkling Wines

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Tony Milanowski winemaker at Rathfiny wine estate in the winery

What our Winemakers are Drinking this Christmas