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How to Choose Good Wine to Gift for Christmas
The festive season is a time for giving, celebrating, and indulging in life’s finer pleasures—and few gifts capture that spirit more beautifully than a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine. But with hundreds of options lining the shelves, how do you select the best wines to gift for christmas without breaking the bank or compromising on flavour?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick crowd-pleasing reds, rosés, and sparkling wines under budget, and how to package them smartly for a polished, memorable gift. Whether you’re buying for a wine newbie, a seasoned sipper, or simply want to impress with a beautifully wrapped bottle, Avanti Wines has you covered.
Table of Contents
Why Wine Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
Wine is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a story, and a shared moment. A great wine gift shows you’ve put thought into your choice. It suits a wide range of recipients and occasions, from friends and family to clients and colleagues. Plus, with wines ranging from everyday affordable to ultra-luxurious, you can tailor your gift to any budget.
When considering wines to gift for christmas, it’s essential to think about the recipient’s preferences and the occasion to ensure the gift is appreciated and enjoyed.
What’s more, wine is a gift that encourages slowing down and connecting. Whether it’s popped open around the table, enjoyed quietly in front of the fire, or saved for a special moment, wine leaves a lasting impression.
How to Choose a Good Wine to Gift in Christmas
Start by thinking about the recipient. Do they prefer red or white? Something sweet or dry? Are they adventurous with wine, or do they stick to what they know?
If you’re unsure, go for a balanced wine style that’s food-friendly and approachable. Wines with soft tannins, fresh acidity, and moderate alcohol tend to be more crowd-pleasing. Look for European classics or New World gems with excellent value.
At Avanti Wines, we specialise in curating hidden gems from family-run wineries across Europe—perfect for those who appreciate quality without the hefty price tag.
Need something more bespoke? Our team can create a handpicked selection based on your recipient’s palate, favourite cuisines, or even the style of celebration you’re planning to attend.
Best Red Wine to Gift for Christmas
Red wine is a timeless holiday favourite—warming, rich, and perfect for winter fare. When choosing the best red wine to gift for Christmas, consider these favourites:
- Nero d’Avola (Sicily) – Velvety, dark-fruited, and incredible value. Great with roast meats.
- Ripasso della Valpolicella (Italy) – Silky, juicy, with a hint of dried fruit. Elegant and festive.
- Pinot Noir (France) – Light, fruity, and versatile with food.
- Barbera Superiore (Italy) – Rich but approachable, full of dark cherry and spice.
Each of these is available through Avanti Wines in stunning single or triple gift boxes—perfect for festive giving.
Want to upgrade your gift? Add a handwritten note or include a cheese pairing suggestion—we’re happy to help you curate the complete experience.
Best Rosé and Sparkling Wines to Gift for Christmas
Rosé Wines aren’t just for summer. A dry rosé is refreshing, stylish, and perfect for Christmas canapés. Provence rosés are ideal—pale, crisp, and beautifully packaged.
Sparkling Wines bring joy with every pop. They’re festive, food-friendly, and universally loved.
Top picks:
- Cava (Spain) – A budget-friendly alternative to Champagne, made using the same method.
- Crémant (France) – Elegant, creamy bubbles from lesser-known regions.
- Prosecco (Italy) – Light, fruity, and a hit with any crowd.
Rosé and sparkling wines are among the best wines to give as a Christmas gift because they add instant celebration to the season.
Hosting a holiday brunch or New Year’s toast? Sparkling wines shine as a festive centrepiece.
Thoughtful Add-Ons: Bottle Openers & Gift Packaging
At Avanti Wines, we believe presentation matters. That’s why we offer premium gifting options to elevate your bottle:
- Avanti Bottle Openers – Add one at checkout for a stylish and practical touch.
- Gift Wrapping – Choose from single or triple bottle gift boxes in our elegant festive wrap.
- Personalised Notes – Add an e-message to make your gift even more meaningful.
Want something even more luxurious? Ask about our bespoke gift sets, which can include curated wine pairings, tasting notes, or even artisan food pairings to complete the box.
Whether you’re gifting one bottle or three, we make it easy to create a polished, ready-to-give package that feels personal and premium.
Wines to Gift for Christmas: How to Stay on Budget Without Compromising
You don’t need to spend a fortune to give an impressive wine gift. Here’s how to choose smartly:
- Look for quality-to-price ratio: European wines often offer better value than big-brand bottles.
- Buy in curated cases: Avanti offers festive pre-selected cases at different price brackets.
- Opt for lesser-known grapes: Wines like Mencía, Nerello Mascalese, or Zweigelt often outperform their price.
- Pair with occasion: Choose lighter wines for lunch hosts, bold reds for dinner parties, and sparkling for New Year’s Eve.
Additionally, keep an eye out for our seasonal promotions, where you can save by purchasing a set of three or more wines with free gift packaging included.
When in doubt, contact us directly. We’ll help you find the best wine to gift for Christmas based on your recipient and budget.
Final Thoughts: Let Avanti Wines Do the Heavy Lifting
Whether you’re planning a corporate wine drop, curating a wine gift for loved ones, or looking for that standout bottle to bring to Christmas dinner, Avanti Wines has something special for every occasion.
From budget-friendly red and rosé wines to premium sparkling options, each bottle is hand-selected for quality and character. With our gift boxes, openers, and pairing suggestions, you’re not just giving wine—you’re gifting an experience.
Selecting a good wine to gift for Christmas can enhance the joy of the season, making your thoughtful gesture even more memorable. Consider the best red wine to gift for Christmas from Avanti Wines. For those seeking the best wine to give as a Christmas gift, our extensive collection ensures that every option is a reflection of quality and taste. Allow us to assist you in making a selection that will undoubtedly impress.
Still unsure what to buy? Reach out to our team with your recipient’s details or event type, and we’ll put together a curated suggestion list so you can shop with confidence.
Shop now to explore wines to gift for Christmas that are anything but ordinary.
FAQs
1. What is a great wine to gift for Christmas if I don’t know their taste?
Opt for a sparkling wine like Cava or Crémant—they’re festive, food-friendly, and generally liked by all.
2. What is the best red wine to gift for Christmas dinner hosts?
Try a Ripasso or Barbera Superiore —they’re rich, approachable, and pair well with most holiday dishes.
3. What is the best wine to give as a Christmas gift on a budget?
Explore Avanti’s curated cases—they feature boutique wines under £35 that taste far beyond their price point.
4. Are there wine gifts that include accessories?
Yes! Add an Avanti bottle opener at checkout or select our gift box with optional notes and wrap.
5. Can I buy multiple wines to gift for Christmas in one box?
Absolutely. Choose our triple-bottle gift wrap to combine three wines in a single festive package.
