Are you stumped on what to get the wine lover in your life who seems to have everything already? Fear not, because I am here to help you navigate the world of wine-related gift giving and find the perfect present that will make them say, “wow!” even if they’re a total wine snob and have to fake their excitement.
Let’s start by acknowledging that wine lovers can be a tricky bunch to buy for. The wine lovers I know are usually pretty particular about their tastes and preferences, and they may already have an impressive collection of wine glasses, decanters, and other accessories. I know. The worst.
But don’t worry – with a little creativity and some outside-the-box thinking, you can find a gift that will impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur. And, yes, my gift list will include some wine glasses and even a decanter or two, but I’ve personally uncovered some that you may have never seen before.
At this time, I’m going to exclude any wines themselves. We’ve covered some of our favorites already like the best summer rosés, delicious rieslings, and even some canned options that could make kind of fun gifts – but in the meantime check out my personal favorite gift ideas below.
1.
Le Creuset Wine Sleeve
The Le Creuset Wine Cooler Sleeve is the must-have practical wine accessory to gift any of the wine lovers on your list who like to keep their wine chilled to the perfect temp.
The wine sleeve itself is made from durable, high-quality neoprene, which will help keep your bottle of wine at the perfect temperature for hours.
The sleeve is really easy to use – simply place it in the freezer for a few hours to chill, then slip it over your bottle of wine to keep it cool. The snug fit of the sleeve ensures that your wine stays at the right temperature, and the thick neoprene material helps to insulate the bottle from external heat sources.
While many use it for their favorite white wines, it can be used with both reds and whites, and it’s also great for champagne or other sparkling wines.
And don’t worry about staines, the sleeve is also machine washable, making it easy to clean and reuse over and over again. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cool color options too.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Keeps wine at the perfect temperature for hours.
- Versatile and can be used with red, white, and sparkling wines.
- Durable and made from high-quality neoprene material.
- Easy to use – simply place in the freezer and slip over your bottle of wine.
- Stylish design with a range of vibrant colors to choose from.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Only fits standard-sized wine bottles (750ml).
- May not fit larger or oddly shaped wine bottles.
2.
Set of 4 Waterfall Wine Glasses
These waterfall wine glasses from Anthropologie are, not only, totally on trend right now, but they’re my go-to glasses for when I’m making my own frosé at home. Plus, the mouth is wide enough to stick a popsicle inside for a little extra summertime fun.
This comes as a gift set of 4 glasses that are actually hand-painted crystalline. You can choose from color options like pink, clear, mint green, honey, and blue.
While the quality is great on these glasses, they can break easily if you’re hitting them with utensils or twisting them in the opposite direction of the stem while washing.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Perfect for your own homemade frosé.
- A cute color selection to choose from.
- The pop of color makes drinking out of them more fun than plain-old clear wine glasses.
- They look great on the table when you’re hosting outdoors.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- You have to wash these by hand (not dishwasher safe).
- The bowl of the glass is a bit thin, which is great for wine-drinking, but not great for wine-glass-washing. Be careful!
3.
Instant Wine Aerator
If you’re a fan of red wine, the Vinturi Red Wine Aerator is a game-changer! Not only does it make your wine taste better, but it’s also super fun to use.
The aerator is like a magic wand for your wine. As you pour your vino through it, you can almost hear the angels singing as the wine opens up and releases its full flavor and aroma. It’s like a party in your mouth!
And let’s be real, who has time to wait for their wine to decant? Ain’t nobody got time for that! That can take hours, but with this fun contraption it will instantly improve the taste of your wine without any extra effort.
Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. You’ll impress your friends and family with your fancy wine aerating skills. It’s like you’re a sommelier in your own home!
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Enhances the flavor and aroma of red wine by exposing it to air quickly and easily.
- Easy to use, simply hold it over a glass and pour the wine through.
- Can soften tannins and reduce bitterness in young red wines.
