Wine gifts: the best bottles to give this Christmas

A bottle of wine is one of the easiest presents to give, and one of the easiest to get slightly wrong. Grab any old red on the way to a party and it looks like an afterthought. Choose something with a bit of thought behind it, ideally in a box that does half the wrapping for you, and it becomes a proper gift. These are the wine gifts we’d happily put under the tree this Christmas, from smart single bottles to sets that keep giving well into the new year.

What makes good wine gifts?

The best wine gifts have three things going for them: the wine is genuinely good, it suits the person, and it looks the part when they open it. You don’t need to spend a fortune to tick all three.

A few quick rules help:

• Think about what they already drink. A Sauvignon Blanc fan will love a top Sancerre more than a big Australian red.
• Pick a recognisable name or region. Chablis, Rioja, Champagne and port all feel special without needing an explanation.
• Go for presentation. A gift box, wooden case or tube makes a bottle feel like a present, not a top-up for the wine rack.
• Choose wines that will keep. If they won’t open it on Christmas Day, a bottle that’s happy to sit for a while is a safer bet.

Gift-boxed bottles that look the part

A single bottle in a smart box is the classic wine gift, and it’s hard to beat. It’s personal, easy to post and doesn’t need a roll of wrapping paper.

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre is our pick for anyone who loves crisp whites. Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc at its most elegant, all citrus, flint and freshness, and this one comes ready boxed. For red lovers, Château Laffitte Laujac is a Médoc claret in a gift box, the sort of bottle that feels right next to a roast. And if they’re a Chablis fan, the Moillard Chablis and Petit Chablis box gives them two bottles to compare in a wooden case.

Wine gift sets and wine gift boxes

A wine gift set lets you cover more ground, which is handy if you’re not quite sure of their taste. Two or three bottles in one box also feels generous without being over the top.

The Laithwaites French Wine Gift Set is a lovely all-rounder, with a red, a white and a rosé in one gift box. For a red-only household, the Laithwaites Gold Medal Red Trio brings together three Bordeaux bottles. Riesling fans will be thrilled with the Kloster Eberbach Riesling Gift Set, three bottles from one of Germany’s most famous old estates in the Rheingau.

If you’d like to pair wine with a treat, the White Wine and Belgian Chocolate Hamper does exactly that, and it’s an easy win for a host or a colleague.

Champagne: the gift that always works

Nobody has ever been disappointed to unwrap Champagne. It says “celebrate”, and it’s just as welcome on Christmas morning as on New Year’s Eve.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in its gift box is instantly recognisable, with rich, toasty fruit and a lovely balance. Taittinger Brut Réserve is a touch lighter and more elegant, thanks to a higher share of Chardonnay. For more ideas and some great-value fizz for parties, see our guide to the best Champagne for parties.

Port for the person who loves a nightcap

Port is a brilliant Christmas gift because it fits the season so well: mince pies, Stilton and a slow evening by the fire. It also keeps well once open, especially tawny.

Graham’s The Tawny comes in a gift tube and is smooth, nutty and easy to love. For a bigger occasion, Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny is a real treat, with dried fruit, caramel and spice. And if they’re curious about port but not sure where to start, the Graham’s Mini Port Selection lets them try five styles in small bottles. Our plain-English port guide explains the difference between ruby, tawny and LBV.

Mixed cases: wines for gifting that last

If you want a gift that lasts beyond Boxing Day, a mixed case is hard to beat. It’s also a clever choice for couples or for someone setting up their first home.

The Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Gift Selection brings together six bottles from different countries, so there’s something for every meal. It’s a generous gift that gets opened bit by bit over the winter, and each bottle is a little reminder of who sent it. You’ll find plenty more in our mixed wine cases.

A wine advent calendar for an early present

Advent calendars aren’t just for chocolate. The Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar holds 24 miniature bottles plus a full-size bottle, and it’s a fun way to explore new grapes and regions through December. It needs to be given before the first of the month, so this is one to order early. Small pours are the point: one mini is a taste, not a full glass.

How to wrap, store and give wine gifts

A few small touches make wine gifts feel more thoughtful:

1. Add a note. A line about why you chose it, or what to eat with it, goes a long way.
2. Keep it cool and dark. Store bottles away from radiators and sunny windowsills until you hand them over. Our guide to storing wine at home has more tips.
3. Chill fizz in advance if you’re taking it to a party, so it’s ready to open.
4. Check the recipient drinks. It sounds obvious, but a lovely alcohol-free option is a kind thought for anyone taking a break.

For the big day itself, have a look at our Christmas wine guide for what to pour from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

FAQs

What is a good wine to give as a gift?

A gift-boxed bottle from a well-known region, such as Sancerre, Bordeaux, Champagne or tawny port, is always a safe and welcome choice.

Is a wine gift set better than a single bottle?

A gift set is great when you’re unsure of someone’s taste, as it covers more than one style. A single bottle feels more personal when you know exactly what they like.

Can you give wine as a gift to a colleague?

Yes, as long as you know they drink. A wine and chocolate hamper or a smart single bottle works well, and an alcohol-free option is a thoughtful alternative.

When should I buy a wine advent calendar?

As early as you can, ideally in early November. They need to arrive before 1 December and popular calendars often sell out.