Handpicked: 25 Best Hostess Gifts for Wine Lovers and Whiskey Buffs
Heading to a holiday party, or staying with family for a celebration? You don’t want to show up empty-handed. “Entertaining is hard work,” says etiquette coach Tami Claytor, owner of Always Appropriate Image & Etiquette Consulting. Bringing a gift “acknowledges the effort the host made in advance of your arrival.” Wine is always welcome (and here are some suggestions), or a nice bottle of whiskey if that’s more your host’s vibe. But if you want to make an impression, think beyond the bottle. Here are 25 gift ideas to dazzle hosts and hostesses who love to sip and entertain.
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Glassware
Tableware
Storage and Serving
Fun and Games
Glassware
Personalized Somm Pinot Noir Handblown Wine Glass
This gorgeous glass is one of the best for the connoisseur of big red wines. Tested and selected by People as the best for swirling wine, and a favorite of Wine Enthusiast magazine Tasting Director Anna Christina Cabrales, it is meticulously designed with a wide bowl and flared rim to open up wines and enhance aromas. Incredible light and thin-walled, Somm stemware can be personalized with a family name and initial to make a surprisingly exquisite gift that any discerning wine-loving host will really treasure.
$120 (Set of 2)
Wine Enthusiast
Pirouette XL Cabernet Wine Glass
Versatile yet elegant stemware that’s dishwasher-safe and scratch-resistant, Pirouette glasses are a dream for any host or hostess: Stylish and practical makes it particularly thoughtful. The limited-edition XL Cabernet wine glass is generously sized to hold almost a bottle of wine and is a best-seller with wine drinkers who love its impressive size and stature. Customer William C. notes, “These were outstanding glasses that make drinking wine now a class event. Perfect gift.”
$25
Wine Enthusiast
Norlan Rauk Heavy Tumbler
Named for an Old Scottish word for “rock,” this tumbler by Norlan is beloved by whiskey fans for a contemporary look and timeless appeal. Solid and made of molded crystal, the geometric base was developed to optimize the imbibing experience of simple chilled spirits. But the chevron pattern also lends itself well to muddled cocktails by providing friction points to grip ingredients. “The weighty feel of this tumbler is incredibly satisfying,” according to buyer Joseph M. “These tumblers hold a place of honor in my cabinet. Best scotch glass ever!”
$50
Wine Enthusiast
Personalized Reclaimed Barrel Whiskey Flight Set
For whiskey buffs who love to entertain, a one-of-a-kind whiskey flight tray handcrafted from the staves of reclaimed bourbon barrels will live on for many holidays. No two pieces of seasoned wood are the same, and each is laser-etched with a family’s name and “the whiskey bar.” Personalizing something can be “a slam-dunk gift,” says Patrick Kucharson, founder of the Better Gift Coach newsletter. “I’m a big fan of keepsake gifts,” he says. It comes complete with four Glencairn glasses –a favorite for tasting whiskeys.
$99.95
Wine Enthusiast
Tableware
Barrel-Inspired Wine Country Flatware Caddy
For the holiday host who always puts out an impressive buffet, our best-selling Barrel-Inspired Flatware Caddy is sure to impress. Its rustic wine country style brings casual elegance—and a purpose—to any gathering, with four compartments to hold plenty of forks, knives, spoons and napkins. The rugged leather handle and refined natural grain make it perfect for outdoor entertaining, too. Crafted with tasteful gold rivets, you can also personalize it to create a distinctive host gift.
$79.95
Wine Enthusiast
Acacia Wood and Marble Lazy Susan Set
Put a surprising new spin on hostess gifting with this 16-piece serving set. With removable marble insets you can chill in the fridge before serving, utensils and ceramic bowls, it’s an unforgettable gift for anyone who loves to entertain. One of the best host gifts the Better Gift Coach has personally received was a wooden board accompanied by a selection of cheeses. “Every time we use that board, we think about the person who gave it to us,” Kucharson says.
$199
Wine Enthusiast
Reclaimed Bourbon Barrel S’mores Roasting Station
This family-friendly favor that will spark all sorts of fun wine and whiskey pairing adventures any time of year. The tray, made from a retired Kentucky bourbon barrel, has room for all the s’mores fixings and comes with four extendable roasting forks and a small cast-iron pot. It’s equipped with a Sterno flame for roasting marshmallows, but the seasoned crock can also be used to serve fondue, hot caramel dip, and more. Customer Julie G. says it’s “super cool” and and “excellent gift idea for those who have everything.”
