Shopping for people who love a particular thing can lead to a very specific conundrum: How do you know if you’re getting them a gift that they’ll actually be excited about? This rings especially true for oenophiles, more commonly known as wine lovers. When it comes to the world of wine, there are a lot of different preferences, tastes, varieties and things to know.

Fortunately, finding the best present doesn’t have to be as complicated — especially when you’re armed with gift recommendations from experts with impeccable taste. These gifts, which include everything from the wine glasses you’ll find at Michelin-starred restaurants to a gadget that can keep an open bottle of wine fresh for years, have been hand-picked by expert sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, hospitality pros and people who just know and love their wine.

Los Angeles-based certified sommelier and wine educator Brianne Cohen describes the Josephine No. 2 as “the sexiest wine glasses.” The universal wine glass, which is perfect for reds and whites alike, comes from the legendary Zalto family, whom she refers to as the GOATs of wine glasses. “Slim and dainty stems with gorgeously crafted bowls are a work of art on their own,” she explains, “and showcase your wines with their precise hand-blown craftsmanship.”

Aaron Thompson, a bartender, sommelier and co-owner of Brother Wolf and Osteria Stella in Knoxville, Tennessee, describes this as “a must for any wine lover who wants to keep their wine fresh.” This nifty gadget uses 100% food-grade argon gas to preserve the freshness of an open bottle of wine for years. “We use the Coravin preservation systems at all three of our restaurants because they work so effectively,” says Thompson. Cohen agrees, sharing that it’s perfect for a household with “differing wine preferences or for the person who likes to switch between different wines.” If you’re shopping for someone who tends to prefer bubbly, there’s also a Coravin system for sparkling wines.

“This is my favorite entertaining showstopper,” shares Sarah Tracey, sommelier at The Lush Life. “This ice mold not only keeps your wine chilled for hours, but it doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece,” she says. “Simply fill it with seasonal fruit, flowers or greenery to wow your guests — it’s a wonderful gift for oenophiles that love to host!”

“This is such a fun idea for a wine-soaked game night, especially if the wine-lover on your list has a competitive streak,” shares Tracey. “With trivia categories like ‘Vine to Vino,’ ‘Wine Cellar’ and ‘Cork Culture,’ players get to flex their wine knowledge while beginners can pick up some wine education.”

Chas Martin, co-founder of Duro Hospitality — the group responsible for Dallas’ highly-anticipated restaurant and bar Mister Charles — recommends this book, which holds “a special place” in his heart. “Back in the day, my professor — who’s a master sommelier now — used it as the go-to teaching material in one of my culinary school classes,” says Martin. “It’s super easy to get into, breaks down major wine regions and just gives you this broad, awesome view — seriously, a game-changer.”

“I love a good wine picnic, and this collapsible bamboo board is the perfect way to enjoy one both indoors and outdoors,” shares Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast. “Place your favorite cheeses and spreads directly on the board and keep your glasses and wine from knocking over in the holders — simple but genius design.”

“One of the best ways to continue learning about wine is by drinking outside of your comfort zone,” says McCrossin, and “a well-curated wine club featuring the recommendations of an unrivaled team of sommeliers is a perfect way to explore without the worry of wondering whether the wine will actually be good.” She recommends Wine Access, which boasts a couple subscription services you can choose from. One of the options is Wine Access Unfiltered, which pairs an episode of McCrossin’s own podcast series with four hand-selected bottles every two months, perfect for anyone hoping to learn about wine straight from the expert source.

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“As a wine glassware expert, I continuously reiterate that decanters are one of the best and most important gifts you could give a wine drinker,” shares Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation CEO and president of Riedel. “Decanters are more than mere accessories; they are key tools for getting maximum enjoyment out of wine,” he says. This stunning option is perfect for gifting, especially to those who love to explore different varietals or have an ever-changing wine preference, he explains. “Defined by its ease of use and versatile functionality, it’s ideal for any type of wine, including red, white and Champagne, and can be used to gently decant both older wines and vigorously aerate younger wines.”

“Sabering is such a fun party trick for wine lovers,” shares Desiree Harrison-Brown, a wine educator, influencer and founder of the blog Wino Noire. “Imagine the thrill of slicing open a bottle of Champagne with a sword, sending corks flying and sparking joyous moments.” Martin also recommends a Champagne saber as the perfect celebratory gift. “This adds a touch of French elegance and excitement to any celebration,” he explains, “making for a memorable and unique gift for the bubbly enthusiast in your life.”

“For a slightly more upscale gift, I love to give two glass sets of Gabriel Glas,” shares Ashley Herzberg, winemaker at Avaline. “These glasses are my go-to for writing tasting notes or for a casual glass of wine at home,” she says. “I love them and I love to share them.” They’re also a favorite of McCrossin’s, who refers to them as the little black dress of wine glasses. “A truly great wine glass can really optimize your wine,” she explains, “and this is one of the more affordable well-crafted options, and has that perfect balance of feeling both delicate and durable.”

“True wine lovers know that a lot of the joy of wine discovery lies in exploring pairings,” shares Tracey, “and cheese pairing is a classic way to start evolving your palate.” This subscription from the renowned Murray’s Cheese is available in three different shipping cadences, and each includes a variety of cheeses plus one other accompaniment, selected to pair with that month’s suggested beverage.

