Olly's Perfect Party Pairings for Effortless Entertaining
Published on 4th Nov, 2025
Planning a celebration should be fun, not frantic! If you’re searching for the ultimate shortcuts to effortless entertaining without compromising on quality, look no further. This Christmas, we’ve teamed up with wine expert Olly to bring you the definitive guide to party wine pairings that guarantee smiles and rave reviews.
This article cuts through the noise to deliver 7 Best-in-Class Supermarket Wines—from sophisticated Champagne alternatives (hello, DOCG Prosecco!) to powerful Spanish reds—each matched with a perfect party bite. You'll find everything you need to know about the best budget sparkling wine and which crisp white wine is the secret to successful seafood matching. Get ready to upgrade your next gathering with these easy, guaranteed hits!
Morrisons The Best Cava Brut
Stop searching for the best budget sparkling wine—you just found it. This vintage Cava, made by Segura Viudas, uses the same traditional method as Champagne, with 15 months of ageing for a delicious depth. Expect bright green apple and lemon notes and a clean, sharp finish. It's the sophisticated Champagne alternative your party deserves.
Pair with: Pan Fried Hake with Olive Pizzaiola Sauce & Buttered Spinach. The fizz cuts straight through the richness of fried foods for a brilliant cleanse and pairs brilliantly with a delicate white fish, making this recipe perfect.
“This Cava is fab fizz to pop at a party with its deft dazzling charm. It's as bright as an apple doing an impression of a lightbulb and, thanks to its blend of local Spanish grapes, has a unique sense of freshness and complexity. Spot on to pair with light bites.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best Verdicchio
Need a flawless white wine for some sensational seafood bites? Verdicchio is THE Italian expert. Made in collaboration with top producer Casatelli di Jesi, this wine is built for the ocean. Its characteristic citrus freshness and bright acidity are superb at cutting through richness, making it a perfect partner for seafood. Serve ice-cold to amplify its crisp, refreshing nature.
Pair with: Smoked Salmon and Avocado Shots. The wine's tang balances the salty seafood beautifully.
“If you're a fan of crisp white wine, this Italian white should be top of your list. Pure as a lemon plucked from a glacier, it's got loads of breezy freshness that makes it brilliant to pair with light bites at a party. A real crowd-pleaser of top-notch quality.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best Prosecco Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G.
Not all Proseccos are created equal. The DOCG badge means these grapes come from the elite Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hills, guaranteeing intensity and finesse. This is premium Prosecco that elevates any party. It hits all the high notes with lovely apple blossom aromas and fine, vibrant bubbles carrying green apple and pear flavours—a superb step up from standard bubbly.
Pair with: Oriental Vegetable Spring Wraps. The wine's vibrant fizz and slight sweetness perfectly handle the complexity of Oriental spices and sauces.
“Easy, fruity and fun, this is the ultimate all-round bubbly to pour at a party. As joyful as liquid sherbet, it's perfect to have on standby in the fridge throughout the festive season. Pop the bottle for instant access to the freshness conjured by vineyards devoted to the world of fizz.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best South African Chenin Blanc
If your party crowd enjoys Chardonnay or a richer Sauvignon Blanc, introduce them to this crisp and well-balanced Chenin. It offers immediately pleasing, intense apple flavours and a smooth, subtly honeyed finish that adds sophistication. The careful addition of oaked wine gives it the body and concentration of a premium white, without the heavy buttery notes.
Pair with: The Best Prawn & Coconut Curry Doughnuts with Dip. The rich texture of the doughnut and the warmth of the coconut curry are beautifully sliced through and lifted by the wine's honeyed fruit.
“South African Chenin Blanc that's balanced between gorgeous purity and some decent texture too. This one is as pristine as a pineapple carved from a diamond. With liveliness and zing, it's ideal for serving chilled from the fridge at parties and has just the right welly to match with party bites.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best Provence Rose
Think rosé is only for sipping? Think again. This Provence Rosé is full, round, and built to take on powerful flavours. The wine's intense, fresh tropical fruit on the nose and crisp palate are exactly what you need to cut through the garlic and herbs of Chimichurri Butter. It's the perfect, sophisticated counterpoint to rich, spicy party food.
Pair with: The Best Red Argentinian Prawns with Chimichurri Butter. The prawn's sweetness and the herbs' sharp zing are perfectly complemented by the rosé's vibrant fruit.
“Rosé from Provence always gives off holiday vibes and somehow evokes a sense of inner sunshine. This is why rosé is great to serve year-round, and with the classic southern French flair of this bottle, it's great to pour straight from the fridge with party food this festive season.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best Dao
Looking for a red with enough energy to cut through rich, spicy snacks? The Jaen grape in this Dão is the secret weapon! This is a refreshing Portuguese red with high acidity and bright dark berry fruit that handles fat and spice brilliantly. Its elegance prevents it from overpowering the richness of cured meat, making it a perfect party champion.
Pair with: The Best Nduja Croquettes with Tomato Chilli Chutney. The wine’s clean finish keeps the flavour explosion balanced.
“Ace for pairing with party nibbles, this red is deep and fruity yet manages to feel rich without being heavy. With a savoury twist, it feels delightfully complex as well as being a bit of a crowd-pleaser. Balanced with mellow vibrancy, it's ready to pour at your next festive gathering.” - Olly
Morrisons The Best Ribera Del Duero
If you're building a grand charcuterie platter, you need a wine that can handle a range of strong flavours—from salty ham to spicy chorizo. This Ribera del Duero is perfectly designed for the job. Its balanced and fresh flavour and smooth black fruit aromas will refresh your palate, while its structure stands up to rich cured meats. This balance means it's equally at home with rustic comfort food or elegant roasts.
Pair with: The Best Starcuterie Charcuterie Star platter. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the charcuterie, making every salty, cured bite taste better.
“If you like Rioja, you'll love this mighty Spanish red. Savoury and spicy, this powerful red is top-notch and sheer magic when paired with charcuterie.” - Olly
You are now officially equipped to host a festive fiesta with confidence! By choosing these expert-recommended wines, you’re ensuring that every sip—from the crisp white wine of the Verdicchio to the dark berry fruit of the Dão—is matched flawlessly to your menu. Say goodbye to party planning stress and hello to a seamless celebration where the wine and food harmonise perfectly.
Whether you prefer the convenience of our Morrisons The Best Party Food range or the satisfaction of making your own spectacular canapés, we have everything you need. Browse our full party food range or explore our party recipe collection for more ideas, and get ready to celebrate in style this Christmas!
