Top 29 Expert-Recommended Gifts for Wine Enthusiasts in 2024 Chris Lehoux, February 14, 2024 Shopping for people who love a certain thing can often lead to a unique issue: How can you be sure you’re purchasing a gift that they’ll genuinely appreciate? This seems especially applicable for oenophiles, also known as wine lovers. The world of wine includes a broad spectrum of varieties, tastes, preferences, and nuances. Thankfully, zeroing in on the perfect gift doesn’t need to be such a puzzle. Especially when you have gift suggestions from connoisseurs who have a great eye and taste. Their picks range from the wine glasses seen at Michelin-starred establishments to a gadget promising to keep an opened wine bottle fresh for years. These have been selected by skilled sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, hospitality experts, and those individuals who are passionate about wine. Brianne Cohen, a certified sommelier and wine educator based in Los Angeles, Brianne Cohen, refers to the Josephine No. 2 as “the sexiest wine glasses.” The universal wine glass, suitable for both reds and whites, is a creation of the esteemed Zalto family. Cohen claims their glasses are a piece of art, featuring delicate stems and beautifully designed bowls, perfectly showcasing your wines with their precise hand-blown craftsmanship. A bartender, sommelier, and co-owner of Brother Wolf and Osteria Stella in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aaron Thompson, deems this as “a must for any wine enthusiast who desires to store their wine at optimum freshness.” This clever tool uses 100% food-grade argon gas to maintain the freshness of an open bottle of wine for several years. “We employ the Coravin preservation systems in all of our restaurants since they function so efficiently,” comments Thompson. Cohen concurs, stating it’s a superb fit for a home with “varying wine tastes or for an individual who enjoys alternating between different wines.” For those who lean towards sparkling wines, there’s also a Coravin system just for effervescent wines. “This is my favorite entertaining showstopper,” shares Sarah Tracey, sommelier at The Lush Life. “This ice mold not only keeps your wine chilled for hours, but it doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece,” she says. “Simply fill it with seasonal fruit, flowers or greenery to wow your guests — it’s a wonderful gift for oenophiles that love to host!” “This is such a fun idea for a wine-soaked game night, especially if the wine-lover on your list has a competitive streak,” shares Tracey. “With trivia categories like ‘Vine to Vino,’ ‘Wine Cellar’ and ‘Cork Culture,’ players get to flex their wine knowledge while beginners can pick up some wine education.” Chas Martin, co-founder of Duro Hospitality — the group responsible for Dallas’ highly-anticipated restaurant and bar Mister Charles — recommends this book, which holds “a special place” in his heart. “Back in the day, my professor — who’s a master sommelier now — used it as the go-to teaching material in one of my culinary school classes,” says Martin. “It’s super easy to get into, breaks down major wine regions and just gives you this broad, awesome view — seriously, a game-changer.” “I love a good wine picnic, and this collapsible bamboo board is the perfect way to enjoy one both indoors and outdoors,” shares Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast. “Place your favorite cheeses and spreads directly on the board and keep your glasses and wine from knocking over in the holders — simple but genius design.” “One of the best ways to continue learning about wine is by drinking outside of your comfort zone,” says McCrossin, and “a well-curated wine club featuring the recommendations of an unrivaled team of sommeliers is a perfect way to explore without the worry of wondering whether the wine will actually be good.” She recommends Wine Access, which boasts a couple subscription services you can choose from. One of the options is Wine Access Unfiltered, which pairs an episode of McCrossin’s own podcast series with four hand-selected bottles every two months, perfect for anyone hoping to learn about wine straight from the expert source. The 7 best wine subscriptions for bottles delivered to your door “As a wine glassware expert, I continuously reiterate that decanters are one of the best and most important gifts you could give a wine drinker,” shares Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation CEO and president of Riedel. “Decanters are more than mere accessories; they are key tools for getting maximum enjoyment out of wine,” he says. This stunning option is perfect for gifting, especially to those who love to explore different varietals or have an ever-changing wine preference, he explains. “Defined by its ease of use and versatile functionality, it’s ideal for any type of wine, including red, white and Champagne, and can be used to gently decant both older wines and vigorously aerate younger wines.” “Sabering is such a fun party trick for wine lovers,” shares Desiree Harrison-Brown, a wine educator, influencer and founder of the blog Wino Noire. “Imagine the thrill of slicing open a bottle of Champagne with a sword, sending corks flying and sparking joyous moments.” Martin also recommends a Champagne saber as the perfect celebratory gift. “This adds a touch of French elegance and excitement to any celebration,” he explains, “making for a memorable and unique gift for the bubbly enthusiast in your life.” “For a slightly more upscale gift, I love to give two glass sets of Gabriel Glas,” shares Ashley Herzberg, winemaker at Avaline. “These glasses are my go-to for writing tasting notes or for a casual glass of wine at home,” she says. “I love them and I love to share them.” They’re also a favorite of McCrossin’s, who refers to them as the little black dress of wine glasses. “A truly great wine glass can really optimize your wine,” she explains, “and this is one of the more affordable well-crafted options, and has that perfect balance of feeling both delicate and durable.” “True wine lovers know that a lot of the joy of wine discovery lies in exploring pairings,” shares Tracey, “and cheese pairing is a classic way to start evolving your palate.” This subscription from the renowned Murray’s Cheese is available in three different shipping cadences, and each includes a variety of cheeses plus one other accompaniment, selected to pair with that month’s suggested beverage. The 58 best food gifts for every budget “This is a personal journey through the wines that have most impacted my career and my