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“This is a personal journey through the wines that have most impacted my career and my take on what makes a real Italian wine,” shares Joe Campanale, co-owner of Bar Vinazo, LaLou and Fausto in Brooklyn, New York, and author of this book. “With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and small producers who are working in an organic and artisan method, this book showcases the most exciting wines being produced in Italy today.”

If you’re on the hunt for a practical yet stylish gift, Martin and McCrossin both endorse this corkscrew for wine enthusiasts. According to Martin, the double-pronged wine opener is “irreplaceable for preserving delicate and aged corks from vintage wines”. McCrossin also approves of this choice: “As a sommelier who has opened thousands of old wine bottles throughout my career, I can attest that this device is a lifesaver.”

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“This two-book set is a terrific present for anyone who is interested in gaining a deep understanding about wine,” comments Thompson. It extensively discusses the current scenario around wine in France. He further adds, “The book is filled with interesting stories about winemaker families in France and the various winemaker personalities. Plus, the photography is absolutely stunning.”

Tracey speaks highly of these sea salt spice blends created by Barton Seaver, a renowned chef and author, which are designed to complement and bring out the flavor of your choice of wine. She regards them as the perfect treats for wine-loving cooks or cooking aspirants on your gift list.

McCrossin deems this glass as the pinnacle of opulence and exceptional design, explaining that for a full olfactory and gustatory experience of Champagne, a tulip-shaped glass is actually superior to flutes or coupes. This singular piece allows for visibility of the bubbles which are accentuated nicely in its slender base – similar to a flute. The multiple turns leading up to the wider opening make it the perfect Champagne vessel, in her opinion.

Campanale speaks about her friend named Victoria James – a wine director and partner at Cote and Coqodaq. James co-founded an organization that supports women and the BIPOC community within the wine industry. She believes that amplifying more voices in the industry is advantageous for every wine enthusiast.

As a vintner, Herzberg prefers to include a small bonus when gifting a wine bottle. One of her favourite treats to give is a budget-friendly but classy bottle cooler. She believes that it makes a nice addition to her friends’ kitchens and maintains its appeal even when it isn’t being used.

Cohen suggests a wine club membership from Theopolis Vineyards which is owned by a Black woman and located near the border of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. She holds in high regard the petite sirah created by thewinery’s founder and owner, Theodora Lee. She describes it as an exceptional wine that has earned more awards than one can imagine.

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“Never wince or poke a hole in the ceiling again,” says McCrossin. “Simply place this device on top of the Champagne bottle, hold the neck and press the button, and the device will do the rest.” And while useful for most people, it’s a particularly great tool for those with limited mobility or conditions that make gripping a challenge.

“Say goodbye to half-dry wine glasses,” says Harrison-Brown. “These silicone drying racks are designed with openings to allow you to thoroughly air dry your wine glasses.” And as a bonus? They also work great for water bottles, tumblers and protein shakers.

There’s also this option from Kohler. “I purchased this not knowing whether I would actually use it,” says McCrossin, “and now I can’t remember my life without it.” This drying rack fits up to six glasses — even those with a super-wide base — and allows you to let your glasses dry without worry of knocking them over. “It folds completely flat, feels super sturdy and can be stored easily under the sink,” says McCrossin.

“A good crystal wine glass that works for most occasions is an always welcome gift idea,” says Thompson. Riedel is appreciated for its clever and functional design – each aspect, including the shape and size, is designed with the intention of accentuating specific types of wines and their fragrances. “These Riedel glasses are ideal for both white and red wines, and a great starting point for wine novices,” he adds.

Though it may first appear to be a book about architecture, McCrossin explains that it offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of the most respected, noted, and stunning wineries and residences in Napa Valley. “This collective of architects from Napa Valley is well-renowned in the wine industry,” states McCrossin. “This is the ideal coffee table book, whether you wish to reminisce about a wine tasting trip, look forward to an upcoming one, or get an insider’s perspective on some of the world’s most exclusive wineries.”

For the individuals who would prefer to be indulging in a glass of wine on a vineyard rather than anywhere else, Harrison-Brown suggests this sweatshirt that highlights regions from some of the leading wine-producing nations.

A handsome wine decanter magnifies the wine drinking experience,” says Thompson, who encourages this graceful yet reasonably priced option that has the capacity to hold a full bottle of wine. “This decanter has a simple design with clean lines, and it’s effortless to pour from,” he remarks. “We recommend decanting young wines that are packed with character to allow them to breathe and thus reveal more of their concealed fragrances.”

Harrison-Brown describes this as “the top-rated wine text for beginners and experts alike.” The writer “guides you around the planet, experimenting with wines, cuisines, cultures, and more,” leading to an exciting, but incredibly enlightening and enjoyable read.

“Alice Feiring is the authority on organic wines and I’ve subscribed to her newsletter for several years,” remarks Campanale. “She just relocated to Paris to be nearer to the organic wine universe’s epicenter and I am eager to read her updates. Her passion and support for natural wines are not because they’re trendy or appealing, but because she appreciates fine wine.”

“This one is a bit extravagant, but for when you wish to amaze a wine enthusiast,” mentions Tracey. “Known for their exquisitely designed knives, Laguiole produces the ultimate standard of wine openers — items that are meant to become heirlooms.” This beauty is designed with a green malachite stone circle.

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