We cannot tell you how many times we’ve been asked, “What is the best wine to give as a gift?”. With the holidays around the corner and rows upon rows of wine, how on earth do you choose? Don’t get intimidated with your holiday gift giving! Wine is a great gift… and honestly, have you ever heard of anyone returning a bottle of wine? We didn’t think so! Let’s get started.
First of all, know your host or hostess. Do they enjoy sweets, or do they avoid sugar? Have you ever shared a bottle together which you can bring to evoke those fond memories? Remember – the gift is for the host, so don’t expect it to be opened for the guests… that’s up to the host!
“If I know the hosts don’t like dry wines, I’ll bring Niagara. You can’t go wrong there – it’s a crowd pleaser!“
-Michelle, Wholesale
Now, what is the occasion? Have you been invited for dinner or cocktails? Is it a business event or a corporate party? Consider the occasion, and the options are endless.
If you’re attending a casual cocktail party with friends, choose a wine that excels in one or two ways, rather than an everyday bottle without any special qualities. If you’re in a pinch, simply bring a wine that both dry and sweet drinkers would enjoy!
“I would bring either Berlyn or Seyval Blanc to a holiday cocktail party. They’re both in the middle and semi-dry, and everyone would be happy to share them!“
-Sophia, Wine Club Associate
If you’re on your way to a dinner party, a more unique option is to bring a dessert wine or pairing. Your host will certainly appreciate this out-of-the-box sentiment! For example, our dessert wine, Augie’s Blackberry, pairs beautifully with either milk or dark chocolate. It’s a delicious end to the night!
Perhaps your company is throwing a corporate holiday party. In this case, we recommend bringing a higher-end wine to impress your colleagues. With this occasion, dry reds are more than appropriate or a sparkling wine is always a hit.
“For a corporate party, I would presume that many of the guests prefer dry reds. I would go with either Ginocchio or Chambourcin Reserve. However, if you’re bringing a sparkling wine, I would bring our higher-end Brut Rosé de Saignée.”
-Dave, Operations Manager
This may go without saying, but New Year’s is all about the sparkling wine, don’t you think? It’s time to celebrate, pop some bubbly, and toast to new beginnings together.
“I would bring Blend 795 to a New Year’s party. Honestly, it’s my favorite sparkling wine, and I’d love to share it… or keep it all to myself!“
-Jennifer, Insider’s Wine Club Manager
No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with a wine that tells a story, and August Hill/ISC wines have got your back. A good story is a great way to break the ice and spark conversation. For example, did you know that our Blend 795 was selected to christen the USS Hyman G. Rickover submarine this year? Or that our Berlyn’s name comes from a combination of our owners’ middle names (Mark Bernard and Teri Lyn)?
If you like the idea of a gift that keeps on giving, consider our Angel of Hope. Let your host know that for every bottle sold, August Hill donates a $1 to Relay for Hope.
Looking for something on a grander scale? Consider a wine club gift membership. Memberships can be purchased for half or full years at August Hill and are available as sweet, dry, or sparkling. For another grand idea, perhaps gift a wine-themed gift basket; we have a wide variety of wine glasses and wine accessories, and our staff is always happy to help you put together a beautiful wine basket!
Wherever you’re going this holiday season, August Hill has something perfect for you. Happy Gifting!