Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Your Wine Lover
‘Tis the season for gift ideas for the wine lover in your life—or perhaps you’re hoping Santa leaves a few bottles under the tree! Don’t forget to stock up on wines for your holiday party, too. No need to worry— Wine Journeys has fantastic suggestions to suit all your needs. This month, we’re highlighting bottles we’ve tried in 2024 that would be perfect for celebrating with family, friends, and business colleagues.
A Gift for the One-Glass Wine Lover
A wine preservation system is a thoughtful gift for those who want to enjoy a single glass without committing to the whole bottle. The Coravin® is a standout option, using a needle to draw wine while injecting argon gas to keep the rest pristine. It’s perfect for savoring treasured bottles without finishing them. Retailing at around $329, you can often find it for less during sales like Black Friday—sometimes under $250.
The One Opener to Rule Them All
Apologies to Lord of the Rings fans… Our favorite opener is the trusty waiter’s corkscrew and not all are created equal. We have found through experience that the inexpensive ones are prone to knives that dull within 6 months of use with screws that do not easily sink into your wine cork. We recommend the J.A. Henckels Classic Waiter’s Corkscrew, which features stainless steel construction, a sharp, durable blade, and a smooth, efficient screw. Priced at around $45, it’s a reliable and elegant choice. Available on Amazon, it makes an excellent gift for wine lovers.
Party-Perfect Wines
Holiday parties call for versatile wines that pair well with seasonal finger foods. Look for light- to medium-bodied reds, whites, and sparkling wines with little or no oak aging to complement a range of dishes.
Here are three excellent choices for your celebrations.
Saintly The Good Sparkling Rosé NV ★★★½ $17.95 on sale (Vintages, Wine Rack)
This very good Charmat Method sparkler would be a good addition to any party. The grapes used to make it are a closely guarded secret. From tasting, we suspect it’s a blend of Pinot Noir or Gamay with Chardonnay and a dollop of Riesling. The flavours are reminiscent of red berry fruits mixed with mandarin orange and grapefruit. A versatile choice to pair with any party food.
Bollini Pinot Grigio Vigneti della Dolomiti 2023 ★★★★ $17.95 on sale (Vintages)
This Pinot Grigio is a Vintages essential and best seller for good reasons. The slopes of the Dolomiti Mountains produce superior Pinot fruit that results in this excellent white. Fresh, fruity, medium bodied, and filled with pear, lemon pulp, apple, stones, and honey. Ideal for seafood appetizers or as a crowd-pleaser.
Cave Spring Gamay 2021 ★★★½ $16.95 on sale (LCBO)
Lightly chilled, this unoaked Niagara Red is bursting with strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes. Its versatility makes it a hit turkey dark meat or tomato apps, but you won’t suffer drinking it with anything on your table.
For Your California Cabernet Aficionado
For those who believe nothing compares to a great California Cab…
Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ★★★★+ $27.95 (Vintages)
This Sonoma County gem is smooth, full-bodied, and brimming with ripe blackberry, cassis, mint, and black cherry flavors. These are beautifully layered with hints of tobacco, smoke, spice, caramel, coconut, and vanilla. A perfect match for red meats. In the ever-pricier world of California Cabs, this wine stands out for excellent quality and value.
For the Francophile on Santa’s List
Southern Rhône wines offer exceptional value. This standout is sure to delight any French wine lover.
Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2021 ★★★★ $25.95 (Vintages)
The Perrin brothers are legendary winemakers who jet around the world plying their trade. At home in the south of France, however, is where they produce wines that truly reflect their family traditions. This is a full-bodied red, with notes of blackberries and garrigue that pairs beautifully with braised meats or game.
If Pinot Noir is Their Thing
Ontario’s cool climate produces excellent Pinot Noir. This one is a must-try for Pinot fans.
Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Pinot Noir 2021 ★★★★ $29.95 (Vintages, Winery, Online)
This Pinot was the best one we tried under $40 this year and it won a Silver Medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards. With dark cherry, cranberry, and a touch of earth, this Pinot is an ideal match for turkey or holiday feasts.
A Red for Your Holiday Pizza Night
Pair your favorite pizza with this Chianti for a relaxed holiday gathering.
San Felice Chianti Classico 2021 ★★★★ $20.95 (Vintages)
This is a nice take on Chianti Classico. Sour cherry, strawberry, and notes of rosemary and leather make this a perfect companion for pizza, steak, or sausage.
Ontario Sparkling to Ring in the New Year
Ontario sparkling wines deliver top-notch quality at great prices. Our pick:
Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling NV ★★★★ $32.95 (Vintages)
Made from 100% Chardonnay from their own Estate on the Beamsville Bench, this Traditional Method sparkler is fresh, creamy, and elegant from 29 months aging on the lees. A fantastic choice for ringing in the New Year or for seafood.
For the Champagne Lover
When only Champagne will do, this Brut is our favorite.
Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne NV ★★★★+ $79.90 (LCBO)
With rich flavors of berries, toast, nuts, and citrus, this Champagne’s creamy mousse is a luxurious treat. Serve it well chilled to highlight its finesse.