The Complete Wine Gift Guide: What to Actually Buy for Every Type of Wine Drinker
Andi Healey
Web Manager
So, that's Black Friday out of the way!
The annual "Quick! Buy Something! Anything!" circus where everyone pretends they know what they're doing while panic-buying Christmas presents nobody actually wants.
If you're looking for wine gifts that people will actually use (rather than politely re-gift next Christmas), you've come to the right place. I've put together a proper guide based on the wine drinkers we all know, complete with what to buy them whilst everything's 20% off (and some bits are up to 33% off).
No waffle. No generic "wine lover" nonsense.
Just honest recommendations for real people.
This past week has been incredibly busy, so if any of your choices are "Sold Out", just click on the "Notify me when Back in Stock" button and enter your email address, and we'll do just that.
We have a huge delivery booked in on Monday, so, hopefully…….
In This Guide
So, what kind of wine drinker are you buying for?
The One Who Knows Their Stuff
Who they are
They know their stuff. They've got opinions about terroir, vintage variation, and whether that Rioja is traditional or modern style. They probably own a decanter and know how to use it properly.
They'll notice if you serve Burgundy in a Bordeaux glass and will politely say nothing whilst internally screaming. They're not pretentious exactly, just... particular. Very particular.
They read wine magazines, remember which vineyards had good years, and can tell you why that Chablis tastes different from that Chardonnay. They appreciate quality and they'll know if you've put thought into their gift or just grabbed the first thing with "wine glass" on the label.
What they need
Something that shows you've made an effort. They'll notice the difference between a basic glass and a proper one, so don't cheap out here.
What to buy
Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot Glasses - A pair is £49.95 (RRP £62.50), or you can get a Value Pack for better value. These are Riedel's sweet spot: lighter and more elegant than Vinum, but still dishwasher-safe and practical enough for regular use.
They'll notice the quality immediately - the weight (or lack of it), the balance, the way the wine actually tastes different in a proper glass. This is the level of glassware that shows you've made an effort without going overboard.
Alternative: If they're Burgundy obsessives, the Veritas Pinot Noir (Old World) glasses or Veritas Pinot Noir (New World) glasses do the same job for fruit-forward reds.
The "I Just Like Wine" Person
Who they are
Enthusiastic but not fussy. They drink what they like without performance. They're equally happy with a £10 Malbec or a fancy bottle, and they won't bore you with tasting notes either way.
No pretension, just appreciation.
They might know what they prefer (reds over whites, dry over sweet), but they're not precious about it. They'll happily drink wine from any glass you hand them, they're not checking the vintage before opening a bottle, and they think all the swirling and sniffing is a bit much.
Wine, for them, is about enjoying the moment - whether that's a Tuesday night on the sofa or a special dinner out. They're low-maintenance in the best possible way.
What they need
Versatile, robust glasses that work for everything and won't cause a crisis when one inevitably breaks.
What to buy
Riedel O Wine Tumbler Cabernet/Merlot - A pair is £23.95 (RRP £30). Stemless, so impossible to knock over by the stem. Dishwasher-safe. Comfortable to hold. Works for red wine, white wine, even a cheeky G&T. These are the "throw them in the dishwasher and don't think about it" glasses, which is exactly what this person needs.
Pro tip: The 4-glass sets at £45.95 (RRP £60) work out cheaper per glass if you want to give them a proper set.
💡 Why Stemless Works: No stems to break, no worrying about holding them correctly, and they're stable enough for animated dinner conversation. Practical elegance at its best.
The Dinner Party Host
Who they are
Always has people over. The kind of person whose kitchen is the social hub of their friend group. Needs glassware that looks good on the table but can survive an evening with eight guests, two of whom will definitely knock something over.
They care about presentation - the table should look nice, the food should be proper, the wine should be served in actual wine glasses rather than those random tumblers from IKEA.
But they're also practical. They can't be hand-washing crystal at midnight after everyone's gone home. They need things that work in the real world, with real people, who've had a few drinks and are gesturing enthusiastically whilst telling stories.
They entertain regularly enough that cheap glasses won't cut it, but frequently enough that precious, hand-blown crystal would be a disaster waiting to happen.
What they need
Glasses that balance elegance with practicality. Enough to serve a table without running to the kitchen mid-meal for reinforcements.
What to buy
Riedel Vinum Sauvignon Blanc Glasses or the Riedel Vinum Bordeaux Glasses. These look beautiful on a table, they're light and elegant, but they're also machine-made so they're tougher than they appear. Dishwasher-safe means they can chuck them in after everyone leaves rather than hand-washing at midnight.
