Shopping for wine people is like surfing a reef break: rewarding, but you better know what you’re getting into. Luckily, Esquire’s Christine Flammia and Bellamy Richardson pulled together a killer list—“50 Great Gift Ideas for Dedicated Wine Drinkers”—that covers everything from clever gadgets to indulgent treats. I sifted the lineup for gifts that hit the sweet spot of useful, fun, and not just more clutter for the bar cart.
Let’s start with temperature—because a warm Sauvignon Blanc is a party foul. Esquire gives a nod to the Yeti wine chiller, noting it’s “available in a ton of fun colors” and built for tailgates, patios, or sandy toes at sunset. If your friend lives outside and sips inside, this is your move. Pair it with an insulated wine tumbler for the pal who treats their Stanley like a security blanket. Practical, durable, and it won’t break when it inevitably kisses the concrete.
Travel light? I’ve got a soft spot for single-serve bottles, and Esquire agrees:
“Wander + Ivy’s single-serve bottles are ideal for the glass-a-night type.” —Esquire (Christine Flammia, Bellamy Richardson)
Great for portion control and weekday sanity. Bonus: these are clutch for picnics or the beach when you don’t want to babysit a full bottle.
Speaking of portion control, Esquire throws in a wink with the beaker wine glass:
“Portion control, eh?” —Esquire (Christine Flammia, Bellamy Richardson)
Is it quirky? Yes. Will it make your friend laugh and actually get used? Also yes. I’m pro anything that sparks conversation without trying too hard.
For the budding wine nerd, a beginner-friendly Winc bundle is a smart gateway. It helps train the palate without the pressure of memorizing the Côte d’Or. And if you’ve got a DIYer on your list, those home wine kits (Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot) won’t beat your local shop’s $30 bottle, but they’re pure, goofy joy. Wine should be fun—full stop.
Now, treats. Esquire doesn’t shy away from indulgence: Champagne- and whisky-infused chocolates dusted with edible 24-karat gold? I mean, twist my arm. If your person leans savory, wine-infused salt makes steak night feel like a chef’s tasting menu. And for pairing playtime, the cheese set “for an epicurean trip around Europe” is a slam dunk. Or, as Esquire puts it:
“Not a damn thing to quibble about here.” —Esquire (Christine Flammia, Bellamy Richardson)
Want to turn December into a tasting tour? The wine Advent calendar is a festive flex. Twenty-four minis—14 reds, seven whites, three rosés—so they can sample without commitment. There’s even a luxe version if you’re trying to be the hero of the office gift exchange.
Game night fans will love the wine-themed puzzle and the escape-room-style game. They’re low-key perfect for rainy days or lazy Sundays—just don’t blame the Malbec when your edge pieces go missing. For hosts, sparkly wine charms and engraved glasses score points on both aesthetics and crowd control. And yes, the shower wine holder exists. Pro-level move if you’ve ever pondered a Pinot while rinsing out sea salt.
On the practical side, I’m bullish on the backpack-style wine cooler. It keeps bottles cold for up to 36 hours (tailgate to sunset session, easy), and the honeycomb wine rack makes storage look like modern art rather than chaos on a counter. If they’re partial to California terroir, a CA Wine Club subscription is the gift that keeps giving—monthly bottles, minimal effort, maximum bragging rights.
A few pro tips to wrap it up:
- Match the gift to their lifestyle. Beach dweller? Chiller and single-serves. Homebody host? Charms, rack, and cheese set.
- Give an experience + a tool. Advent calendar plus engraved glass. Winc sampler plus that beaker glass—science meets sipping.
- Add a personal note. Favorite pairing you love, or a killer playlist for decanting and decompressing.
Credit where it’s due: Esquire’s guide is wildly comprehensive without feeling try-hard, and Flammia and Richardson keep the tone delightfully human—equal parts taste and fun. Whether your giftee is a Burgundy whisperer or just wine-curious, there’s something here that’ll get uncorked and actually used.
Source: https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g65625451/best-wine-gifts/
