The Perfect Christmas Gathering: Festive Food, Wine, and Cheer
As the Christmas season rolls in, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends, sharing good food, great wine, and warm company. Whether it’s a sophisticated Christmas dinner party, an intimate gathering with close friends, or a cosy family celebration, one thing ties all these events together—delicious festive treats and a selection of wines to elevate the occasion.
This year, Marks & Spencer Singapore is making it easier than ever to bring the festive spirit to your table. I recently attended an exclusive wine and food pairing event organised by Marks & Spencer at their flagship store at 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, and it was a true celebration of Christmas cheer. The thoughtfully curated pairings of M&S’s award-winning wines with festive treats offered inspiration for hosting the ultimate Christmas feast.
If you’re looking to recreate this experience, Marks & Spencer has everything you need—from elegant wines and gourmet cheeses to decadent sweets—making your holiday hosting effortless and impressive.
Marks & Spencer’s Christmas Wine and Food Pairing Event
Marks & Spencer organised this special Christmas event to showcase their award-winning wines and the perfect festive food pairings that go with them. Led by sommelier and wine educator Mickey Huang, the tasting event introduced guests to a selection of wines from renowned regions, all paired with M&S’s Christmas delicacies.
It’s clear that Marks & Spencer designed this event to help people get into the holiday spirit by highlighting how simple it is to create an elegant and delicious spread at home. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, the curated pairings offer plenty of ideas for your Christmas gatherings.
Here’s a detailed look at the wines featured at the event, their tasting notes, and how you can serve them to impress your guests.
The Wines and Their Perfect Pairings
1. M&S Bellante Prosecco
- Origin: Italy
- Grape Variety: 85% Glera, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Bianco
- Tasting Notes: This sparkling wine is creamy and elegant with delicate flavours of white peach, jasmine, and subtle bubbles. It’s light and refreshing—perfect for toasting the start of your Christmas feast.
- Pairing Suggestions: Seedless green or black grapes work beautifully with this Prosecco, balancing its subtle sweetness. It also pairs well with light appetisers such as prawns, canapés, or creamy Brie cheese.
Prosecco is an excellent choice for any holiday gathering, offering a festive sparkle that feels celebratory without being overpowering.
2. M&S Collection Chablis (2021)
- Origin: Burgundy, France
- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Tasting Notes: This classic Chablis is crisp, dry, and elegant with aromas of green apple and blanched nuts. It has a citrus tang balanced by a soft, mineral finish, making it refreshing yet refined.
- Pairing Suggestions: At the event, it was paired with cheddar cheese crispies and all-butter mini shortbread trees, which brought out the crispness of the wine while complementing its citrus notes. For your table, this Chablis would also pair wonderfully with seafood dishes, roast chicken, or creamy goat’s cheese.
If you’re looking for a white wine that pleases most palates while adding sophistication to your meal, this Chablis is the perfect pick.
3. M&S Collection Saint Emilion Moueix (2019)
- Origin: Bordeaux, France
- Grape Variety: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
- Tasting Notes: This medium-bodied red blend offers refined aromas of cedar, plums, and leather with a soft, velvety texture. It has a subtle elegance that pairs beautifully with hearty Christmas dishes.
- Pairing Suggestions: At the event, it was paired with M&S Marks Choc Rich Dark Chocolate Bar, creating a luxurious harmony of rich, bitter chocolate and deep plum notes. This wine is also ideal with roast lamb, beef dishes, or a strong cheddar cheese.
For those who prefer red wine, this Bordeaux blend is versatile and perfect for a festive dinner.
4. M&S Late Bottled Vintage Port (2017)
- Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
- Grape Variety: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
- Tasting Notes: This fortified wine is rich, sweet, and opulent, with flavours of blackberries, spice, and dark chocolate. It’s bold and indulgent—everything you’d want for a festive finale.
- Pairing Suggestions: At the event, it was served with iced fruit cake, which perfectly balanced the wine’s rich sweetness. You can also pair it with Stilton cheese, spiced fruit desserts, or sip it by itself as an after-dinner treat.
A bottle of Port is a must-have for the holiday season, adding a special touch to your Christmas evening.
Hosting Your Own Christmas Feast with Marks & Spencer
If you plan to host friends or family this Christmas, Marks & Spencer Singapore has everything you need to create a stunning festive spread. Alongside the featured wines, M&S also offers an impressive selection of cheeses, snacks, and desserts that are perfect for pairing.
- Cheeseboard Favourites: This classic selection includes French Brie, Red Leicester, Mature Cheddar, and Blue Stilton. It’s ideal for sharing and pairs beautifully with all the featured wines.
- Mulled Wines: Add a festive touch to your table with M&S’s Red Mulled Wine (spiced and fruity) or White Mulled Wine (refreshing with pear and vanilla notes). Both are ready to serve and perfect for warming up your guests.
- Sweet Treats: From traditional iced fruit cakes to buttery shortbread, M&S’s festive treats are a must-have for any Christmas gathering.
About Marks & Spencer Singapore
Marks & Spencer is known for its commitment to exceptional quality, offering premium food, wine, and products that make every occasion feel special. With 12 stores across Singapore, including the flagship store at Wheelock Place, M&S provides a wide range of festive essentials, including:
- Award-winning wines
- Gourmet cheeses and charcuterie
- Classic Christmas desserts and snacks
- Premium food hampers and gift sets
Whether shopping for Christmas dinner, holiday gifts, or treats for a festive get-together, Marks & Spencer has everything you need to make the season bright.
Make Your Christmas Memorable with Marks & Spencer
This festive season, take inspiration from Marks & Spencer’s wine and food pairings to create an unforgettable Christmas feast. Whether you’re toasting with Prosecco, serving Chablis with seafood, or indulging in Port with dessert, M&S offers something for every occasion and palate.
Visit the flagship store at 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, or explore their offerings online to discover the best of Christmas at Marks & Spencer Singapore.
Cheers to a festive season filled with good food, great wine, and cherished moments with loved ones!
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