take on what makes a real Italian wine,” shares Joe Campanale, co-owner of Bar Vinazo, LaLou and Fausto in Brooklyn, New York, and author of this book. “With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and small producers who are working in an organic and artisan method, this book showcases the most exciting wines being produced in Italy today.” If you’re searching for a practical yet elegant gift, Martin and McCrossin both suggest this corkscrew for serious wine enthusiasts. This two-pronged wine opening apparatus is “essential for preserving those old and delicate corks from vintage wines,” states Martin. McCrossin also advocates for this selection: “In my time as a sommelier, I opened countless bottles of older wine,” she states, “I can personally attest to the utility of this tool.” The top wine openers of 2024 “This is an excellent present for someone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of wine,” Thompson implies. This enlightening and comprehensive two-book set is filled with information about the current state of wine in France. “The book also includes numerous interesting stories about winemaking families in France and their unique characters, with the photography being a highlight.” “These sea salt spice mixes were created by Chef and cookbook author Barton Seaver to complement and enhance the flavors of your preferred wine varieties,” Tracey explains. She suggests them for any wine-loving food enthusiast or budding chef on your gift list. McCrossin describes this glass as “the pinnacle of opulence and premium design”. She expresses that a tulip-shaped glass offers a more comprehensive encounter with the aroma and flavor of Champagne, surpassing a flute or coupe. The glass is fabricated from one consistent piece which allows the consumer to observe the wonderful display of bubbles from its slender base, akin to a flute’s visualization. She adds, the multiple curves leading to the wider opening engender the most optimal Champagne-drinking experience imaginable. “Victoria James is an acquaintance of mine”, shares Campanale. James is a wine director and partner of Cote and Coqodaq and is also a co-founder of an organization that advocates for women and the BIPOC community in the wine industry. He declares that diversifying the voices in the industry is advantageous for every wine aficionado. Herzberg, a winemaker, discloses his fondness for gifting a little something extra when offering a bottle of wine. He mentions a few favorites, one of them being an elegant, budget-friendly bottle chiller. He suggests it serves as the ideal complement to friends’ kitchens, posing a charming sight even when not in use. A wine club membership from Theopolis Vineyards, a Black and female-owned winery situated near Mendocino and Sonoma counties’ border, comes recommended by Cohen. The petite sirah produced by owner and founder Theodora Lee is described as a standout contender that has racked up countless awards. 47 Black-owned businesses to support “Never wince or poke a hole in the ceiling again,” says McCrossin. “Simply place this device on top of the Champagne bottle, hold the neck and press the button, and the device will do the rest.” And while useful for most people, it’s a particularly great tool for those with limited mobility or conditions that make gripping a challenge. “Say goodbye to half-dry wine glasses,” says Harrison-Brown. “These silicone drying racks are designed with openings to allow you to thoroughly air dry your wine glasses.” And as a bonus? They also work great for water bottles, tumblers and protein shakers. There’s also this option from Kohler. “I purchased this not knowing whether I would actually use it,” says McCrossin, “and now I can’t remember my life without it.” This drying rack fits up to six glasses — even those with a super-wide base — and allows you to let your glasses dry without worry of knocking them over. “It folds completely flat, feels super sturdy and can be stored easily under the sink,” says McCrossin. Thompson suggests that a high-quality crystal wine glass suitable for all events is always a great gift. Riedel is a favorite due to its thoughtful and functional design. The design details, such as shape and size, are carefully considered to enhance the characteristics and aromas of various wines. “These Riedel glasses are ideal for both red and white wines, making them a perfect starting point for wine beginners,” he adds. At first glance, you might mistake this for a book on architecture, but McCrossin assures that it provides an inside peek into some of Napa Valley’s most respected, prestigious, and visually stunning wineries and residential properties. “This group of architects from Napa Valley is well-known in the wine industry,” states McCrossin. “Whether you’re reliving a past trip, looking forward to a forthcoming one, or desiring an insider look at some of the world’s most exclusive wineries, this book is an excellent addition to any coffee table.” Harrison-Brown suggests this sweatshirt for those who dream of enjoying wine in a vineyard. The design highlights regions from some of the top wine-producing nations. “An elegant wine decanter can elevate your wine experience,” advises Thompson, who endorses this stylish yet reasonably priced option that accommodates an entire bottle of wine. “This decanter is uncomplicated, with a sleek design, and it’s easy to pour from,” he describes. “We advise decanting young, robust wines to allow them to breathe and reveal more of their concealed scents.” Harrison-Brown refers to this as “the finest book on wine for novices and wine connoisseurs.” The author “guides you on a global expedition, delving into wine, cuisine, culture, and more,” rendering it an engaging yet highly educational and captivating read. “Alice Feiring is a prominent advocate for natural wines, and I have been subscribing to her newsletter for many years,” mentions Campanale. “She recently relocated to Paris to be closer to the heart of the world of natural wine, and I am eagerly awaiting what she has to share. Her passion for natural wines stems not from them being trendy or cool but from her love of exceptional wine.” “This is a lavish gift, yet for the wine enthusiast you wish to impress, it’s appropriate,” opines Tracey. “Laguiole, famed for their exquisitely constructed knives, creates the epitome of wine openers—items destined to be treasured as heirlooms.” This beauty is fashioned with a green malachite stone band. The 46 best luxury gifts that are more expensive but definitely worth it About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine