How to buy wine as a gift

Much like buying a fragrance, giving wine as a gift can feel like a stab in the dark; but there are a few considerations to bear in mind that will make it easier, even if you’re not sure which flavours and styles your recipient is usually drawn towards.

Buy something with a bit of age

Buying a pricier mature bottle of wine can feel like a bit of an indulgence, which is exactly why it makes a fantastic gift. The beauty of wine lies in its ability to capture its time and place of creation, the viticulture employed by the winemaker, and the dramatic weather events, halcyonic sunshine or challenging harvest that goes into its creation, and bottle it up; it’s a sip of history, which makes it a truly lovely gift.

Add a bit of age to bring out the advanced flavours that maturation brings (think nuts, spices, savoury notes, and even tobacco, game and leather in red wines) and there really is nothing better you can give.

If you’re a Cellar Circle member your Advisor can help, or get in touch with our team if you’d like some guidance.

Go tried and tested

Our Collection is an easy and convenient choice when it comes to gifting – they’re tried and tested bottles from wonderful producers with whom we’ve forged great relationships, sometimes over decades. We’ve chosen them to be a true expression of their respective terroirs and as such they make a great introduction to different wine styles for those starting their wine journey, or a real selection of crowd pleasers for those already in the know. Featuring classics such as beautifully-crafted Bordeaux, and Italian Nebbiolo, and slightly more adventurous choices such as Austrian Grüner Veltliner, there really isn’t a better place to start than here.

Look for something off-piste

For the wine lover that’s well versed in the beauty of Burgundy and Bordeaux, and knows their Sangiovese from their Nebbiolo, you might want to venture off the beaten track to wow. Regions such as Greece, Austria and Lebanon all have surprises to offer for the intrepid, and make a great conversation-starter for sharing with the lucky recipient.

Look for cooler climes in warmer regions for freshness, and native grape varieties if you really want to find quality – our Buyer-curated wines all have the Lay & Wheeler quality stamp of approval.

 Buy Cellar Circle Membership

Why not let one of our Fine Wine Advisors do the hard work for you? Sign your recipient up to a Cellar Circle account: by depositing £100 per month or more, you can set them up for a lifetime of good wine, and once signed up, they’ll received expert guidance from their Advisor to help them build the collection of their dreams. And if you’re already a Cellar Circle member, you’ll get a £50 bonus on your account too – it’s a win-win.

Buying wine for a wedding gift

You just can’t go wrong with a bottle of Champagne, whether it’s a luxurious Grandes Marques or a quirky Grower Champagne. Our Champagne pages give a brief breakdown of styles and names to look out for, so you can choose the perfect sparkling for the big day. And if you’d like to discuss wine for your own wedding, whether for the party or as your gift list, get in touch – we’d be happy to discuss how Lay & Wheeler can help.