$169.95
Wine Enthusiast
Cheesy Puns Individual Cheese Boards Set
Perfect for serving wine and cheese pairings, ornamental boards carved with sayings like “Life is Gouda” and “Cheddar Together” are “versatile and fun!” writes customers Sarah F., and sure to amuse your friends and family. Crafted from quality mango wood and paired with hand-painted wooden knives, the Cheesy Puns set includes six individual-sized boards. Make cheesy puns your hallmark this holiday season by gifting each eight-inch board as individual host and hostess gifts.
$79 (Set of 6)
Wine Enthusiast
Storage and Serving
Wine Entusiast x L’Atelier du Vin Glossy Black and Wood Oeno Motion Corkscrew
This Wine Enthusiast exclusive collaboration with L’Atelier du Vin makes opening wine bottles effortless — and elegant. Designed by the experts at France’s premiere maker of tools for fine wine, the ergonomic handle, vertical-lever design and integrated foil cutter are easy to use and made from luxurious materials that stand the test of time. The solid walnut handle can also be personalized for a truly treasured gift.
$170
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthuiast x Cheer Moda Electric Sparkling Wine Opener
For the lover of sparkling wine who has everything, this first-of-its kind wine opener is guaranteed to be one of their favorite gifts of the season. Designed to offset the impact of high pressure sparkling wine bottles, it safely extracts corks with just the touch of a button. It also comes with an airtight Champagne stopper to save those precious bubbles in unfinished bottles. Slim and powered by AA batteries, it’s much easier than manually opening bottles of bubbly, and far more practical than a saber.
$79
Wine Enthusiast
Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Cocktail Smoker Kit
Give the aficionado a new way to experience whiskey with this show-stopping table topper. “I think this is the first gift I have given him that he really enjoyed,” customer Susan S. writes in her review about her son-in-law. Aromatic wood shavings sourced from retired wine and whiskey barrels come with the self-contained smoker to infuse drinks with flavor, texture and depth. The element looks cool no matter what, but the barrel wood board can also be customized.
$129
Wine Enthusiast
Recanter Wine Breather Decanter
If you have a friend who always shares a few nice bottles when you visit their home, consider giving the Recanter Wine Breather as a host or hostess gift. This sommelier-style decanter rebottles unfinished wine without a spill, and stores it with excellent aeration to extend its freshness. “Easily decant a bottle of wine… by placing the bottle over the decanter, then reverse the process and double decant the wine directly into the bottle,” explains one 5-star reviewer. “No mess.”
$49.95
Wine Enthusiast
Cascade Wine Decanter with Aerating Pourer
From the Wine Enthusiast Art Series, the Cascade decanter is a system of natural aeration that looks beautiful on any table. Pouring wine into the handblown scalloped glass vessel produces a waterfall effect which is gorgeous to behold and also accelerates air circulation to enhance flavor and aroma. Picking a bottle to give with this host or hostess gift? Remember to keep these guidelines in mind when deciding whether or not to decant wine.
$69
Wine Enthusiast
Flame Decanter
Part stunning abstract sculpture and part-lead-free crystal wine carafe, the Flame Decanter is a statement piece that serves a purpose. New this season to the Wine Enthusiast Art Series, this attractive decanter entwines handblown glass spouts like an infinity symbol from wine bottle to glass. Lending sophisticated style to the scientific art of opening up wines, the exquisite design also makes an impressive showpiece.
$99
Wine Enthusiast
Art Series Deluxe Wine Tower Decanting Set
For the host with the most, this deluxe wine decanting set is the ultimate accessory. Standing nearly two feet tall and sized to hold as many bottles of wine, the complete set includes a polished wood stand, a spiral glass funnel and aerator, a decanter and black stainless steel drip tray for elegant entertaining. The show-stopping wine service system is sure to make an impression on any wine lover who truly enjoys the art of entertaining—and a perfect glass of wine.
$129
Wine Enthusiast
Electric Blue Omega Designer Series All-In-One Wine System
This gift includes everything you need to enjoy wine at home, from an automatic corkscrew and vacuum-sealing preserver to a fashionable bottle chiller. This seven-piece set also includes a wine dispenser and aerator, two vacuum stoppers, foil cutter, bottle chiller, and a charging base with a storage drawer and USB cord that sits neatly on the counter. It’s a best-seller in black marble and also comes in a red ombré finish to fit different tastes.
