30 / Oct / 2026
Giving wine for Christmas: the perfect gift for every type of wine lover
A bottle of wine is one of the most popular gifts around Christmas and New Year. But “a nice bottle” means something different to everyone. One wine lover dreams of a powerful Barolo, another is thrilled with a case of natural wine or an evening of tasting with friends.
So the best tip for giving wine during the holidays is simple: first think about who you’re giving it to, then about the bottle. Below you’ll find seven types of wine drinkers you’re bound to recognise, each with the gift that really hits the mark.
In this article
Which type of wine drinker are you buying for?
At a glance: which wine gift suits whom?
7 types of wine drinkers and the wine gift that suits them
The exploreralways looking for something new
Sound familiar? Never orders the same wine twice, asks the waiter for “something different” and knows grape varieties you’ve never heard of. For the explorer, one bottle is not enough: the fun is in tasting something new every time.
The perfect gift
A gift wine subscription. Every month a box arrives from a different small winemaker, with a digital tasting in which the maker talks about their wines. You pay once and the subscription ends automatically. Choose 2, 3, 6 or 12 months, with 3 or 6 bottles per box.
Tip: Start the subscription in January. That way the recipient has something to look forward to after the holidays.
The classic drinkerknows exactly what they like
This wine lover knows their preference: classic, full-bodied wines. Renowned regions that have proven themselves for years in style and quality, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rioja and the Rhône.
The perfect gift
A case of six bottles of the same wine from one of the classic wine regions. Think of a Rioja Reserva from Marqués del Hueco or a Merlot-based Bordeaux. From the Rhône comes a spicy Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage and a rich, floral Viognier from Condrieu by Domaine Merlin. And from Burgundy a red Pinot Noir or white Chardonnay by Domaine Desertaux Ferrand, all the way up to their Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru.
These wines are known for their ageing potential. The recipient can open one bottle every year to taste how the wine develops. So you’re not just giving six wines, but a new tradition.
Tip: Write on each bottle the year it may be opened. That turns the gift into a yearly moment to look forward to.
The bubbles fanevery moment is a celebration
For sparkling wine fans, there’s always a reason to pop a bottle, festive occasion or not. A good sparkling wine works at any dinner or drinks.
The perfect gift
A bottle or case of sparkling wine from a small producer. Here’s how to pick the right bubbles:
Tip: This gift works all year round. There’s always something to celebrate, so a few extra bottles at home never hurt.
Still not sure?
Give a different winemaker every month
With a wine subscription you can’t go wrong, whatever type of wine drinker they are.
Discover the gift subscriptionThe natural wine fanpure, quirky and a little cloudy
This wine lover knows the best wine bars in town, loves exciting flavours and wants to know how a wine is made. Minimal intervention in the cellar, plenty of character in the glass.
The perfect gift
A selection of natural wine or an orange wine: white grapes fermented on their skins, giving a spicy, slightly tannic result. Also check out our natural winemakers: you can order a tasting case per winemaker. That way the recipient really gets to know the maker.
Tip: Winemakers often bring natural wines to our masterclasses. Give a masterclass gift voucher and the recipient can taste together with the maker.
The curious tasterwants to understand what’s in the glass
This wine lover reads labels, takes notes and wants to know why a wine tastes the way it does. Tasting is learning.
The perfect gift
A wine tasting case from a single winemaker. Tasting different wines from the same maker side by side teaches you a lot about the region and the winemaker’s style. Choose, for example, a case from the Mosel, Alsace, Valpolicella or even the Netherlands.
Tip: Want to learn even more? With our wine subscription, the winemaker explains every bottle and why it tastes the way it does.
The mindful drinkerless, but better
Drinks in moderation, pays attention to what’s in the bottle or is taking a break from alcohol. For this person, a thoughtful gift means even more.
The perfect gift
Organic wine from winemakers who work with respect for nature, or a bottle of non-alcoholic wine that actually tastes like wine. Also great for Dry January.
Tip: Pair a non-alcoholic bottle with a regular one, so the recipient can choose.
5 tips for giving wine at Christmas
Not sure about their taste? Choose an experience or a subscription. Then you’re not giving one bottle, but the chance to discover.
Add a story. A wine from a small winemaker, with a card about who made it, feels more personal than a bottle off the shelf.
Think about the moment. Bubbles for New Year’s Eve, a full-bodied red for Christmas dinner, a subscription for the months after.
Order in time. Couriers are busy around the holidays. We deliver to the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany; check the latest shipping information.
Frequently asked questions about wine as a Christmas gift
What wine should you give if you don’t know their taste?
Choose a safe, approachable wine such as a juicy red (Primitivo, Barbera) or a fresh sparkling wine. Even better: give a wine subscription or tasting, so the recipient can discover what they like.
What is an original wine gift?
A gift wine subscription with a different winemaker every month, a wine tasting for two, or a bottle of natural or orange wine. These are gifts people rarely buy for themselves.
What do you give a wine lover who has everything?
Give something that doesn’t fit in a wine rack: an experience. Think of a tasting or a subscription with digital tastings, where the recipient gets to know the winemaker.
How much should you spend on a wine gift?
That’s up to you. A tasting starts from €15 per person, a tasting case costs roughly €70 to €170 and a gift wine subscription starts at €100 for two months.
Can I have a wine gift sent directly to the recipient?
Yes. With the wine subscription you choose whether the first box goes to you or to the recipient, and you can add a personal message for the card.
The best wine gift: a winemaker at your table
The best wine gift suits the person and comes with a story. At ONWINE, all our wines come directly from small, independent winemakers. So you’re not just giving a bottle, but also the people behind it.
Gift wine subscriptionAll wine giftsCheers and happy holidays!
