There’s a particular kind of joy stocking the festive drinks cabinet. Christmas, after all, is the season of conviviality, and what better way to celebrate it than with a toast to the extraordinary vineyards, distilleries, and breweries that make the Cotswolds so deliciously distinctive? It’s only right to begin with bubbles. And not just any bubbles, Dryhill Vineyard’s award-winning sparkling wine, a triumph of English terroir and Cotswold sunshine that can rival Champagne when it comes to poise, flavour and finesse. Crisp, clean and wonderfully effervescent, Dryhill’s bubbly makes the perfect Christmas morning toast or, frankly, the perfect excuse to celebrate anything at all.
Over in Stroud, Woodchester Valley Vineyard continues to shine, producing an array of still and sparkling wines that have rightfully garnered national acclaim. Theiris fresh and orchard-fruited, a joyful accompaniment to smoked salmon blinis or a wedge of Double Gloucester. Further east, Poulton Hill Estate near Cirencester offers beautifully balanced English wines with a touch of Roman history as the vineyard lies on the route of the ancient Fosse Way. Their Bulari Sparkling Rosé, with its delicate blush and red berry notes, is pure festive indulgence.
Gin-gle All the Way
No Christmas would be complete without a little gin to jingle the spirits, and the Cotswolds’ distillers never fail to deliver. The Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton, now practically a national treasure, produces one of the most recognisable gins in Britain. Its signature cloudy pour -the result of generous essential oils from fresh citrus and juniper - has become a hallmark of quality and authenticity. Mix it with plenty of ice, a good tonic, and a slice of orange, and you’ve got Christmas in a glass.
For something with a bit of local quirk, Sibling Gin in Cheltenham is a family-run delight. Created by four siblings, all under 30, their gin is clean, modern and refreshingly unpretentious, ideal for those who prefer their cocktails with a dash of youthful energy. If you fancy something a touch darker, Piston Coffee Infused Gin makes a delicious digestif poured over ice, while Cotswolds Distillery’s Old Tom gin, with its hint of honey and spice, feels tailor-made for cosy nights by the fire.
Cider, Ale and Whisky
While gin may sparkle and fizz brings glamour, there’s an enduring comfort in a good local cider or ale, the kind you sip slowly as the rain patters on the window and the dog snores contentedly by the fire.
Dunkertons Organic Cider, made near Cheltenham, is a masterclass in craftsmanship. Pressed from heritage apple varieties and matured for up to a year, it’s rich, mellow, and utterly authentic. Their Black Fox and Craft Cider are both perfect for pairing with a hearty cheeseboard, while their Premium Reserve is a sophisticated alternative to sparkling wine for those who prefer something less boisterous.
And let’s not forget our brewers. Hook Norton Brewery, Stroud Brewery & Taproom and Donnington Brewery have been flying the flag for real ale for decades, producing everything from malty winter warmers to crisp, hoppy pale ales. Stroud’s Organic Pale Ale - light, floral and sustainably brewed - feels especially fitting for a Christmas that’s both merry and mindful.
For something stronger, The Cotswolds Distillery (yes, they do whisky too) has become renowned for its English single malt, rich with honey, toffee and toasted oak. A small dram of that, sipped slowly by the fire, feels like the very essence of winter.
There’s a comforting poetry to the idea that what we drink at Christmas comes from the very fields and orchards we stroll through the rest of the year. Buying local isn’t just a nod to sustainability, it’s an act of community. Each bottle supports the families and craftspeople who pour their time, talent, and heart into every batch.
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