One of the most universally-appreciated gifts, wine brings joy and festivity to any and every occasion. But which bottles, precisely, should you give? In this quick and easy guide, you’ll find Wine Enthusiast’s top recommendations. Need more intel? We’re pointing you toward deeper dives on various wine styles and types.
The Best Wine to Give: Champagne
A bottle of bubbly isn’t just for celebratory moments. Champagne is also an everyday luxury, both relatable and aspirational—which makes it an excellent gift to give. Even if the recipient doesn’t drink a bottle right away, it’s always good to have one on hand for when the mood strikes.
Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director and resident Champagne expert Anna-Christina Cabrales recommends a classic bottle of Blanc de Blanc—especially for holiday gifting.
“Just as the weather is crisp, I’m going to match that with what’s in the glass—something brisk and clean that feels almost like what you wish snow would taste like,” she says.
Billecart-Salmon 2012 Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (Champagne)
Produced from top parcels of Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs, this fine Champagne is impressive. It is rich and mature, the almond aroma and croissant flavor balanced by still bright citrus and minerality. It is a great wine, just right, ready to drink. 96 points. — Roger Voss
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Champagne, consider one of these beautiful Crémants de Bourgogne—a sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne, but from France’s famed Burgundy region.
The Best Wine to Bring as a Guest
We all know better than to show up to a dinner party empty handed. Bringing a bottle of wine is one of the easiest ways to express gratitude to your host. This Sangiovese is a crowd pleaser: It’s food-friendly and goes with almost anything—especially great company.
Caparzo 2020 Sangiovese (Rosso di Montalcino)
Aromas of iris, red-skinned berry and underbrush emerge from the glass. The juicy palate offers raspberry jam, baking spice and orange zest alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2027. 90 Points. — Kerin O’Keefe
If this red isn’t your style, we’ve got more great ideas about which wines you should bring to dinner as a hostess gift this year for occasions including traditional holiday meals, barbecues and grilling, seafood dinners, Italian night and more.
