Getting your colleague a little something for their wine cellar, to enjoy over the holiday season, is a great chance to express gratitude for their help and support over the year. It can help build rapport and leave a positive impression, all while maintaining a sense of professionalism.
Choosing the right wine gift, however, is all about striking a balance between thoughtful and appropriate, ensuring your gesture resonates well in a corporate setting. For the next in our Gift Series, we’re going to help you navigate the tricky world of choosing the perfect wine for your colleagues this Christmas.
Understand Corporate Gifting Etiquette
Before selecting a wine, have a firm idea about the culture and gifting etiquette within your workplace. Some companies often have unwritten rules or even more formal policies regarding holiday gifts, particularly alcohol.
Check company policies
Some workplaces prohibit alcohol as gifts due to personal, cultural, or ethical reasons. If this applies, maybe think about a gourmet food gift instead.
Keep it professional
Your gift should reflect respect and professionalism. Avoid overly extravagant or overly casual options that might send the wrong message.
Consider Your Colleague’s Preferences
Understanding the recipient personal tastes will help no end in selecting a wine they’ll appreciate. Ok, you’re unlikely to know their exact preferences, but making subtle observations and conversations can help.
Wine enthusiasts
If the receipent is really into their wine, try to discover their favourite varietals or regions. This will give you a great space to start from.
Casual drinkers
For someone less familiar with wine, stick to popular, versatile choices such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Sauvignon Blanc.
If unsure – Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco are universally appreciated, especially with the celebratory spirit of Christmas.
Choose the Right Type of Wine
Different types of wine suit different occasions, tastes, and gifting contexts. Your selection should reflect the festive nature of Christmas while considering what the receipent might enjoy.
Red Wines
Rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Malbec are perfect for the winter season and pair well with the most popular holiday meals.
White Wines
Crisp and refreshing whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are lighter options that appeal to a wide audience.
Sparkling Wines
Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava embody celebration and are excellent choices for Christmas gifting.
Dessert Wines
Sweet wines like Port, Tokaji Aszu, or Sauternes make for indulgent treats during the holidays.
Set an Appropriate Budget
This is likely to be your hardest decision. When deciding how much to spend, you’ve got to set a budget that reflects thoughtfulness without appearing overly lavish. You want the recipient to love the gift without the rest of your colleagues raising their eyebrows at you!
Affordable but elegant
A well-chosen wine in the £20–£40 range demonstrates thoughtfulness and gives you a lot of great options without seeming excessive.
Premium options
If it is for your boss and is someone you greatly admire or you’re pooling resources with other colleagues, consider a high-end wine in the £50–£100 range.
Avoid extremes
Very cheap wine can almost insult the recipient, while an overly extravagant bottle could make them feel uncomfortable.
Presentation Matters
Rather than simply plonking a bottle on the desk and walking off, remember that the way you present has almost the same impact as the wine itself.
Festive wrapping
Use holiday-themed wine bags, boxes, or ribbons to create a festive presentation.
Add a personal note
Including a handwritten card with a warm holiday message adds a personal touch that makes the gift feel more meaningful.
Consider gift sets
Wine gift sets with accessories like glasses, a corkscrew, or gourmet snacks make for the complete package.
Think About Pairings
If you have a bit more budget, why not upscale to curating a gift set including gourmet food items to go with your wine choice?
Cheese and crackers: Pairing wine with a high-quality cheese assortment is a classic combination.
Chocolate or desserts: Sweet wines like Port or Sauternes pair beautifully with holiday chocolates or cookies.
Seasonal items: Consider pairing your wine with festive treats like spiced nuts, gingerbread, or fruit preserves.
Research the Wine
A little research goes a long way when choosing wine for someone in a professional setting. Having a basic understanding of the wine you’re gifting allows you to select a bottle with confidence and explain your choice if you get asked or decide to write a personal note.
Reputable brands
Choose wines from trusted brands or well-known vineyards to ensure quality.
Region and vintage
Look for wines from renowned regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or Tuscany. Vintages from good harvest years add an extra layer of prestige.
Customer reviews
Check reviews left by other customers or ask the staff for recommendations.
Common Pitfalls
The reason they’re called ‘common pitfalls’ is that a lot of people make the same mistakes that can detract from the impact you’re after. Here are a few to avoid:
Overly personal choices
Avoid overly niche wines that cater to specific tastes unless you know your receipent enjoys them.
Excessively large gifts
A magnum bottle may seem impressive but can feel excessive in a professional setting.
Overdoing it
A couple of gourmet treats along with wine is a great idea, but don’t go over the top. Too many unrelated extras might detract from the elegance of the gift.
Explore Alternatives
If a single bottle of wine isn’t quite the mark you’re trying to hit, consider creative alternatives that incorporate wine in different ways.
Wine subscriptions
Especially if you know the recipient is into their wine, and you’re pooling with other colleagues, gifting a wine subscription allows them to explore a variety of wines over time.
Check out our wine subscription gift options, starting from £48 per case.
Custom labels
Personalise a bottle with a custom label featuring a festive message or your company logo.
Wine accessories
A premium corkscrew, decanter, or set of wine glasses makes a great standalone gift or accompaniment. Just note that if your colleague is a wine lover, they’ll probably have a lot of accessories already, so be careful not to waste your money.
Wines from Wanderlust for Your Boss, Colleagues, Corporate Gifting
£20-£40 Range
£50-£100 Range
This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge
Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.
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