How to gift the perfect bottle of wine

A bottle of good wine often makes the perfect present for a holiday host. But gifting wine can sometimes be a bit intimidating. For Masters, the most important thing about buying wine for someone else is to find out what wine styles they like.

  • Does your friend tend to drink red wine more than white, or are they a fan of rosé?
  • Do they like wines from a particular country, like France or Australia?
  • Are they fans of a specific grape variety, like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz?
  • Others like to hear more about the wine, where it comes from, how it’s made, and who makes it.
Give a gift

Knowing what your friend likes, you can select something that fits the bill but is a bit different and widens their repertoire. For example, if they love Shiraz from Australia, why not try one from Chile, where it is also called Syrah?

  • For wine lovers, a bottle from an unexplored or often neglected region is a great selection. A premium wine from Germany, Sicily, or even Greece should do the trick.
  • Offering something to a collector leaves a bit less leeway both in terms of price point and variety. In fact, you’ll most likely have to scout for a fine wine from a renowned appellation. Take a peek in their cellar for some ideas or discreetly ask them what their favourite wines are — collectors usually enjoy sharing their thoughts about wine.

A great alternative is gifting a wine club membership, which gives members access to exclusive wines and is the perfect present for new enthusiasts and aficionados alike.

« Many of us just want to enjoy a good glass of wine without thinking about it. So sometimes keeping it simple might be the best way to find the perfect present »