Shopping for wine lovers is no joke, and can be extremely difficult if you’re not the biggest wine fan (trust me, I know). Every year I find myself wondering what to get my self-proclaimed “sommelier” aunt for Christmas, so this year I turned to the real sommelier for help.
Emily Nevin, Senior Beverage Director at Barcelona Wine Bar, gave her expert insight into the best gifts for wine lovers this holiday. Plus, she answered my burning questions about what wine is worth the money, and which you can ditch.
If you’re in the market for the best gifts for wine connoisseurs this Christmas or are just wanting to bring the best bottle of wine to your holiday party, look no further. We have the answers right here.
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Best gifts for wine lovers, according to a sommelier
When it comes
to shopping for wine lovers, Nevin recommends buying something they may not splurge on themselves such as wine glasses, a beautiful decanter, or a vintage champagne bucket. “Essentially, something that makes the ritual of opening and sharing wine feel special,” Nevin told USA TODAY.
Wine Glasses
Of course, you can buy a set of two wine glasses for as cheap as $10, but wine lovers will appreciate a beautifully crafted set of glasses like these from Williams Sonoma. These glasses are made in Germany using state-of-the-art technology, according to the website, and crafted with sparkling crystal.
Shop at Willams Sonoma
Antique Glass Decanter
A beautiful decanter adds a ton of character and sophistication to any at-home bar. There are plenty out there ranging in price, but I’m loving this Pottery Barn decanter that’s on sale for 50% off.
Shop the decanter
Champagne bucket
I love a beautiful champagne bucket, and there’s tons of delicate vintage options available online and in antique stores, but this MacKenzie-Childs checkered wine cooler caught my eye. MacKenzie-Childs is a legendary brand which makes only the highest quality décor, so you can trust that these buckets will be passed on through generations.
Shop the MacKenzie-Childs Wine Cooler
More expensive doesn’t mean better when it comes to wine
The sommelier noted that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better wine. “There are incredible wines at every price point, made by thoughtful, artisanal producers,” Nevin said. “Some of my favorite wines are the ones that seriously overdeliver for their price.
If you have absolutely no idea where to start when picking out the perfect bottle of wine, Nevin recommends going to your local independent wine shop for advice. “A good local wine shop will be excited to help you find something special, even if you don't know much about wine yourself. If you already know a few wines the recipient loves, that's even better,” Nevin said.
What is the best bottle of wine to bring to a holiday party
“Bubbles, always!” Nevin recommends. “There's something immediately festive about opening sparkling wine. I'm particularly fond of the sparkling wines from Penedes.”
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Best wines to bring to a holiday party
Adam Lapierre, in-house Master of Wine at Total Wine & More, shared his top wine picks to bring to a holiday party this winter.
- Lapierre’s go-to wine: Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Morgon Gamay
- “I typically serve at least one cru Beaujolais, particularly more elegant expressions such as Fleurie or Morgon. Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Morgon is a bottle that I really like. The bright red fruit, freshness and restrained tannins make it a good fit with turkey, but it also works for the stuffing, gravy and other savory dishes on the table. For me, the sides have as much influence on the pairing as the turkey itself due to the wide range of flavors that are typically offered.”
Buy the Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Morgon Gamay
- Lapierre’s surprising choice: Pezzuoli Pietrascura Dry Lambrusco Grasparossa
- “I love dry Lambrusco. One of my all-time favorites is the Pezzuoli Pietrascura Dry Lambrusco Grasparossa, which is a gorgeous Lambrusco. The wine is juicy and refreshing, with fine bubbles and bright acidity that offer a delicious contrast to the richness of the meal. It's fun, casual and straight-up delicious.”
Buy Pezzuoli Pietrascura Dry Lambrusco Grasparossa
- Lapierre’s recommended wine to bring that makes you look like you know wine: Cortese Nostru Frappato IGP
- “Frappato from Sicily is a great option that still isn't that widely known. Cortese Nostru Frappatto is a nice example. It’s fragrant and juicy, with fresh red berry fruit, floral notes, usually finishing with a savory character. It delivers real personality and value without being difficult to understand and appreciate.”
Buy Cortese Nostru Frappato IGP
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I never know what to buy wine lovers, so I asked a sommelier
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