The holiday season is the perfect time to express appreciation and show love to friends, family, and colleagues. One of the best ways to do so is by gifting a bottle of wine. However, with so many options available, finding the ideal bottle can be a bit overwhelming. To help make your holiday gifting easier, we’ve curated a list of eight exceptional wines recommended by a professional sommelier—ranging from affordable picks starting at just $13 to more premium options that will surely impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
1. A Festive Sparkling Wine: Cava from Spain
When it comes to holiday gifting, nothing beats the celebratory feel of sparkling wine. Cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne, offers a fantastic quality-to-price ratio, making it a superb choice for any holiday occasion. Known for its crisp and refreshing flavor profile, Cava is a blend of indigenous Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.
Why Gift Cava?
Cava is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of foods, from appetizers to festive main courses. Its light effervescence and balanced acidity make it the perfect wine to enjoy during New Year’s Eve toasts, holiday parties, or casual dinners with friends. The Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut is a popular option, priced around $13, which gives you a premium sparkling experience at an affordable cost.
2. A Classic Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
For those who enjoy a bold, full-bodied red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice. Known for its rich flavors of dark fruit, such as blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of tobacco and oak, this wine pairs perfectly with hearty holiday meals like roasted meats, turkey, or lamb.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon for Gifting:
The 2019 Louis-Benjamin Cabernet Sauvignon from California offers a robust profile with a smooth finish. At just under $20, it’s a steal for a wine that embodies quality, taste, and tradition. This wine also features mild tannins, making it approachable for wine novices while still impressive enough for connoisseurs.
3. A Versatile White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc
For a lighter, more refreshing option, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent white wine choice that appeals to a wide range of palates. With its crisp acidity and citrus-forward notes of lime, green apple, and grapefruit, Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal pairing for lighter holiday dishes such as salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.
Recommended Sauvignon Blanc:
The 2019 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is an outstanding value wine that can be found for approximately $15. It boasts a bold, zesty profile that elevates any meal while being an accessible choice for gifting to both casual drinkers and wine aficionados alike.
4. A Decadent Dessert Wine: Late Harvest Riesling
For those with a sweet tooth, Late Harvest Riesling makes for an indulgent holiday gift. This dessert wine is made from grapes that are left on the vine longer, allowing them to ripen fully and develop concentrated sugars. The result is a luscious, sweet wine with rich flavors of honey, peach, and apricot, balanced by a lively acidity.
Why Late Harvest Riesling Makes a Perfect Gift:
This wine is ideal for pairing with holiday desserts like pumpkin pie, apple tart, or cheesecake. The 2017 Dr. Loosen Riesling is one of the top choices, priced around $18. This wine is celebrated for its balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
5. A Light Red Wine: Pinot Noir
If you’re looking for a more subtle red wine that won’t overpower your guests, Pinot Noir is a great option. Known for its soft tannins and delicate flavors of red fruit such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, Pinot Noir is perfect for lighter holiday dishes such as roasted chicken, duck, or mushroom-based dishes.
Top Pinot Noir for Gifting:
The 2019 Meiomi Pinot Noir is one of the most popular Pinot Noir wines, offering complex layers of fruit and earthy notes. With a price tag around $18, it offers an excellent balance of value and quality. It’s an ideal wine for casual drinkers and wine connoisseurs alike, making it a fantastic gift option.
6. A Full-Bodied Red: Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold red wine that brings a lot of character and personality to the table. Known for its robust fruit flavors of blackberry, plum, and raspberry, along with spicy notes of black pepper and clove, Zinfandel is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, BBQ dishes, or anything with a bit of spice.
Ideal Zinfandel for Holiday Gifting:
The 2018 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel offers a premium experience at around $30. This full-bodied wine delivers both depth and complexity, with a long finish that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re gifting it to a wine expert or a casual drinker, this Zinfandel will be appreciated for its high-quality production and full flavor.
7. A Unique Red Blend: GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre)
A GSM blend—comprised of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—is a wonderful option for those looking for something a little different. These wines often have a rich, fruity core with spicy undertones and a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for cozying up by the fire during the winter months, a GSM blend pairs well with roasted meats, sausages, or aged cheeses.
The Best GSM for Gifting:
The 2017 Château de Saint Cosme “Les Deux Albions” GSM from the Southern Rhône Valley is a fantastic wine choice priced around $25. Its bold and expressive flavor profile, featuring dark fruit, herbs, and earthy undertones, makes it a memorable gift that will impress even the most seasoned wine drinkers.
When only the finest will do, a Bordeaux red blend offers the ultimate in holiday gifting. Bordeaux wines are renowned for their complexity, with flavors of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and earthy notes. Typically composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals, these wines offer a sophisticated experience.
Premium Bordeaux to Gift:
The 2016 Château La Dominique from Saint-Émilion is a luxurious Bordeaux blend priced at around $50. Known for its rich, velvety texture and impeccable balance of tannins and acidity, this wine is an exceptional gift for anyone who appreciates fine wine. With its deep flavors and elegant finish, it is the perfect wine for a special occasion.