Last Minute Wine Gifting Ideas For Christmas

Wine gifting is a great idea to impress your loved ones during the holiday season. Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and thoughtful gestures, and few gifts capture the spirit of the season better than a beautifully chosen bottle of wine. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned wine connoisseur or someone new to the world of fine vintages, wine offers a phenomenal variety to choose from. Its universal appeal, flexibility with price points, and association with celebration also make wine an easy choice for last-minute shoppers.

You can always walk into a Christmas party with a gift-wrapped bottle of wine, knowing it will be shared and enjoyed by all. Wine also reflects a sense of thoughtfulness—choosing a bottle that matches the recipient’s taste or complements their holiday menu shows you’ve put in some effort in selecting the gift.

If you’re scrambling to find the right gifting wine, we have your back. Apart from sharing our list of award-winning wines that make for a perfect Christmas gift, we will share some tips and tricks to make this chore hassle-free.

Five Tips for Gifting Wine On Christmas

1. Buy a wine according to the recipient’s taste, not yours.
2. Look for special editions or festive labels to fit the occasion.
3. Go for well-known labels or wines from popular regions.
4. Select wines that complement traditional Christmas dishes.
5. Chill your bottle beforehand if you want the recipient to open the bottle immediately.

Also Read: Best Christmas Food And Wine Pairing

Gifting wine on Christmas: Your cheat list

Fournier Père & Fils ‘Les Deux Cailloux’ Pouilly-Fumé AOP 2020

This Sauvignon Blanc is a great gift for those who have an eye for detail. It offers intricately woven aromas of flint, green apple, and citrus blossom. On the palate, the wine is crisp and vibrant, revealing layers of zesty lime, ripe grapefruit, and a subtle smokiness that adds depth. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a trace of minerality that lingers. The bright and mineral-driven profile of this Pouilly-Fumé pairs beautifully with herby dishes like a fresh salad or herb-crusted salmon, adding a refreshing twist to the holiday indulgence.

Importer: Chenab Alcobev

Price: ₹5,195

Château les Valentines Rosé AOP Côtes de Provence 2021

Gift this delightful French rosé to someone with a tricky wine palate that’s hard to appease. Made with a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grape varieties, this 2021 vintage has vivacious aromas of fennel, anise, and wild herbs, interwoven with notes of ripe red berries. On the palate, the wine is beautifully balanced, offering a crisp freshness with a subtle mineral undertone, leading to a long, refined finish. This versatile rosé pairs seamlessly with a variety of holiday staples, from sweet and tangy cranberry sauce to grilled winter greens. The recipient of this gift will remember this wine’s taste long after the holiday season is over.

Importer: Empire Spirits

Price: ₹5,499/-

Raeburn Handcrafted Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2021

This 2021 vintage is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It entices the senses with aromas of freshly baked berry pie, floral lavender, and a hint of warm vanilla. On the palate, it reveals a symphony of lush wild blueberries, ripe raspberries, and tart cherries, delicately layered with roasted hazelnut undertones. The finish is graceful, lingering with a touch of sophistication, making every sip as elegant as it is memorable. The wine’s juicy red fruit flavours pair well with Christmas staples like duck roast or ham.

Importer: Monika Alcobev

Price: ₹6000/-

Also Read: Best Appetisers To Serve With Sparkling Wine At Christmas Party

Château Moulin Saint Georges, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion AOC

If you know someone bold, sophisticated and vivacious, this wine has to be the holiday gift for them. Made primarily with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc, this Grand Cru Classe unveils an enticing bouquet of cooked dark fruits with hints of warm spices and woodsmoke. On the palate, it offers a rich texture filled with candied cherries and black plums. Its concentrated tannins provide a refined structure, leading to a long, graceful finish touched by whispers of oak. A hearty Beef Wellington or mushroom risotto will go well with the intense flavour profile of the wine.

Importer: Gusto Imports

Price: ₹13,599/-

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Now this is a gift for wine connoisseurs who love collecting exquisite wines. The classic 407 captivates with aromas of black forest cake, dark cherries, and rich chocolate, with a subtle backdrop of pomegranate and spicy cedar. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of flavours, from chocolate-coated almonds to ripe red plums, all carried by sleek, silky tannins. The finish is long and smooth, with a perfect balance of acidity and oak. The wine’s complex flavours are a great match for earthy dishes like lentil soup or a flavoursome lamb curry.

Importer: Brindco

Price: ₹10,500/-

Looking for award-winning recommendations? Click here and check out the winners’ list of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024.