18 Wines to Gift a Wine Lover (Starting at $20)
Whether it’s your in-laws, boss or very best friend from elementary school, we all have at least one person in our life who throws around fancy words like “peaty” or “leggy” and has definitely tasted the most expensive bottle on the menu. Luckily, we have 18 recommendations for stellar, unusual bottles that’ll knock their socks off.
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2017 Aphros Pet-Nat Phaunus Rosé, Vinho Verde, Portugal
If you’re looking to impress, you can’t go wrong with a trendy pet-nat. This slightly effervescent Portuguese rosé is pretty and acidic, with notes of chocolate and blackberry.
2016 Field Theory Cabernet Pfeffer, California
For your dad, who insists on a “big red” (his words), this robust cabernet will do the trick. He’ll scoff when you tell him to drink it chilled, but the balanced palate of black cherry, cedar and peppercorns will convince him you were right.
2017 Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py, Morgon, France
This young French gamay is just *funky* enough to please your sister-in-law who insists she only drinks natural wine these days.
2018 Au-Delà Pinot Gris, Napa Valley, California
For your one friend who beelines straight for the “orange wine” section of the menu, gift this skin-contact white. They’ll ooh and ahh at the notes of cranberry, orange peel, pomegranate and white peach.
2018 Monier Perreol St. Joseph Blanc Marsanne, Rhone, France
This organic and biodynamic French white will please your mom, who just wants something “cold and oaky.”
2018 Ruth Lewandowski Feints Co-Ferment, Mendocino, California
Trust us: It doesn’t matter who you give this gorgeous light red to; they’ll love you forever. Carbonic maceration keeps it fresh, light and unexpected. (Need more convincing? It’s our food editor’s favorite wine.)
NV Strekov 1075, Fred #2, Slovakia
This non-vintage Slovakian red is tannic yet light, mysterious yet easy-drinking. Give it to the wine lover who says they “aren’t really a red person.”
2018 Laporte Sancerre Le Rochoy, Loire, France
You know that one aunt who only drinks sauvignon blanc and scares you a little? She’ll swoon for this elegant, zesty bottle.
2018 The Marigny by St. Reginald Parrish Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, Oregon
St. Reginald Parrish’s Marigny wines are all about being unfussy, natural and high-quality, and this rosé is no exception. Basically, it’s ideal for your friend who documents every glass she drinks on Instagram.
2018 The Independent White Blend, Napa Valley, California
Keep a bottle of this fragrant, medium-bodied white on hand for any last-minute gift. It’s natural, drinkable and pairs well with spicy food—yum.
2018 Cherries & Rainbows Red Wine, Languedoc, France
This medium-bodied red is heavy on the fruit and has zero added sulfur, plus just look at that pretty label! Give it to your little sis who has a Lisa Frank phone case.
2017 Jauma Grenache ‘Genovese,’ Blewitt Springs, Australia
Fresh fruit flavors, lower alcohol and easy tannins? Yep, this natural Australian red is a complete crowd-pleaser. Buy it for pretty much anyone on your list.
2017 Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Blanc Chardonnay, Burgundy, France
Everyone knows at least one person who poo-poos Chardonnay. Give them this surprisingly mineral and citrusy bottle to change their mind. (Butter who?)
2017 Domaine Saint Prefert Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis, Rhone, France
This rich, smoky and, yes, kind of pricy red is just the thing to give that one person on your list who you’re really out to impress.
2018 Capuchon Carignane, Mendocino, California
This bright, aromatic, certified-organic red is best served with a slight chill, to bring out the notes of pomegranate and violet. It’s fruity enough to please a picky drinker, without being boring.
2018 Patrick Sullivan ‘Haggis’ Red Blend, Victoria, Australia
They’ll laugh at the name and then thank you after the first sip, because this natural rosé is unlike anything else out there. It’s actually a blend of red and white grapes, all fermented with some skin contact and bottled unfiltered. Give this one to your most adventurous friend.
2018 Jauma ‘Danby’ Grenache, South Australia
No one will believe this light, slightly fizzy red hails from South Australia. It’s tart, refreshing, reminiscent of fresh cranberries and pairs like a dream with food—basically, all we want to drink.
2017 Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune Rouge Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France
With notes of ripe cherry, plum and raspberry (and a hint of earthiness), this pinot noir from Burgundy is complex enough to impress even the toughest of your wine critic friends. Tell them it’s certified biodynamic and they’ll swoon.
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