Wine Gift Guide: The Perfect Wine Gift to Bring to a Christmas Party

Whether you aim to thank your host, contribute to the festivities, or simply make a memorable impression, wine is a great and versatile choice to bring along to parties over Christmas.

From budget-friendly options to luxurious selections, we’re going to help you navigate how to pick the perfect bottle for any occasion, making sure your choice is spot on every time.

Budget-Friendly Gifts for the Christmas Dinner Host

You don’t need to go crazy at the checkout to impress anyone when it comes to wine. There are plenty of affordable wines that can have the desired ‘wow’ factor if chosen with care.

Sparkling Wines Under £25

Nothing says celebration quite like sparkling wine, and there are plenty of excellent budget-friendly options.

Crémant

Sparkling wine from France, made in a similar method to Champagne. These offer high-quality bubbles at a more restrained price.

Elegant Whites Under £20

White wines are perfect for hosts who prefer lighter, refreshing flavours.

Sauvignon Blanc

With crisp acidity and citrusy notes, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafood, salads, and creamy dishes. Look for the famous Kiwi style or the more restrained French style.

Chardonnay

Choose an unoaked Chardonnay for a light, clean taste such as Chablis, or an oaked version for a richer, buttery flavour such as those from California.

Crowd-Pleasing Reds Under £20

Rich and flavourful red wines are a holiday favourite and pair beautifully with many seasonal dishes.

Malbec

Bold and fruity, Malbec is an affordable choice that complements roasted meats and rich sides.

Red Blends

Red blends, such as those from the USA or Australia, offer a mix of fruity and spicy notes, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing. Alternatively, the French GSM Blends, featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, offer fruit-forward flavours with hints of spice, making them suitable for roasted meats and hearty stews.

Luxury Wine Gifts for the Host

If you want to go above and beyond and impress your host with something a tad more premium, many options will delight any wine-loving host. Luxury wines are a perfect “thanks for hosting” for close friends, family, or a particularly gracious host.

Iconic Sparkling Wines

For a truly celebratory gesture, a luxury sparkling wine or Champagne is an unbeatable choice.

Champagne

THE iconic region in the world of sparkling wine, go for famous names with a long history of excellence, or a new grower champagne full of energy and flavour.

Corpinnat

Spain’s answer to world-class sparkling wines, crafted in the heart of Catalonia. These wines are made using traditional methods, resulting in vibrant, complex sparklers that are bold, brioche-rich balanced with citrusy notes. One that rivals Champagnes.

High-End Whites to Impress

While reds often steal the spotlight, don’t forget how amazing the world’s luxury white wines can be, often at relatively great value.

White Burgundy

Wines like Meursault or Chassagne-Montrachet represent the pinnacle of Chardonnay, offering nuanced flavours and a creamy texture.

Riesling

The wine lover’s white grape of choice, Riesling is incredibly versatile and luxurious, from cool-climate German Mosel styles to more fruit-driven Alasacian styles.

Premium Reds for the Connoisseur

Few things scream luxury than a well-chosen bottle of high-end red wine, especially those that pair well with many traditional Christmas dishes.

Bordeaux

A bottle from South-West France’s most famous region makes a big statement! Celebrated for their complexity and age-worthiness, you’ll be surprised how affordable top wines can be, especially in magnum size.

Cabernet Sauvignon

You’ve got to go a long way to beat the premium feel and taste of a rich and bold Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon during the season’s festivities.

Pinot Noir

Known for its light body and elegant flavour profile, a premium Pinot Noir from the vineyards of Burgundy, Central Otago or South Africa can be exquisite.

If You’re Really Out to Impress?

Maybe the host is really into their wine, or you just want them to know what they mean to you at this time of year, the following options go beyond ordinary luxury wines and include rare vintages, renowned producers, and unique presentations.

Rare Vintage Wines

Gifting a rare vintage wine demonstrates a deep appreciation for the host. Look for wines from exceptional vintages, such as a 2010 Bordeaux or a 2016 Barolo, or even a memorable year in the host’s life. These bottles not only make a statement but also serve as a memorable keepsake.

Renowned Producers

Choose wines from world-class producers known for their excellence. The likes of Billecart-Salmon from Champagne or Clendenen Family Vineyards of California make an impression.

Wine Gift Sets

Luxury wine gift sets often include multiple bottles or accessories like decanters, glasses, or gourmet pairings. For example, a curated set of Tuscan wines paired with Italian delicacies can make an unforgettable gift.

Wines That Pair Well with a Variety of Dishes

Remember you’re off to a Christmas Dinner. If you don’t know the menu beforehand, it might be a shout to choose a wine that complements a variety of dishes to ensure it’s enjoyed as much as it deserves.

Here are a few pairing options that can hardly go wrong.

• For turkey or ham: Pinot Noir, Riesling, or a light-bodied Chardonnay are excellent options.
• For beef or lamb: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah are great for richer, heartier dishes.
• For seafood: Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, or Pinot Grigio are refreshing and complementary.
• For desserts: Sweet wines like Port, Moscato, or Sauternes pair beautifully with holiday treats.

Read more about Christmas Traditional Dishes pairing tips.

Wines Gift options for your next Christmas Party 

On a Budget

Tillingham Col’23, Sussex, England

Domaine du Seminaire Cotes du Rhone, France

Luxury Gifts

HJ Weimer, Biodynamic Riesling, New York, USA

Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2016, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Out to Impress

Billecart Salmon, Louis, Blanc de Blancs 2012, Champagne, France

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.