Even better: Get them a Riedel Veritas Riesling Value Pack with decanter - 4 Veritas glasses plus a Mosel decanter for £99.95 (RRP £125). Practical and impressive.
The Complete Beginner
Who they are
Just getting interested in wine. Maybe they've been to a wine tasting, or a friend introduced them to something lovely, or they've just decided it's time to move beyond whatever's on offer at the supermarket.
Doesn't want to be intimidated. Needs a good starting point that won't make them feel like they're handling priceless relics every time they pour a glass.
They're keen but uncertain.
They don't know if they're "allowed" to put wine glasses in the dishwasher, or whether they need different glasses for different wines, or if they're doing it all wrong. They need glasses that feel like an invitation, not an exam.
Quality matters to them - they want to learn - but they also need permission to relax and actually enjoy the process rather than stressing about whether they're using the right glass.
What they need
Quality glasses that work for everything, without the pressure of owning something too precious or specialised.
What to buy
Riedel Grape Wine Glasses - The entry point to proper wine glasses. Less expensive than Vinum or Veritas, but still properly shaped for wine appreciation. Robust enough that they won't stress about breaking them whilst learning.
These are the glasses that quietly turn someone from 'interested' to 'I can totally see what all the fuss is about.'
Choose from White Wine/Champagne/Spritz, Pinot Noir/Nebbiolo/Aperitivo, or Cabernet/Merlot/Cocktail - all £23.95 per pair (RRP £30).
The Champagne Enthusiast
Who they are
Will drink fizz at any opportunity.
Prosecco on Tuesday? Why not.
Friday night Cava? Absolutely.
Champagne for breakfast? They've definitely done that.
Has strong opinions about flutes vs coupes and will happily explain why one is better than the other, at length, if you let them. Probably owns at least three bottles of sparkling wine at any given time, strategically positioned for various occasions (fridge, wine rack, "special occasion" cupboard).
They think those tall, thin Champagne flutes everyone uses are tragic - all bubbles, no flavour.
They're the person who brings Prosecco to a picnic, keeps Cava in for unexpected guests, and has a running mental list of which supermarket bubbles are actually worth buying. They take their fizz seriously, but not so seriously that they won't drink them from a proper glass on a random Wednesday.
What they need
Proper glasses that let Champagne actually taste like Champagne instead of just fizzy wine in a tube.
What to buy
Riedel Veritas Champagne Wine Glasses - A pair is perfect for them, but if they entertain often, spring for the set of 8. These are egg-shaped (not flutes), which means the wine can actually breathe and you taste the complexity instead of just the bubbles. A game-changer for anyone who really appreciates their fizz, or who thinks all Champagne tastes the same.
Budget alternative: Riedel O Stemless Champagne at £23.95 for a pair. Same principle as the Cabernet Glass, no stems to break. Perfect for garden parties or people with enthusiastic pets/children.
Traditional option: Riedel Vinum Cuvee Prestige Champagne Glasses at £43.95 per pair offer a more classic look whilst still allowing proper aroma development.
The Flute Problem: Traditional flutes concentrate bubbles but suppress aroma and flavour. Egg-shaped glasses let you actually taste what you paid for whilst still maintaining that lovely mousse.
The Red Wine Devotee
Who they are
Only drinks red.
Has probably never finished a bottle of white in their life.
Might have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc lurking in the back of the fridge from that dinner party three months ago, but they certainly haven't opened it.
Likely to have opinions about Bordeaux vs Burgundy, Left Bank vs Right Bank, old world vs new world, and whether Malbec is overrated (it's not, but they enjoy the debate).
Their wine rack contains exclusively dark bottles. If someone offers them white wine, they'll politely decline and silently judge them. They probably have a favourite region, a favourite grape, and a favourite wine shop. They know what they like, they know why they like it, and they're not interested in experimenting with Pinot Grigio just because it's summer.
They're loyal, consistent, and absolutely certain that red wine is the only wine worth drinking. Their glassware reflects this commitment - why own white wine glasses when you're never going to use them?
What they need
Proper red wine glasses that do justice to what they're drinking. Not generic "wine glasses" - actual, varietal-specific ones.
What to buy
Riedel Superleggero Bordeaux Grand Cru Glasses. Big, generous glasses for big, generous reds. Currently £37.95 each (RRP £47.50), with the 2, 4 and 8 Packs giving even better value (£34.37½ per glass in the 8 Pack) and they really do make a noticeable difference to tannic wines.
If they're Kiwi Pinot Noir people instead: Veritas New World Pinot Noir - specifically designed for fruit-forward styles. The Prince of Wales approved these, which tells you something.
For Burgundy lovers: Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru Glass at £37.95 (RRP £47.50) handles the elegance and complexity of Pinot Noir beautifully.