- Great conversation starter and impresses guests with its effectiveness and really does make a great gift for your wine friend who has it all.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- I find it works best with full-bodied red wines, and it may not have as much of an effect on lighter reds or white wines
- Can be difficult to clean if wine dries on the inside of the aerator, which happens to me if I wait until the next day to wash it.
4.
Birthstone Wine Bottle Stopper
The perfect gift for the wine lover who claims they already have it all. These handblown glass wine bottle stoppers are made here in the United States (Rhode Island) and are the perfect hat-tip to your birthstone or the birthstone of the person you’re gifting it to.
These are a great, colorful, and fun way to save your wine when you haven’t finished the entire bottle (who does that?!) and are the perfect conversation starter too.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Individual made of handblown glass in the US.
- There’s a unique birthstone stopper for each month.
- They look great and can really help extend the life of your wine when you haven’t finished it.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Each wine stopper is $25 and you buy them individually, so the price can quickly add up depending on how many people you’re buying these for.
- You have to hand-wash these, so no placing them in your dishwasher.
5.
Master Sommelier Wine Aroma Kit / Game
My brother-in-law brought this on our family trip to Nantucket and I, of course, made fun of him. However, that changed once I started “playing” and then the entire fam became pretty obsessed.
The Master Sommelier Wine Aroma Kit is a tool/game that’s designed to help wine lovers improve their sense of smell and enhance their wine tasting experience. This kit includes 88 aroma vials that are commonly found in wines, as well as a guidebook to help you identify each aroma.
One of the main benefits of this kit is that it can help users develop their olfactory senses, which is a critical part of wine tasting. By familiarizing yourself with the aromas commonly found in wine, you can better identify the notes and nuances in the wine you’re drinking. This can help you appreciate and enjoy wine on a deeper level.
But don’t worry if you’re not an actual sommelier. It can be used by both beginners and experienced wine drinkers. It’s actually pretty fun passing each vile around the table and having everyone guess which notes they’re picking up. Of course there’s common notes like raspberry, plum, and cherry, but some may be shocked to learn there are notes like tree moss, tobacco, bacon, onion, and more.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- It’s actually fun!
- Helps wine lovers who want to learn more develop their olfactory senses, improving their ability to identify aromas in the wine itself.
- The aroma vials accurately represent the aromas found in wine and can really be surprising.
- Guidebook provides helpful information on each aroma, including its description, origin, and common wines it’s found in.
- Versatile and suitable for both personal and professional use.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- It’s definitely expensive and may not fit everyones budget, especially when it comes to a gift!
- Some may find it challenging to identify certain aromas, but that’s the fun part in my opinion.
6.
DIY "Make Your Own" Pinot Grigio Kit
Have a friend who might be a bit daring and want to try their hand at making their own Pinot Grigio? This kit contains everything you need to make 1 gallon (approximately 5 bottles) of Pinot Grigio, including a 1-gallon carboy, yeast, juice concentrate, and all the necessary equipment for fermentation and bottling.
It’s actually pretty easy to use, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow – even for beginners. The best part is that the gift kit comes with all the necessary ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about buying anything separately.
Overall, while the Pinot Grigio you make may not be award-winning, it’s a pretty high quality, with a bright and refreshing flavor that most will appreciate.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- It’s easy to use, even for beginners.
- Affordable compared to other wine-making kits.
- High-quality and durable equipment included in the kit.
- All necessary ingredients provided, so no need to purchase anything separately.
- Produces a delicious and enjoyable Pinot Grigio wine that you’ll take pride in.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Limited quantity produced (1 gallon).
- May not produce a wine as complex as professionally made wines, of course.
7.
Riedel Swan Decanter
If you got a little extra to spend, I highly recommend this swan-inspired decanter.
The Riedel Swan Decanter is a really elegant, yet functional decanter that’s been designed to enhance the taste and appearance of your favorite wine.
