Holiday gift guide for wine drinkers
We all know or have met someone who we would consider a wine enthusiast. They’re easy to spot as some topic related to wine always shows up in a conversation. I’m guilty. I’ve had a passion for all things wine since I was in college. I’ve traveled to many places around the world to gain some nugget of information that would help me get closer to becoming an educated enthusiast.
This holiday season, my hope is that if you do know someone who has a passion for learning more about wine that buying a gift for them won’t be at all difficult.
Whether they’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual sipper, thoughtful wine-related gifts will elevate an experience. This guide is meant to offer curated ideas for every wine drinker, from practical tools to luxurious indulgences.
Here are my TOP Christmas gifts for the wine drinker in your life.
Coravin
I’m going to start with a preservation system. I love wine so much that I can open a bottle for no reason at all. Just for enjoyment.
The one thing I dread is wasting a good bottle of wine because I couldn’t drink the entire thing. I completely understand why a lot of people do not buy pricier bottles but with the Coravin System one doesn’t need to worry. This allows you to pour a glass of wine and preserving the rest. It has become an absolute essential in my home and one I recommend all the time.
A great stocking stuffer for someone who owns a Coravin are the argon capsules. Coravin also has a system for sparkling wines.
Visit Coravin’s website for more information.
Josephinen Hutte - Josephine No. 2
These glasses are for a really special someone and are a splurge item. The Josephine No. 2 are handmade universal drinking glasses featuring a gracefully tapered silhouette that enhances both the look and feel of any wine. An ideal gift for someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and timeless style.
Shop the Amazon link or visit their online store for more information.
Gabriel-Glas Wine Glasses
A set of high-quality universal tasting wine glasses are a great choice for everyday drinking. Not as much of a splurge item as the Josephine but a wonderful glass for tasting.
Shop the Amazon link or visit their online store for more information.
Premium Polishing Cloths
A fantastic stocking stuffer or accompaniment to a set of wine glasses is a polishing cloth. I recommend using the same cloths for just stemware. Constructed of microfiber these are excellent in keeping polished glass fingerprint and lint free.
Riedel has a good one.
REBEL SCHOOL OF WINE by Tyler Balliet
In my opinion it’s perfect for those beginning their journey in wine. This book is visually stunning and fun to read. The reader gets to explore major wine regions, grape varieties, production methods, and food and wine pairings.
WINE CONFIDENT by Kelli A White
This is an engaging, entirely without pretension, fascinating read. The author puts a lot of information in her book in such a way that the reader becomes better at using their senses, using descriptors, and pairing with food like a pro.
BEHIND THE GLASS by Gus Zhu
I wanted to recommend a book for someone who isn’t a novice. Behind The Glass speaks to someone who wants to learn more about wine flavor chemistry discovering the science involved in wine tasting and learn why wine tastes the way it does.
Professional Corkscrew
A high-quality waiter’s corkscrew is a must-have essential wine tool. This one on Amazon is an entry-level corkscrew as an everyday tool.
For someone who enjoys older wines I would suggest The Durand. The Durand is ideal for older, fragile or compromised corks eliminating having broken corks, corks pushed into the bottles, or corks partially removed leaving pieces floating in the wine.
A Champagne Sabre
A saber is used to open champagne bottles in a dramatic and celebratory fashion. It’s a fun and theatrical way to mark a special occasion.
As with corkscrews there are sabers in varying price points. This one is a splurge item handcrafted in Italy featuring a wire-wrapped handle with a nickel-finish and a premium stainless steel blade.
Pair this with a great bottle of champagne. One of my favorite producers is Pierre Moncuit Brut. Check out their website. It’s a fun interactive site.
Sparkling Wine Stopper
This is a champagne stopper but it’s used for any sparkling wine. I mention this accessory because it makes a great stocking stuffer and works great. This has a leak-proof design, made of stainless steel and it’s purpose it to slow down the oxidation of a wine. Comes in several colors. Made in Italy.
I use this when I know I’m going to drink the wine within a couple of days and don’t want to lose a lot of the fizz.
Pair this with a wonderful bottle of Cava. One of my favorites is Juve & Camps Cava La Capella Brut Nature. So good.
Electric Wine Opener
For ease of use, an electric wine opener is a game-changer, especially for people with arthritis in their hands.
This Amazon pick is battery operated and has a foil cutter.
Wine Bottle Travel Protector Bags
These are great for protecting an expensive bottle of wine but they also protect expensive stemware. I recommend these when traveling with wine and need to secure them in checked luggage.
Stocking Stuffer
A lined notebook/journal. I think this is brilliant. Some of my most creative ideas happened while drinking an alcoholic beverage. :). Also comes in a wine version.
Pair one of these notebooks/journals with one of the books mentioned above.
Stocking Stuffer
Spilled wine, not me. A kitchen towel is a wonderful add in to any stocking. I love these for when I’m doing a tasting because it adds a bit to the experience.
Waffle weave towels come in different designs too.
For a more extravagant gift pair several of these items to create a custom wine gift set or add something different like a magazine subscription to something on this list. I love Decanter and would highly recommend.
These ideas will delight wine lovers of all levels, adding thoughtful touches to their holiday season. Visit my wish list items for more gift ideas for wine drinkers.
Cheers to you! May the holiday season be joyous and peaceful and spent with all of your favorite people.
