Red wine can be an easy, go-to gift for anyone on your list, but when the time comes to pick one out at the wine shop, the prospect of having to choose the perfect bottle can start to feel a bit intimidating. With so many different grape varieties, regions, and expressions — and individual palate preferences — it can be tough to sift through the hundreds of options. That’s why we curated a list of the best red wines across several categories to help fit every gifting scenario this holiday season.
Whether you’re shopping for a loved one who got really into cooking homemade pasta this year, a friend who’s ready to take their interest in Pinot Noir to the next level, or an uncle perpetually in their Napa Cab era, we have a recommendation for you. And you don’t have to shell out on a luxury bottle to make an impression; this list offers several great bang-for-your-buck reds that over-deliver on quality for the price. But for those open to spending a bit more, we have the intel on which bottles are worth the splurge.
Read on to discover the best red wines to gift this year.
Best Budget Red: Rosi Schuster Sankt Laurent 2022
Best Splurge Red: Burgess Cellars ‘Sorenson’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Best Red Wine For Beginners: Reeve Wines ‘Mirama’ Pinot Noir 2022
Best Red Wine for Geeks: Liska Wine Co. Björnson Vineyard Gamay Noir 2022
Best Red Wine for Dinner Pairings: Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
