Shopping for a wine lover at Christmas can feel oddly stressful, especially if you don’t drink much wine yourself! The good news is that the best gifts for wine lovers don’t have to be fancy or expensive. This Christmas gift guide is packed with easy, wine-themed gift ideas that suit everyone from total beginners to the friend who already has a very serious wine fridge. From Amazon finds and a wine journal to cheeky merch and tips on choosing the perfect bottle, I’ve got you covered. Grab a glass and let’s get shopping!
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. A few of the items featured, including my wines I’ve tried wine journal and The Cheeky Vino merch, are my own products. I only recommend things I’d happily give to my own wine-loving friends.
What are the best wine-themed gifts from Amazon? 5 of my favourite finds
Amazon is a great place to start if you want wine gifts that arrive fast and suit a range of budgets. These five ideas are useful, giftable and a little bit fun.
Wine aerator
If you’ve ever wished a bottle would just hurry up and open, a wine aerator is your answer. It adds air to the wine as you pour, which can soften bold reds and bring out more aroma and flavour without the wait of decanting. It’s a brilliant gift for anyone who loves a big Shiraz or Cabernet, and it’s small enough to pop in a drawer or take to a friend’s place. [Insert link: first aerator] If you’d like a more budget-friendly pick, the Vintorio aerator does the same job at a lower price, which makes it a great stocking filler or Secret Santa gift. But if you want to go all out, you can get one that sits on the top of the bottle and pours at the touch of a button!
Eto wine decanter
A decanter is one of those gifts that makes any bottle feel like an occasion. Pouring wine into a decanter gives it room to breathe, and it looks seriously good on the Christmas table. The Eto decanter takes it to the next level by not only decanting your wine but also seriously extending the life of a bottle once it’s opened. We have one, and it’s perfect when you just want a glass or two. I also love the look of it on the counter. It works as a display piece and a practical tool at the same time. It’s a great pick for the wine lover who likes to entertain.
Huski wine cooler
Summer Christmases and warm wine do not mix, which is where the Huski wine cooler comes in. It keeps wine chilled for up to six hours without ice, and it fits most standard 750ml bottles. Simply pop a chilled bottle in, and it’s ready to go, whether you’re at the BBQ, at the beach or at a BYO restaurant. It’s best not to put it in the freezer, so chill the wine to serving temperature first. It’s also a New Zealand brand, so you are supporting (sort of) local.
If your gift recipient prefers to sip and roam, the Huski wine tumbler is a fun alternative. It’s an insulated tumbler that’s perfect for picnics, camping and pool days when a regular glass just won’t cut it. I love mine and have already gotten a lot of use out of it this Spring. I can only imagine it will be the must have this Summer.
Electric corkscrew
Not everyone loves wrestling with a cork, especially after a big Christmas lunch. An electric corkscrew does the hard work for you, so opening a bottle takes seconds with no snapped corks or sore wrists. It’s a super practical gift for anyone who hosts often, and it suits the wine lover who “has everything”.
Wine glass markers
If you’ve ever hosted a party and ended up with a bench full of mystery half-finished glasses, these are for you. Wine glass markers let everyone decorate and label their own glass, and they wash off with dish soap and warm water once the party is over. They’re cheap, cheerful and a great little gift for the friend who always hosts. They’re also a good stocking filler!
Is a wine journal a good gift for wine lovers?
Yes, a wine journal is one of the best gifts for anyone who enjoys trying new wines, and I’m a little biased because I made one! My ‘Wines I’ve Tried’ wine journal is designed to help you remember what you drank, what you loved, and what you’d happily skip next time. We’ve all had that moment of standing in the bottle shop thinking, “What was that wine I loved at dinner?”, and this takes care of it. It’s simple, approachable and jargon-free, so it suits complete beginners just as much as seasoned wine fans. It’s also a lovely way to build up a little record of your wine adventures over time.
The Wines I’ve Tried journal comes in 3 different colours and includes plenty of resources to get you started:
What wine-themed merch makes a fun Christmas gift?
If the wine lover on your list has a sense of humour, wine merch is a great way to show it. My Cheeky Vino range has a couple of standout pieces that make easy, wearable gifts. The wine-themed shirt is comfy and cheeky, perfect for wine tastings, weekend lunches, or simply lounging around after the Christmas feast. The wine cap is a casual everyday pick for vineyard visits, road trips and sunny days out. Both are a fun way to show off a love of wine without taking things too seriously, which is exactly how I like it!
Here are some options to get you started from my collection (or you can head to my Etsy page, which has all of them available)
How do you choose a bottle of wine for someone you love?
Buying wine for someone you love is a thoughtful gift, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by thinking about what they already enjoy. If they always reach for a crisp white, a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc is a safe and delicious bet. If they’re a red fan, look for something smooth and easy drinking rather than big and heavy, unless you know they love bold flavours.
Here are a few simple tips to help you pick:
- Choose a wine that suits the season. In Australia, Christmas falls in summer, so chilled whites, rosé, and sparkling are always crowd-pleasers. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, a cosy red is perfect for a winter gift.
- Pick a style, not just a big name. A bottle from a smaller producer can feel more personal and special than a brand everyone recognises.
- Gift something they wouldn’t buy for themselves. A wine from a new region or an interesting grape variety makes a great surprise.
- Ask the bottle shop for help. Tell them your budget and what the person likes, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
- Add a little extra. Pair the bottle with a Huski cooler, a nice set of glasses or a handwritten note to make it feel like a proper gift.
You could also opt for a wine-themed adult advent calendar, like this one from Just Wines, as a fun gift for them to use throughout the month. Not only can they try some delicious wines, but they’ll also be able to discover wines they haven’t tried before.
Final thoughts on choosing gifts for wine lovers
The best gift for a wine lover is really about making their wine moments more fun, more relaxed and a little more special. Whether you go for a handy Amazon find, a wine journal to track their favourites, some cheeky merch, or a well-chosen bottle, you can’t go wrong with a gift that’s chosen with care. I hope this Christmas gift guide for wine lovers has made your shopping list a whole lot easier. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a glass of something chilled with my name on it. Happy Christmas and happy sipping!
Frequently asked questions about wine gifts
What is a good budget gift for a wine lover?
Wine glass markers, a wine aerator or a bottle of easy-drinking wine are all great budget friendly gifts for wine lovers. They’re practical, they get used, and they still feel thoughtful. If you want to spend a little more, a wine journal is a lovely low-cost gift that keeps giving all year.
What should I buy someone who is new to wine?
A wine journal and an approachable bottle are a perfect pair for wine beginners. A journal helps them remember what they’ve tried and what they liked, and a smooth, easy-drinking wine is a friendly place to start. A wine aerator is another good pick, because it helps reds taste softer and more enjoyable straight away.
What is a good gift for a wine lover who has everything?
Look for something that upgrades how they enjoy wine, not another bottle or gadget they already own. An insulated wine cooler like the Huski, a stylish decanter or an electric corkscrew all fit the bill. They’re useful, a little bit special, and things people rarely buy for themselves.
What wine should I give as a Christmas gift?
Choose a wine that suits the season and the person you’re buying for. In Australia, where Christmas falls in summer, chilled whites, rosé and sparkling are always a hit. In the northern hemisphere, a smooth red is a cosy winter choice. If you’re unsure, an easy-drinking wine from a smaller producer is a safe and thoughtful pick.
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine as a gift?
You don’t need to spend a lot to give a great bottle of wine. A well-chosen mid-range bottle that suits their taste will always feel more special than an expensive wine they wouldn’t normally drink. Ask the bottle shop for help and tell them your budget, and they’ll point you in the right direction.