December 01, 2021 by Arden Montgomery
Best Christmas Wine Gifts
Christmas is coming up fast, and it’s time to start gathering gifts for the beloveds in your life. And different would-be Santas employ different strategies for present procurement. Serious shoppers probably know exactly what their friends and family want, and are cross-referencing to make sure there aren’t any duplicates. More laid-back gift givers might choose something off the shelves that anyone would be sure to love. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, there’s one positively impeccable present that works for both passionate oenophiles and casual folks who happen to own stemmed glasses: a nice bottle of wine.
We love gift giving at Argaux, and so we’ve put together a pile of pre-selected possible presents that are sure to be a hit with whoever finds it beneath the tree (just make sure you get them to share it with you.) Let’s dive in!
‘Gaux-to series
Our ‘Gaux-To destination gift boxes feature 2 to 4 bottles of hand-selected wines from our collections, giving a special nod to bottles from various wine capitals around the world.
California
California is a long, long state with a wild number of different microclimates stretched along its beachy, forested, mountainous body, from San Diego all the way to the Oregon border. And each of those microclimates have at least a few vineyards in them, each offering a unique taste of California terroir.
Our ‘Gaux-to California box offers either all red or mixed wines, and may include the following bottles:
- 2019 Wonderland Project No. 9 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: A dense, deep and delectable Cab Sauv from the heart of iconic California wine country.
- 2018 Pec & Burl ‘A Tale of Two Dudes’ Red Blend: A sophisticated table wine produced by two Enology students in Paso Robles.
- 2019 No Name Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir: No name because this classic Pinot will leave you speechless after one sip.
- 2019 No Name Santa Barbara County Chardonnay: A quintessential Chard with all the sensuousness of a French patisserie — but on the border of Mexico.
Champagne
“If it’s not from Champagne it’s just sparkling wine.” Well, the contents of this gift box is Champagne, as well as the perfect gift for the beloved bubbly snob in your life. Grab yourself a box too, while you’re at it, and tuck it away for New Years.
Our ‘Gaux-to Champagne box offers the following bottles from iconic winemaker Champagne Delavenne:
- NV Champagne Delavenne Père & Fils Brut Nature Grand Cru
- NV Champagne Delavenne Père & Fils Brut Rosé Grand Cru
France
There is a certain sacredness about wines produced in France. Wine may not have originated in France, and it may no longer be the baby darling of the wine world (that’s what we’re going to call California from now on) but it still somehow remains the heart of wine culture, owing to ancient and romantic viticultural traditions that are synonymous with the country itself.
Our ‘Gaux to France box offers a selection of hand-picked red or mixed wines from our vast collection of French bottles at Argaux. Allow us to surprise you!
Italy
One pictures Roman villas, sweeping hills dotted with cypress trees, a canopy of olive branches, and vineyards as far as the eye can see if they’re asked to think of a winery. Italian viticultural communities have centuries-old roots that are carried forward on long-tilled earth with utterly contemporary practices.
Our ‘Gaux to Italy box offers a selection of hand-picked red or mixed wines from our collection of Italian bottles at Argaux. And of course, every one of them pairs with something delicious, so we’ve thrown in a bottle of Ottomani Olive Oil with each kit to help you get started.
The Med
Sunshine and white sand beaches and blue-domed villas and charcuterie and vintage fishing boats and — whew, we got carried away there. And if you’re lucky enough to get carried away to the Mediterranean this winter, take one of these kits with you to help integrate the views with the flavors of that blue, blue water. If you’re staying in the states, you can take a med staycation with a taste from Corsica.
Our ‘Gaux to The Med box offers the following wines from winemaker Christopher Ferrandis:
- 2019 Clos Signadore ‘A Mandria’ Patrimonio Rosé
- 2018 Clos Signadore ‘A Mandria’ Patrimonio Rouge
Interactive tasting sets
Food & Wine Pairing
This kit makes the perfect gift for both newbie wine drinkers and seasoned oenophiles. We partnered with Vanessa Price, author of Big Macs & Burgundy, to bring you a box that comes with 2 to 4 bottles of premium or standard wine along with a copy of Vanessa’s book to help you learn the basics of pairing wine with food — everything from gold-leaf caviar to your favorite fast food french fries.
Old World vs. New World
Where the grapes are grown, how and where they are stored, the practices traditional to the winemakers of that place — location is vitally important to understanding different kinds of wine. And understanding the difference between wines made in Europe versus the U.S. is a fundamental piece all wine lovers should get. This kit will teach you everything you need to know about California and Oregon vs. France and Italy with 2 to 4 bottles comparing the delicious traditions of each locale.
Blind Tasting Kit
Learn the basics of distinguishing wine and have fun doing it with our blind tasting kit. This gift is great to bring to a party or pull out after the stockings have all been emptied for some educational libations. Kit comes with 2 to 4 bottles of red, white or mixed wines that are wrapped to conceal the label, along with an easy guide to wine tasting that will grow your tasting skills and help you deduce which mystery bottles we’ve included.
Spritz Kit: Holiday Edition
For the wine curious who need a little push, or the wine-savvy who love a little something extra in their glass, this fun holiday cocktail kit is sure to spice up any party. Prepare to be transported to a 1920’s flapper club with a bottle of our go-to bubbly for spritzers, Sorelle Bronca Prosecco, and the delicious, sustainably made Volume Primo Vermouth.
Special edition gift kits
Year of Firsts
The “gift that keeps on giving” for betrothed combining their happy day with Christmas. Newlyweds can count the happy memories made each month after their wedding with 6 to 12 bottles of hand-selected wines from our collection. Choose from red, white or mixed bottles, or, if the couple have any special favorites, leave a note specifying the bottle of choice at check out.
Chez Argaux
It’s not wine! But it’s still delicious. For your sober foodie friends or wine lovers who want to take their pairing to the next level with these edible additions, the Chez Argaux kit includes a bundle of kitchen essentials from sustainable companies we love.
In the box you’ll find:
- 2020 Ottomani Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Jacobsen Salt Co. Flake Finishing Finishing Sea Salt
- Jacobsen Salt Co. Classic Whole Grain Mustard
- Jacobsen Salt Co. Rare Wildflower Honey
- NAKED Grandma Pepper Jam
Natural Wine Tasting Kit
Are you looking for a gift for the nature nerd who also loves to sip in your life? Or are you trying to convince a die-hard sulfite freak that natural wines actually can be truly delicious? Either way, we’ve got your back. Our natural wine tasting kit comes with two bottles from our cellars that were made with nothing but grapes, native yeast and time.
What else Argaux can do for you
If you prefer to pick out your own bottles, Argaux can send you your selection hand-wrapped in sophisticated packaging that saves you the trouble of shopping for wine-themed wrapping paper. Or if you prefer to let your beloveds select their own gifts, treat them to an Argaux gift certificate so they can find the small-batch wine that best suits their taste.
Is it your turn to bring the wine to the holiday feast this year? Check out or Best Wine for Christmas piece to find out what wines for Christmas dinner Argaux has in stock.