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Paisley Bear Wine Club’s 2024 Christmas Lunch Edition – For Those Who Prefer Fine Wine with Their Christmas Lunch (and a Little Family Drama)

This Christmas, the only thing better than the presents is the presence of wine. Whether you’re hosting the annual family feast or simply trying to survive the chaos of your cousin’s lively opinions, the 2024 Christmas Lunch Edition from Paisley Bear Wine Club has you covered. With six exceptional wines from renowned South African wineries, this collection is perfect for anyone who loves a little sparkle, a splash of sophistication, and a generous helping of family fun. So, if you’re ready for a Christmas lunch that goes beyond the turkey and into the territory of unforgettable moments, pour a glass and let the holiday magic (and wine) begin!

The Christmas Lunch Edition Includes:

1. Rickety Bridge Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage
   Region: Stellenbosch
   Winemaker: Donovan Ackermann
   Tasting Notes: Let the bubbles flow! This sparkling wine dances in the glass like your aunt trying to find the perfect angle for her annual “Christmas dinner selfie.” Expect aromas of green apple, citrus, and a delicate touch of brioche. The palate is crisp and lively, with zesty lemon and apple flavors that finish with a refreshing minerality. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it pairs well with almost everything.
   Awards: 91 points from Tim Atkin – because even critics agree this bubbly is a showstopper.
   Food Pairing: Perfect with smoked salmon, prawns, or a plate of South African biltong (because someone always brings it out before the big meal).
   Christmas Family Moment: Pop this open when your uncle starts complaining about the Christmas decorations—he’s not thrilled by anything in life but he has a particular disliking of over-the-top tinsel. This sparkling wine will help you pretend his “helpful” suggestions for “next time” are charming.
2. Hidden Valley Brut
   Region: Stellenbosch
   Winemaker: Annalie van Dyk
   Tasting Notes: For the person who enjoys their bubbles with a touch of class (and a little less sweetness). This dry brut has delicate aromas of citrus, green apple, and almonds, with a fresh, clean palate that’s crisp and beautifully balanced. It’s the wine equivalent of a smooth-talking guest who’s polite, refined, and just a little bit too perfect. Like your square-jawed 20-year-old nephew who just completed his actuarial science degree and is awaiting for the family to ask to about his recent Varsity Cup run or his McKinsey internship.
   Awards: 90 points from Wine Enthusiast—so you know this one’s got great taste.
   Food Pairing: It’s your go-to for roast chicken, a creamy salad, or a classic South African bobotie.
   Christmas Family Moment: Enjoy this bubbly as your dad tries to carve the Roast Beef but instead ends up getting in an argument with the carving knife. Sipping this wine will make you wonder how anyone survives Christmas dinner… and laugh when you realize it’s mostly the wine.
3. Spier Creative Block 2 (Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon)
   Region: Stellenbosch
   Winemaker: Frans Smit
   Tasting Notes: A white that’s as creative as your sister’s surprise holiday decoration style. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon is a burst of tropical fruit, green herbs, and citrusy brightness, with a touch of waxy texture from the Sémillon. It’s fresh, vibrant, and as lively as the conversations around the Christmas table (just with less shouting).
   Awards: Consistently rated above 90 points—because it knows how to bring the party.
   Food Pairing: Pair with roasted vegetables, grilled prawns, or a rich South African melktert for dessert.
   Christmas Family Moment: Pour this when the inevitable question arises from your mother-in-law about whether 2025 is the year she can finally expect grandchildren, where you can casually segway into your planned trip to Bourdeaux where they may famous for their reds but their Bourdeaux Blanc is a beautiful blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, much like this beautiful wine from Spier.
4. Mullineux Kloof Street Swartland Chenin Blanc 2022
   Region: Swartland
   Winemaker: Chris and Andrea Mullineux
   Tasting Notes: This Chenin Blanc is a wine with plenty of personality, like your cousin who disappears after the second glass of wine and returns in gold tights and a Christmas jersey who will be guaranteed to be regaling you with a story about waking up in a boat out at sea after a dinner on Bree Street went pear shaped. Aromas of ripe apple, honey, and a hint of waxy texture give way to a vibrant palate with citrus, quince, and a touch of nuttiness. It’s a fresh, mouthwatering wine that’s as easy to enjoy as your famous Christmas pudding. Even if your uncle still insists it’s too dry.
   Awards: 90 points from Wine Advocate—it’s a crowd favorite!
   Food Pairing: Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, baked hake, or a hearty South African curry.
   Christmas Family Moment: Pour this wine when the inevitable Christmas dessert debate starts—everyone wants to know who’s actually bringing the trifle this year. Sip, smile, and know you’re covered with a wine that pairs with everything—including your aunt’s store-bought apply crumble.
5. Brampton Roxton Black Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
   Region: Western Cape
   Winemaker: Rikus Neethling
   Tasting Notes: A red that’s bold, rich, and not afraid to speak its mind. Expect aromas of dark berries, black currant, and a whisper of spice. The palate is smooth and velvety, with flavors of dark chocolate and blackberries, and a finish that’s long, elegant, and just a little indulgent. This wine means business, and it’s ready to stand up to all of your Christmas lunch’s big flavors.
   Awards: 92 points from Wine Enthusiast—it’s a red with serious credentials.
   Food Pairing: This red is perfect with roast lamb, beef Wellington, or a South African steak braai (barbecue).
   Christmas Family Moment: Pour this when the inevitable Christmas drama unfolds. You know the one: Someone (probably your brother) says something questionable about the food, and the whole table goes silent. This wine’s boldness will give you the courage to hold your tongue—or at least pretend that the comments are constructive.
6. Boschendal Nicolas Red (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)
   Region: Western Cape
   Winemaker: Jacques Viljoen
   Tasting Notes: Full-bodied, complex, and as layered as your grandma’s Christmas sweater collection. With aromas of dark fruits, pepper, and hints of spice, this red delivers a rich, velvety palate with flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and savory oak. It’s the wine that’ll tie the whole meal together, especially when it comes to pairing with seriously rich Christmas food.
   Awards: 93 points from Wine Spectator—because it’s that good.
   Food Pairing: Best with roast beef, grilled steak, or a rich South African malva pudding.
   Christmas Family Moment: This wine is best enjoyed when the Christmas dinner finally starts and the moment of truth has arrived: who really made the best main course? This wine will soothe any rivalries and ensure that everyone has a “just one more glass” kind of Christmas.

The Paisley Bear 2024 Christmas Lunch Edition is your go-to collection for making your Christmas lunch a merry, wine-filled event. Whether you’re navigating the Roast Beef carving fiasco, debating who’s responsible for the Brussels sprouts, or pretending to appreciate Aunt Margaret’s “special” holiday sweater, these wines have you covered. With a little bit of sparkle, a lot of red, and some seriously delicious whites, this is the Christmas wine collection your family will thank you for—eventually.

So, raise a glass (or two) to family, festive cheer, and the most unforgettable Christmas lunch. Cheers!