Every Christmas there is at least one person on your list who swirls, sniffs, and says things like “it just needs to breathe.” They might have three decanters, one corkscrew that cost more than your coat, and a mysterious bottle they will never open. Buying for them is a nightmare. So here it is, a gift guide for the people who talk about wine more than they drink it. Equal parts useful and mischievous, designed to make them smile and maybe learn something along the way.
1. A Decanter They Might Actually Use
Most wine lovers own at least one decanter that looks like a glass sculpture and collects dust all year. Buy them something practical instead. The Le Creuset Wine Carafe is elegant but easy to clean, and works as well for orange wine as it does for Bordeaux. It holds a full bottle, fits in the dishwasher, and does not require a physics degree to pour from. Simple, stylish, and foolproof.
2. A Proper Corkscrew
Every home should have one solid, no-nonsense corkscrew. None of this winged nonsense or battery-powered comedy. A classic double-hinged waiter’s friend, preferably from Pulltap’s or Laguiole, is the tool of choice for anyone who knows what they are doing. It makes opening a bottle feel like a small performance. Plus, it fits in a pocket, which helps when you visit relatives who still use screwcaps from 2008.
3. A Wine Glass That Does Not Pretend to Be a Trophy
Good stemware makes a bigger difference than most people realise. Skip the gold rims and crystal thickness and go for something light and well-balanced. Riedel and Zalto make beautiful options, but even the John Lewis “own brand” glasses have improved massively. The trick is to buy a set that feels good to hold. The quieter the design, the better the wine tastes.
4. A Bottle They Would Never Choose Themselves
This is the real test. Find something from a region they rarely mention and wrap it well. A smoky Greek Xinomavro, an Austrian Blaufränkisch, or a South African Cinsault can all surprise even the most self-proclaimed expert. If you want to stay local, a good English Pinot Noir or a still Chardonnay from Kent will do the trick. The goal is to knock them off balance and remind them that curiosity beats confidence.
5. Something They Cannot Drink
Not every wine gift needs to come in a bottle. A wine map print, a subscription to Noble Rot Magazine, or a set of reusable bottle stoppers can be more thoughtful than another vintage they will pretend to recognise. You could even book them onto a tasting class so they can finally learn the difference between tannin and acidity. Think of it as continuing education, disguised as generosity.
6. The Backup Bottle for You
Let’s be honest, gifting wine is risky. There is a chance they will sniff, frown, and tell you it needs five more years in bottle. So always have a second one ready, for you. Something you like, something to open once the wrapping paper is cleared. Because the best gift for any wine lover, real or pretend, is still sharing a drink with someone who gets it.
And if all else fails, remember: a good Champagne trumps a bad attitude. Buy bubbles, pour generously, and stop worrying whether it “shows typicity.” The only thing that matters is whether anyone refills your glass.