The "I Don't Know What They Like But I Need a Gift" Person
Who they are
Your situation, not theirs.
You know they drink wine - you've seen them with a glass at parties, or they mentioned enjoying a bottle at dinner, or they've definitely got a wine rack somewhere in their house.
But you have absolutely no idea what type, how often, or at what level of enthusiasm.
Do they prefer red or white?
Are they adventurous or do they stick to the safe bets?
Do they care about glassware or are they happy drinking from whatever's clean?
You haven't got a clue!
You're fairly certain a cork screw wouldn't be insulting, but beyond that, you're navigating blind. You need something that's thoughtful enough to show you care, but safe enough that you won't accidentally gift them their third decanter or glasses for a wine type they never drink.
Universal appeal is your friend here.
What they need
Something universally useful that won't go wrong.
What to buy
Riedel Wine Friendly Decanter - £47.15 (RRP £59). Fits in a fridge door. Works for any wine - red, white, young, old. Looks elegant on a table. Slim design means it doesn't take up half the kitchen. Honestly, everyone should own one of these and most people don't. You're giving them something actually useful.
Alternative safe bet: Riedel Veritas Moscato/Coupe Glasses at £49.95 for a pair (RRP £62.50). Officially for dessert wines and sparkling, but they're brilliant for cocktails and look stunning. Versatile enough that you can't go wrong.
Always goes down well: Le Creuset GS-190 Waiter's Corkscrew and Stopper Gift Set. An essential tool, the elegant two-step design makes removing corks effortless, and the coated stainless steel screw slides easily into all corks, natural or synthetic. The stainless steel stopper with matching wooden top has 3 rings of different diameters to fit a variety of bottle necks.
The Port & Sherry Collector
Who they are
Has a dedicated "fortified wines" section of their drinks cabinet, probably organised by style and age. Probably owns at least one bottle of vintage Port or aged Tawny, and definitely has opinions about which Sherry should be served when.
Thinks Fino should always be served cold, knows the difference between Amontillado and Oloroso, and gets genuinely excited about late harvest wines.
They're the person at dinner who suggests Port with the cheese course, who brings proper Sherry to tapas nights, and who gets slightly evangelical about how underrated fortified wines are in the UK.
They've probably tried explaining the Solera system to someone at a party.
They collect these wines deliberately, they store them properly, and they serve them at the right temperature in the right context.
They're not just drinking Port at Christmas - they're drinking it properly, year-round, and they'd appreciate glassware that reflects that level of commitment.
What they need
Proper spirits/fortified glasses. Not just repurposed wine glasses.
What to buy
Riedel Vinum Port Glasses - £43.95 for a pair (RRP £55). Purposely-designed for Port, Sherry, and spirits. Exactly the same shape as the glasses used at The Institute of Port Wine, in Lisbon, and this shape properly concentrates those complex fortified wine aromas, instead of letting them dissipate like they would in a regular wine glass.
Most people just use whatever wine glasses are hanging around for Port - this shows you know better.
Premium option: Riedel Veritas Spirits Glasses at £49.95 per pair (RRP £62.50) offer even more refined aromatics for serious collectors.
Stemless alternative: Riedel O Wine Tumbler Spirits/Fortified Wines/Sake Glasses at £23.95 per pair (RRP £30) for those who prefer the stability of stemless.
The Practical Details
The discount: 20% off sitewide (already reflected in the prices above). Selected items up to 33% off.
Delivery: Free UK mainland delivery over £49.
Returns: We actually mean our no-quibble returns policy. Used them and changed your mind? Not a problem. Send them back. We're not going to even ask why. Well, we might, but only so we can steer you in the direction of something more suitable.
The breakage insurance: Accidentally break something within two years and we'll replace it for half the RRP. Because we're realistic about how long wine glasses actually survive in the real world.
Why This Matters
Most retailers won't replace broken glassware at all. We'll do it for half price within two years because we know that wine glasses live in the real world, not in display cabinets. This isn't just a policy - it's acknowledgment that quality glassware is meant to be used.
The Bottom Line
Wine glasses make excellent gifts because:
- Everyone needs them
- Most people are using rubbish ones
- Good ones genuinely make wine taste better
- They last for years (if you don't break them, which you will, but at least you've got the half-price replacement thing)
Stop overthinking it. Pick the character that sounds most like your person, buy what I've suggested, and move on with your life.
And if you're buying for yourself? Good.
You deserve proper glasses too.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our interactive Gift Finder tool to narrow down the perfect gift based on who you're buying for and your budget. Three questions, thirty seconds, done.
Try the Gift FinderStay safe and be kind to each other.
Andi Healey
The Riedel Shop Web Manager
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