Buying Wine as a Gift

If you've been invited to a dinner gathering, a house-warming, or almost any other celebration, you'll find wine is the perfect gift. Our suggestion: think about whether the person you're buying for is a casual wine consumer or a connoisseur. You may want to select a tried-and-true favorite for someone relatively new to wine, and a more adventurous choice for a wine enthusiast. Ask your local wine merchant—always a great resource—for recommendations.

If possible, find out what kind of food will be served at the event you'll be attending. Then explore the food and wine pairing options yourself (see our Pairing Guide) or ask your wine seller for advice. You can also ask about wine available to you from a specific country (such as France or Australia), or ask about special vineyards. Know your price range—everyone has a budget. And remember: a more expensive wine is not necessarily a better wine. Good wines are available in all price categories.