It’s made from high-quality, lead-free crystal with such a unique shape that’ll perfectly aerate wine as it is poured into the decanter, allowing the wine to breathe and fully develop its flavors and aromas. The shape of the decanter also allows for easy and elegant pouring, with a broad base for stability and a narrow spout for precision pouring. This one is more for the pro wine drinker out there.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Unique and elegant swan design that’s a great conversation starter at your next dinner party.
- Aeration function enhances the taste and aroma of your favorite wines.
- Versatile and can be used with a wide range of wine types.
- High-quality, lead-free crystal construction.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- This one is totally expensive, especially when compared to other wine decanters you can find that also work really well.
- Delicate construction may make it more susceptible to damage if mishandled, especially after one too many,.
- Takes up more space on a shelf or in storage due to its shape, so just keep that in mind.
8.
PortoVino Wine Tote Bag
A half-joke and a half “best gift ever” this portable wine purse is something that I can pretty much bet your wine loving friend doesn’t already have.
The PortoVino Tote bag is a totally unique and practical wine accessory designed for wine lovers on the go. The bag is designed to look like a stylish and fashionable tote, but also features a hidden compartment that can hold up to 2 bottles of wine, or any other preferred beverage.
This hidden gem allows wine lovers to easily and discreetly transport their favorite bottles of wine with them wherever they go, whether it’s to a picnic, a party, or simply to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
The bag also features a durable and high-quality construction, with a sturdy exterior and a water-resistant lining to keep bottles and other contents safe and secure. The interior compartment is also insulated, which helps to keep beverages at the desired temperature, whether hot or cold.
This tote is also fully functional, meaning that it can be used to carry not only wine, but also other beverages such as water, soda, or juice, as well as snacks, books, or other personal items.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Convenient and discreet way to transport wine or other beverages.
- It can hold up to 2 bottles of wine at once.
- Durable construction with a water-resistant lining.
- Insulated compartment helps to maintain the temperature your wine or other beverages.
- Versatile and can be used to carry other items besides wine.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- When the tote is fully loaded (with 2 bottles of wine) it can get kind of heavy to “tote” around.
- This bag has gone viral so lots of places know about it now, so bringing it to a baseball game, for example, may not work out.
9.
Wine Night Serving Tray
The perfect present for the host or hostess, this totally personalized wooden wine serving tray is made from trendy mango wood and can hold one standard bottle of 750ml wine and 4 standard-size stemmed wine glasses.
You can buy this one as-is or for an extra $5 you can get it personalized with the gift receivers name, important dates, or anything you’d like.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- Easy way to carry 1 bottle and 4 glasses over to your guests.
- The personalization gives it a nice unique touch.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- It can’t hold bottles larger than the standard 750ml.
- It’s not great for stemless glasses, but you know how I feel about holding stem glasses anyway.
10.
Estelle Colored Wine Glass Gift Set
These Estelle Colored Glass stem wine glasses are a collection of hand-blown glassware made in Poland that really adds a total touch of elegance and color to your overall wine-drinking experience, whether it’s just having friends over or hosting a formal dinner party.
Each glass is crafted by skilled artisans and features a long, delicate stem and a round, wide bowl that is perfect for swirling and sipping your favorite wine varietals.
This set of 6 glasses come in a wide variety of beautiful colors, ranging from bold and bright hues like emerald green and cobalt blue, to more subdued shades like blush pink and smoke grey. This makes them ideal for everything from casual dinners with friends to formal dinner parties and weddings.
In addition to their stunning appearance, these glasses are also functional and practical. They’re designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of your wine, thanks to their generous bowl size and thin, tapered rim. This allows the wine to breathe and develop its full range of flavors and aromas.
PROS & CONS
WHAT I LOVED:
- These handblown glasses are truly beautiful and unique and available in a wide range of stunning colors.
- The wide bowl and tapered rim are designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of your wine, allowing you to fully appreciate its nuances.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Of course these are on the expensive side, especially when compared to just regular stemmed glasses.
- You need to hand-wash these wine glasses and be extra careful not to chip or shatter them while washing.