The Best Wines to Give as a Host Gift
Choosing the perfect wines to give as a host gift can sometimes be a tricky task. You want to pick something that shows thoughtfulness, pairs well with the meal or occasion, and of course, is something the host will enjoy. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true strategies that can help you select the ideal bottle. Whether you’re heading to a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, this guide will help you choose the right wine and add a special touch to your gift.
1. Gift Something You Love
I always follow this rule: If I wouldn’t drink it, I’m not gifting it. That’s why my first tip is to gift the host something you genuinely enjoy drinking. Your own enthusiasm for a wine can be contagious, and chances are, if you love it, the host will enjoy it too. I always love bringing a bottle of wine from my favorite winery or producer. If I recently visited a wine region, it’s also fun to bring a bottle from there to share stories about your travels!
A region I recently visited was The Finger Lakes. I loved this Fox Run Dry Riesling!
One of my favorite producers from South Africa is Stark Condé and these wines are excellent value.
2. Match the Theme
One of the easiest ways to decide what bottle you’ll bring is based off of the theme. Below are a few ideas of wines to bring for different occasions.
- Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving: Beaujolais or Pinot Noir
- Holiday Party: Champagne or Crémant
- Galentine’s Day: Rosé Champange or Sparkling Rosé
- Italian Dinner: Chianti Classico
- BBQ: Bring a juicy, jammy red such as a Zinfandel or Malbec
- Steak Night: A classic Cabernet from Napa
- Summer Soiree: Chablis
3. When in Doubt, Bring Bubbles
If you’re unsure of what wine to bring, bubbles are always a safe bet. Sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava are universally loved, versatile, and great for a variety of occasions. They have a celebratory feel, and they can pair well with everything from appetizers to main courses. They also tend to be crowd-pleasers because they add a touch of luxury and fun to any gathering.
Champagne is the epitome of celebration, so it’s an excellent choice for formal events, but don’t feel like you need to spend that much on a bottle. Cava or Cremant are great traditional method sparkling wines (made in the same way as Champagne) but more affordable options.
4. Pair Your Bottle with a Wine Accessory
To elevate your gift pair your wine with some kind of wine accessory. Wine accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift, and there are plenty of fun options to choose from.
A few ideas…
- Gift your sparkling wine with a champagne stopper
- Wrap your holiday bottle in a fur coat
- Add this 24K gold wine opener or wine tea towel to go with the bottle
5. Spend at Least $20
While it’s not necessary to break the bank, it’s important to spend at least ~$20 on a bottle of wine. This shows you’ve put some thought into the bottle and it’s not just one you can pick up at any grocery store. If you want something that’s great value, look for wines from more unique regions such as Chile, Sicily or Portugal.
6. Don’t Gift Something They Already Have
Although the host may have a favorite wine or producer, it’s best to gift them something they don’t already have or maybe haven’t even tried. There are so many wines out there! Chances are if they like wine in general, they will enjoy trying something new. You could always seek out a great vintage of a particular region or a limited addition bottle to make it extra special.
When it comes to wines to give as a host gift, the goal is to balance personal taste, the nature of the gathering, and a touch of creativity. By following these guidelines—choosing a wine you personally enjoy, considering the theme of the event, opting for bubbles when in doubt, adding an accessory, spending at least $20, and avoiding overly common bottles—you’re sure to select a wine that’s both thoughtful and well-received.