$79.99
Wine Enthusiast
Stainless Steel Ice Mold Bottle Chiller
A functional and fun addition to any event, a bottle chiller formed from sparkling ice seems especially perfect for any holiday party. The stainless steel ice mold turns water into an elegant bottle holder that’s sustainable and efficient to use, set atop a stainless steel coaster for extended life of the ice and easy cleanup. Hosts can add ornaments, fruit, flowers or other decorative elements to the water before freezing to bring their individual flair to the table.
$44.99
Wine Enthusiast
VoChill Wine Glass Chiller
Insulated glasses are an innovation when it comes to keeping wine at the proper temperature, but something is lost in the overall sensory experience when you can’t see the juice in the glass. VoChill innovates in this arena with individual wine chillers designed to work with most standard stemmed glasses. There’s also a version for stemless glasses. Both sets of two chillers feature a freezable cradle made of hand-washable polycarbonate with a detachable, non-slip base. Stemless option available here.
$79.95
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast 6-Bottle Wine Cooler
To up your gift-giving game, etiquette consultant Claytor says to ask yourself, “what does the person want but wouldn’t buy for themselves because it’s perceived as a luxury?” We think this cutie from our compact cooler collection checks all the boxes. A countertop wine fridge that stores up to six standard Bordeaux bottles would be a game-changing gift for any apartment dweller, worker from home, or downsizing empty-nester.
$129
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast 32-Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor Wine Cooler
The top-choice wine fridge according to The New York Times, Wirecutter and Food & Wine, our Dual Zone coolers keep a selection of reds and whites ready to drink. The freestanding refrigerator that fits 32 bottles is popular for its energy-efficient, quiet operation and consistent, controllable temperature zones. Bridging longer-term bottle storage with short-term chilling, this cooler is a solution any budding wine collector is sure to love.
$499
Wine Enthusiast
Fun and Games
Napa Valley Edition Monopoly
Maybe giving a piece of real estate is wishful thinking, but you can share a slice of Napa Valley with any Monopoly fan this season. This beautiful edition of the beloved board game is populated with properties and picturesque views from northern California’s wine country. Napa Valley Monopoly would be an entertaining host or hostess gift for a favorite travel companion, or for the family who always hosts game night.
$44.99
Wine Enthusiast
Personalized Tabletop Four In A Row Game
The best gifts evoke in adults the feeling they had opening presents as children,” Claytor says. We can imagine any recipient of tabletop tic-tac-toe will feel just like a kid again, inevitably eager to play as soon as they open it. This Four In a Row Game is classic in all the right ways, making it fun for family game nights as well as more spirited gatherings. A solid pine setup with a detachable base made of tannin-touched oak barrel staves, the set includes birchwood playing chips in Champagne and Burgundy and optional laser-engraved personalization.
$299
Wine Enthusiast
Santa and Elf Wine Gift Bags
These boots are made for toting around the best hostess gifts: Wine! Priced at under just under $50, this set of two bottle bags is adorably stylized as Santa and elf shoes for holiday gifting. The waterproof, neoprene gift bags fit standard, 750-milliliter bottles and keep wine chilled for up to four hours.
$129
Wine Enthusiast
Full Grain Buffalo Leather and Sherpa-Lined 2-Bottle Wine Bag
Your fashionable wine- loving hosts can go over river and through the woods with this durable wine tote, which insulates and secures two bottles in fleecy sherpa lining. The exterior and handles are made from luxuriously soft yet strong buffalo leather which will age gracefully over time to become a long-lasting favorite. An exterior pocket for storage contains a handy waiter’s corkscrew so they’ll always be prepared to uncork their favorite wines wherever they are.
$99
Wine Enthusiast
Canvas Wine Bottle Gift Bags Set
Before any holiday season stress sets in, snag these festive wine bottle gift bags and have host gifts ready for any occasion. The set of five, 100% cotton bags with leather drawstrings are printed with celebratory sayings like “Toast for the host” and “Let’s drink to that.” They’re durable enough for multiple uses, so it’s a bonus gift for your recipient along with a hand-picked bottle.
$39
Wine Enthusiast
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
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