Which wines to give for Christmas?

Perfect Christmas Wine Gifts: A Guide to Choosing the Best

Offering a bottle of wine for Christmas is a guarantee of a well-received gift. More than just a bottle of wine, you’re giving a future moment of conviviality and sharing. Whether you're looking for a gift for a wine connoisseur, a discovery enthusiast, or a novice, discover all our tips for finding the perfect Christmas wine gift. Follow our guide and explore our selection of wines for your holiday presents.

Which red wines should you give at Christmas?

A prestigious bottle of red wine is always a wonderful gift for Christmas. For lovers of classic wines, a red from a renowned appellation such as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Pauillac, or Saint-Julien is an excellent choice. These Bordeaux reds, made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offer a fine tannic structure, complex aromas of dark fruit, and an aging potential that connoisseurs appreciate, a perfect gift to mark the occasion.

For those who prefer more delicate red wines, turn to a Burgundian appellation based on Pinot Noir. This grape variety produces supple, fruity wines that appeal to those who enjoy refined textures. Burgundy wines are essential in this style, particularly those from the Côte de Nuits, Pommard, Vosne-Romanée, or Nuits-Saint-Georges appellations. These Burgundian reds pair beautifully with festive meals, from stuffed turkey to game or meat dishes with sauce, ideal for holiday celebrations.

Which white wines should you give at Christmas?

White wine isn’t just for seafood starters or aperitifs, it also makes a wonderful gift to place under the Christmas tree. When well chosen, it can reveal finesse, freshness, or richness, depending on the style. If you wish to offer a dry white wine, go for a Vouvray made from Loire Chenin Blanc, a Chablis made from Chardonnay, or a Pouilly-Fumé made from Sauvignon Blanc. These whites often display mineral notes, lively acidity, and versatility, making them perfect gifting options.

For those who appreciate more complex wines, consider exceptional whites such as Meursault or Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru. These offer a rare tasting experience, with subtle oak, roundness, dried fruit, and white flower aromas. Finally, don’t overlook sweet white wines, perfect with Yule logs, foie gras, or indulgent desserts at the end of a festive meal. Moreover, a high-quality 70 cl bottle of sweet wine (such as AOC Sauternes), when properly stored in a wine cellar, can age gracefully for over 20 years, a refined and heartfelt Christmas gift.

Which original wines should you give at Christmas?

To make a lasting impression, there’s nothing like offering an original Christmas wine. For instance, a particularly appreciated winter gift is homemade mulled wine. Why not create a gift set with a bottle of red wine, a small sachet of spices for infusion, and a recipe card? You could also offer a wine subscription box, delivered monthly, including one or two bottles and a tasting booklet. Finally, consider themed wine gift boxes, wine & spirits gift sets or assortments featuring specific selections (for example: red wines, white wines, Brut Champagne, or rosé Champagne).

Champagne: A Sure-Fire Choice

If you're not familiar with the recipient's tastes, giving a bottle of champagne is always a safe bet. Opt for a vintage cuvée or a prestigious champagne house. Champagne is always appreciated, and the recipient will certainly find an occasion to enjoy it. It’s the ultimate festive wine.

If you're looking for good value for money, don’t hesitate to choose a cuvée from a grower’s champagne. More accessible than those from major houses, these wines still offer delightful surprises. You can choose a brut champagne, a rosé champagne, or a demi-sec.

A Wine with a Prestigious Appellation

Want to give a wine that’s sure to please? Opt for a prestigious appellation from a recognized estate. You might choose a grand cru from a Bordeaux château, such as a Saint-Émilion or a red wine from the Médoc. Burgundy crus are also highly appreciated. Prestigious appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, or Chambolle-Musigny are exceptional wines, perfect for Christmas gifts.

An Aged Vintage

Aged vintages are always well-received as gifts. The older the wine, the more it evolves, offering an exceptional aromatic palette upon tasting. If you’re short on Christmas gift ideas, giving an aged vintage is always a great choice.

Choose wines that are 10 years or older. If the person is young, you might opt for a wine from their birth year. You could also select a significant date to make the gift doubly symbolic.

Consider purchasing a wine that ages well, such as Bordeaux wines or those from the South-West like Cahors, which offer beautiful evolution. You can also choose a wine from a Provence estate, such as a Bandol, or an Alsace wine like a Riesling, which has excellent aging potential.

A Magnum

How about giving a magnum for Christmas? With its 1.5 liters, this bottle has a spectacular side that’s always appreciated during the holidays. Equivalent to two standard bottles, the magnum format allows the wine to age better. Moreover, its price is not much higher than buying two bottles separately, as the cost is mainly for the bottle and the cork.

Magnums are available for prestigious cuvées, but not exclusively. More and more winemakers offer them for all cuvées. You can give a magnum of champagne, red wine, white wine, rosé wine, or even a set of several bottles.

A Discovery Wine

How about offering a unique and original wine for Christmas? If the person loves to travel, choose a wine from a foreign estate. The New World offers original and highly successful cuvées. Wines from New Zealand, South Africa, or California might surprise your family.

You could also opt for a more atypical French wine that highlights an overlooked grape variety or a lesser-known appellation. New-generation winemakers enjoy breaking the rules of winemaking and offer numerous original and unique cuvées.

A Secret Wine

Looking for a surprising and mysterious gift for Christmas? Consider a subscription to a wine box. It’s the perfect gift for curious individuals who wish to expand their knowledge. Each month, a box is delivered with one or two bottles and an explanatory booklet.

On Avenue des Vins, we offer a selection of wines from French vineyards. Red wine, white wine, rosé wine, and champagne, give the best Christmas gifts straight from the estates and champagne houses of France.

FAQ - Wines to give at Christmas

Which red wine should you give a lover of fine wines for Christmas?

For a connoisseur, a prestigious Bordeaux appellation such as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Pauillac or Saint-Julien is a safe bet, with its firm tannic structure and dark-fruit aromas. Burgundy reds made from Pinot Noir, such as Pommard, Vosne-Romanée or Nuits-Saint-Georges, will appeal to those who prefer suppler textures.

Which white wine makes a good Christmas gift?

For a dry white, go for a Vouvray from Chenin, a Chablis from Chardonnay or a Pouilly-Fumé from Sauvignon. For an exceptional bottle, a Meursault or a Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru will impress, while a sweet Sauternes pairs beautifully with foie gras and Yule log.

Why give a grower's champagne for Christmas?

A grower's champagne is more affordable than the cuvées of the big houses while still offering lovely surprises. Bought directly from the grower, it lets you enjoy estate prices and a festive bottle that is sure to please, whether brut, rosé or demi-sec.

Is a magnum a good gift idea for the holidays?

Yes. With its 1.5 litres, the magnum has a spectacular side that is always appreciated at Christmas. This format equals two standard bottles but helps the wine age better, at a price barely higher since most of the cost lies in the bottle itself. You can find magnums in champagne, red, white or rosé.

Which wine should you give when you don't know the person's tastes?

Champagne remains the safest choice: festive and universally liked, it always finds an occasion to be opened. An aged vintage of a cellar-worthy wine or a discovery gift set are also foolproof presents.