Ten last-Minute Christmas gift ideas for a wine nerd

We all have that one friend who knows a little more about wine. They’re the one who takes the wine list at the restaurant, introduces you to obscure grape varieties or a producer from a specific subregion of a famous appellation. So, what do you give them? The obvious answer might be a bottle of wine. But which one? What vintage? What type? With so many options, navigating the vast array of choices in a wine shop isn’t always easy. Sticking with the “wine” theme is a safe bet, but why not think outside the box? Here are 10 alternative gifts for the true wine aficionado.

Wine and design

Every true wine nerd has at least a few bottles of old or very old vintages in their cellar. These bottles are wrapped in cellophane to protect their labels and stored in the safest corner, waiting for the perfect moment to be uncorked. For that occasion, a decanter to separate wine sediments is essential. Why not combine functionality with a touch of aesthetic appeal?

Wine aerator

For the impatient drinkers who can’t wait for wine to “open up” in the glass and reveal its aromatic nuances, there are gadgets that allow gentle aeration without compromising the wine’s integrity. These devices can instantly oxygenate the wine as it’s poured into the glass.

Gifting time

It’s hard not to finish a good bottle once it’s opened, or resist the urge to open several to taste different labels. Enter Coravin, the revolutionary system that allows you to sample and preserve wine for a longer period. The Timeless Six+ version is particularly noteworthy.

Tools of the trade

There’s a glass for every type of wine, but the Zalto Universal glass remains one of the best all-around tasting glasses. Lightweight and elegantly simple, it’s a must-have for experiencing every subtle nuance of a poured wine.

For those who don’t finish the bottle

You don’t always have to spend a fortune on gifts for sparkling wine lovers. Le Creuset, the brand famous for its cast-iron cookware, offers an affordable yet highly functional stopper for preserving the bubbles in an open bottle of sparkling wine. A must-try.

The essential chill

Temperature is no minor factor when it comes to wine tasting. While a fridge might suffice to cool a bottle to the right temperature, some devices not only chill the bottle but also maintain the correct serving temperature for extended periods.

Technical corkscrew

Corks are designed to “seal” wine in the bottle for years, but over time, they can become brittle and crumbly. A blade-style corkscrew is indispensable for these situations, allowing you to extract old and fragile corks intact.

Alternative uncorking

Spectacular, iconic, and sure to impress at New Year’s parties – opening sparkling wine with a sabre (sabrage) combines drama and elegance. A proper sommelier’s sabre adds even more flair. When not in use, it looks great on display or as a decorative item. It’s a must-have in any wine lover’s home.

Wine storage

A wine cooler is incredibly useful for those without a dedicated space to store their wines under optimal conditions. The size (and price) of the cooler depends on how many bottles it can hold, making it perfect for keeping a small selection ready for use.

Safety and health

We wrap up this list with a gift that may raise a smile but can prove invaluable in certain situations: a portable breathalyser. Compact and convenient, it measures your blood alcohol level. Many of us assume we’re fine to drive after opening a few bottles, but this little gadget can save far more than just your driving licence.