Perfect Wine Gift Ideas for Every Occasion
We might be biased but we truly believe that wine is the perfect gift for any occasion! However, it is important to match the gift to the occasion. We get a lot of practice helping customers in-store find the perfect gift for every occasion. So we’ve decided to compile some of go to choices and favourites here for you!
Whether you are looking for a host present, wedding present, teacher present, birthday gift or new puppy wine; whatever the occasion- we’ve got you! Generally, we try to understand the occasion first and work within your budget as a 50th anniversary gift for your parents and a thank you bottle to your house sitter will most likely have different budgets. From there, we typically ask if you are looking for red, white or sparkling.
Red Wine Suggestions
Red Wine Under $30:
Lapis Luna Pinot Noir: Not only does this bottle have a beautiful label inspired by 17 century poetry engravings, but the wine is delicious. This wine drinks more like a $40+ bottle of wine and so we love recommending it for gifts. It’s easy on your wallet while providing excellent value.
Casarena '505' Malbec: This is one of our bestselling reds- Malbecs are very commonly loved by Calgarians and this price point is super approachable. Making this all around a safe gift for someone whose taste you might not know as well for like a teacher gift.
Unique Red Wine:
Pietradolce Etna Rosso: Looking for something unique for that cool person in your life who always seems to be up on the latest trends? This is the wine! Grown on top of an active volcano- Mount Etna, in Sicily this wine is incredibly mineral. Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes (indigenous to Sicily), this wine is light and fresh- even better when chilled before drinking.
Quinta do Portal 'Colheita' Tinto: A Portuguese red wine made by an excellent Port House. Made from the same grapes as port, this red is fruity, spicey and dry. If you have a port lover in your life that you want to gift something a little different to this is a fun gift. Also a Portuguese wine might not be something that everyone automatically picks up for themselves, making this a little special. Not to worry though, it is so delicious that they will definitely to pick up another bottle.
Premium Red Wine:
Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino 2019: Romitorio is a benchmark producer in Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello is the king of Tuscan wines and easily one of the top wines in Italy. This gift is perfect for Italian wine lovers, wine collectors or for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.
White Wine Suggestions
White Wine Under $30:
Chateau de la Bouyere Bordeaux Blanc: This white Bordeaux shows an elegant style of Sauvignon Blanc but still has some subtle tropical notes. Very easy drinking and one of our go to picks for getting together on the patio. This makes an excellent host gift or a bottle to brighten up a friend’s day.
Unique White Wine:
Benjamin Bridge 'Wild Rock' White: Known for their outstanding sparkling wines that put Nova Scotia wineries on the map, this is part of Benjamin Bridge’s still wine series. Dry yet approachable, it’s a perfect match for lovers of unoaked Chardonnay or crisp Pinot Grigio. Gift to Canadian wine lovers and those are always seeking out local and small production items.
Chioccioli 'Pirocanto' Orange Wine: This one is for the natural wine lover in your life or those who love whites with a lot of texture. The extended skin-contact during fermentation, make this as orange wine. Great birthday present or a host present for your cool inner city living friends.
Premium White Wine:
Picq Chablis Villages 2022: We don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Chablis! Chardonnay from Chablis is crisp, mineral and refreshing. It is powerful enough that it can continue to age for a few more years but it is ready to drink now. Gift as an engagement present that the happy couple can enjoy after their wedding day!
Sparkling Wines Suggestions
Nothing says celebration like a bottle of bubbles! There are so many choices in Sparkling wine- rosé, prosecco, champagne and more! There’s a bottle for every occasion.
Sparkling Wine Under $30:
Varichon & Clerc 'Privilege' Blanc de Blanc: A wonderful quality sparkling wine from Burgundy, France. Complex for its price with notes of apricots, crisp granny smith apples, lemon curd, buttery brioche bun and almonds. Drinks more expensive than it is and those are our favourite gifts to give! Perfect for birthdays, showers and celebratory gatherings.
Rosé Wine:
Brilla Rose Prosecco Doc: Hailing from the Veneto wine region, this vibrant rosé Prosecco shines with its delicate pale pink hue and lively bubbles. With its eye-catching bottle, this bubbly is a fantastic pick for celebrations like bachelorette parties or casual girls’ nights. Ideal for those who love a fun, approachable sparkling wine with a touch of fruity charm.
Unique White Wine:
Cantina di Carpi Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce: We all think of prosecco when we think of Italian bubbles, but don’t sleep on Lambrusco! We love this juicy take from Cantina di Carpi. Sparkling red with notes of red berries and citrus. It’s amazing with casual eats like BBQ and pizza. A fun gift for a laid back occassion.
Champagne:
Sophie Baron Brut Champagne: Champagne under $100?! If you are looking to gift something elegant for a special occasion-this is it! We always recommend this for milestone birthdays and celebrations.
Ruinart Champagne Blanc de Blancs: Looking for an ultra premium gift that screams luxury? This is the one. Ruinart is a well-known Champagne house that wine enthusiasts will recognize and appreciate. The bottle is iconic and would be a beautiful wedding gift.
Curated Wine Sets for Thoughtful Giving
Some gift givers like to go big and go all out with a gift basket. We have beautiful wooden wine boxes to elegantly wrap your gift and help you curate your selection. We want to work within your budget and understand your recipient’s taste. Unsure of what they like? No problem! We can work with our top wines to come up with a crowd-pleasing selection. We also carry accessories like wine glasses, wine decanters and openers to add special touches. These are popular gifts during the holidays!
Interested? Contact Us!
Rare and Collectible Wines As Gifts
We are known for our Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne collection! We are always seeking to bring in rare and collectable wines. Be sure to check out these collections on our website to shop the most up to date selection.
Here are some things to consider before purchasing rare and collectible wines as a gift:
Does the recipient have proper storage? It is also very important to know the storage conditions of where you buy these gifts from as well. We have a cool cellar that experiences less traffic than typical areas of our store. We also move through these products quickly so that the bottles stay fresh.
Vintages matter with these wines. If you know that your recipient enjoys rare wines, but you aren’t versed in vintages- no problem! That’s what we are here for! We go out of our way to secure the best vintages of the wines that we bring in. Contact us or shop in store and let us assist you in coming up with the best gift!
Ready to buy online? Here’s a perfectly aged option:
Chateau Malescasse Bordeaux 1970 Magnum: Large format bottles are for celebrations! If you are looking for a present that makes a statement this is the one. The large format style also works well for group gifts! The best part? They’ll probably need your help finishing it!
