Giving wine: how to choose when you do not know their tastes

G i v i n g w i n e : h o w t o c h o o s e w h e n y o u d o n o t k n o w t h e i r t a s t e s

October 18, 2026

✦

Wine Talk

Preparing a carefully wrapped wine gift — Atmosphere illustration — © VAVIN

You are invited to dinner and would like to bring wine. Faced with the bottles, you hesitate: white or red? A familiar appellation or a discovery? And how much should you spend to give something they will enjoy?

For dinner with friends

Offering a bottle of wine to dinner hosts — Atmosphere illustration — © VAVIN

If you would like to share the bottle over dinner, simply ask what is on the menu. Even a general indication — fish, grilled meat or spicy dishes — helps guide the choice.

You can also ask: “Have you already chosen the wine?” Your hosts may have planned their pairings or put a bottle in the fridge.

And if you are bringing a white wine to drink that evening, have it chilled before you leave. It will be easier to serve when you arrive.

To say thank you or mark an occasion

When the bottle is a gift, it does not have to match that evening’s dinner.

A few clues help: does the person order white or red in restaurants? Do they enjoy discovering new flavours? Have they mentioned a region they like?

If you know nothing about their preferences, tell your wine merchant. They can explain several styles and the reasons behind a recommendation. No wine pleases everyone, but a thoughtful recommendation helps you choose with greater confidence. A carefully wrapped bottle and a personal message complete the gift: “I chose this for you to discover at a future dinner.”

For someone who knows wine well

There is no need to impress at any cost. A wine enthusiast may enjoy discovering an unfamiliar producer, even with an affordable bottle.

A region that reminds you of a trip, a producer whose wine you enjoyed, or a bottle chosen for a dish you share: that connection gives the gift meaning.

If you are considering a bottle to keep for several years, check both that the wine is suitable for ageing and that the recipient has appropriate storage conditions.

How much should you spend?

Choose an amount you are comfortable with and say it openly.

“I am looking for a bottle to thank some friends, within this budget” is all you need to say. Good advice should help you find a suitable choice within that limit.

Price alone does not tell you whether a bottle will make someone happy. The thought given to the person and the occasion matters too.

A small detail when handing over the gift

When you arrive, simply say: “This is for you; feel free to save it for another time.”

Your hosts can then open it if they wish, without feeling obliged to change what they had planned.