A bottle for every occasion, and a flavor for every preference. Wine is unique among traditional gift offerings in its versatility, longevity, and widespread appeal. A bottle of wine is at once a token of hospitality, a symbol of good luck, and a delicious addition to any home, making it one of the best gifts money can buy. Read through our guide below to discover how to pick the perfect variety of wine for your intended gift recipient, as well as learn a little more about our wine partner, Boisset.

Consider the Season

While wine can certainly be enjoyed year-round, it is important to consider the time of year in which you are gifting a bottle. Wines that coincide with the seasons have a greater impact on their recipients and showcase the thoughtfulness put into your selection. For summer months, try lighter wines such as Champagne, rosé, and sauvignon blanc. Contrasting wines for the winter months tend to be heartier, such as cabernet sauvignon and riesling. For spring, stick to fruity varieties such as pinot grigio or try a sparkling white wine for extra lightness. The cool autumn months deserve fuller-bodied wines such as viognier and zinfandel to prepare the drinker for winter.

Mark the Occasion

The context in which you are giving wine as a gift can vary significantly, as does the kind of wine you should gift. For instance, party settings or occasions in which a large group is present usually necessitate gifting a larger bottle, that way the host may share the bottle with the whole company if desired, whereas more intimate occasions usually coincide with smaller bottles.

The tone of a particular celebration can also dictate the kind of wine you purchase. Festivities such as birthdays or other parties pair well with bubbly, fizzy, lighter wines. Weddings, anniversaries, or engagements usually call for a pairing of red and white wines for couples with differing tastes, such as Boisset’s Exclusively Yours gift set. For the holiday season, choose an appropriate traditional pairing such as cabernet sauvignon for Christmas or Champagne for New Year’s Eve. Housewarming gifts come with wishes for good luck, prosperity, and longevity, and should be paired with a wine that will last such as Boisset’s Aged to Perfection gift set.

A Matter of Taste

Your gift recipient’s preferences also play a large factor in which wine to choose. Friends, acquaintances, and loved ones with specific well-known tastes will be easy to shop for, but others might require a little sleuthing. If the recipient likes things on the sweeter side, a fruity red or pink variety will probably suit them, whereas someone with a penchant for bitter flavors, such as an avid black coffee drinker, will often prefer a dry wine. For those who appreciate a chance to discover something new, a set that contains several varieties of wine to explore is a delightful gift. For an extra touch, you can also gift a wine tasting experience through Boisset.

Make it Personalized

Nothing exudes thoughtfulness in gift-giving like a personal touch. Having your intended recipient especially in mind, whether that be shown through the gift itself or its presentation, lets them know that you care and goes the extra mile to make your gift special. Boisset, for example, offers custom etching on their bottles to mark special occasions, or custom labelling to turn a branded wine into a bespoke wine. Finally, as with any gift, thoughtful wrapping and presentation can make a world of difference in how your gift is received.

Gift Memorably

Boisset, a family collection of historic and unique wineries, as well as our CAC partner, is offering a whole new way for agents to appreciate and congratulate their clients. From thoughtful gift sets that feature hand-picked selections in a variety of wine types, all with gorgeous wrapping, to special etched bottles, custom labeling, and wine tasting experiences, Boisset will ensure that your gift is memorable and thoughtful. Agents receive 10% off these Boisset gift options when purchasing through Jameson.