Whether you are buying it as a gift, as a tipple to have with your Christmas dinner or as a little something for yourself, a bottle of wine is a firm festive favourite.

The Money team has spoken to a sommelier and a top restaurateur to get their recommendations on the best bottles for every budget.

Henny Zinzuwadia is the head sommelier at award-winning London-based Indian restaurant Pahli Hill and was named the GQ sommelier of the year in 2022.

Marko Bajagic is the restaurant manager of the Argentinian grill Zoilo in Marylebone, central London. He’s previously won many food and wine awards for his work at the Nautika restaurant in Croatia.

Their top picks for under £8

Affordable yet surprisingly complex, LB7 Lisboa Red 18/19 is a standout under £8 option for the holidays, Henny says. We found a bottle for £6.99 at Majestic Wine.

Marko recommends Jam Shed Argentinian Malbec, available for £6.75 at Ocado.

“This malbec has rich, opulent plum and blackberry flavours, rounded off with a hint of cocoa and vanilla. It’s a seriously delicious red wine that’s jam-packed with flavour,” he says.

“Entry level that doesn’t break the bank, decent Argentine malbec for your everyday meal, good with any Sunday roast and perfect for your festive roast if you don’t want to break the bank this Christmas.”

Between £8 and £12

Henny picks Montidori Sangiovese, available at Waitrose for £10.99.

It’s a good choice for anyone seeking a bold, fruit-forward red wine.

“Made from Sangiovese grapes grown in Emilia-Romagna, it features classic flavours of ripe cherries and plums with a hint of soft spice,” she says.

“This wine’s depth and versatility make it a perfect match for hearty holiday meals, like roasted beef, tomato based dishes, or even a Christmas Day leftover sandwich.”

Marko recommends a bottle of Los Haroldos Chacabuco Torrontes 2023, which you can get at Momentum Wines for £9.95.

“A nose of peach, apricot and honeysuckle moves to a dry palate with passion fruit, honeyed lemon and orchard fruits. Well-balanced and rounded,” he says.

“Many like to enjoy salmon over the festive period, and this complements salmon dishes perfectly.”

Between £12 and £20

For those looking for something a little more indulgent, Henny suggests the Chateau Naunton Sauternes 2019.

We found it online at MJ Wine Cellars for £16.49.

“This Bordeaux dessert wine is rich with complex flavours of dried apricots, orange zest and a delicate touch of vanilla, all balanced by refreshing acidity,” she says.

“The wine’s honeyed sweetness without it being cloying makes it a perfect match for classic Christmas desserts like pudding or mince pies, but it also pairs wonderfully with blue cheese or foie gras.”

Marko picks out a bottle of El Enemigo Semillon, which comes with an £18 price tag at Tesco.

“It is a creamy white wine with aromas of tropical fruit, spicy notes and toasted touches. On the palate it is rich, creamy and delicate. A medium-bodied wine with noticeable acidity, an elegant mid-palate and a long, mineral finish,” he says.

Between £20 and £50

Henny chooses Aline Beaune Montagny 2022 for this budget, with a bottle costing £27 at the Wine Society.

With flavours of pear, white peach and citrus, she says it’s a burgundy that’s light enough to be sipped before dinner, but “complex enough to hold its own” through a meal.

“The perfect choice for those who appreciate a versatile, food-friendly wine with a touch of Burgundys charm,” she says.

Marko recommends Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir 2022.

You can pick up a bottle from Lea and Sandeman for £27.95.

“Pinot noir is maybe the most common red wine to pair with a roast turkey, and this one is a really special wine to enjoy at Christmas, particularly with the orange peel hints which is synonymous with festive dishes and complements the Christmas Dinner to perfection,” he says.

More than £50

For those of you who are ready to splash the cash, Henny suggests Domaine Poulleau Volnay Les Grands Champs 2020 for something truly special.

Costing £59.99 at MJ Wine Cellars, she says it’s a great example of top-tier pinot noir.

“This wine from Volnay offers rich, refined flavours of red berries, delicate floral notes, and a subtle touch of spice, all balanced by silky smooth tannins,” she says.

“It’s the kind of wine that demands to be savoured, making it an ideal choice for when you want to deliver luxury without pretension. Great wine to also gift as it’s very much in its youth too.”