Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience and excitement of wine advent calendars.
These calendars often include a variety of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines, allowing you to explore different regions and grape varieties.
Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or bubbly rosés, there’s a wine advent calendar to suit your palate.
Why buy a wine advent calendar?
A wine advent calendar offers a delightful and festive way to count down to Christmas while discovering new and exciting wines. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider buying one:
Discover new wines: Wine advents often feature a variety of grape varieties and regions, allowing you to explore wines you may not have encountered before
Support local wineries: Many wine calendars include wines from local or independent wineries, helping to support the wine industry
Share with friends and family: These advent calendars can be a great way to share the joy of wine with loved ones. You can organise a tasting party or gift a calendar to a friend
- Learn about different wine styles: Advent calendars can help you learn about different wine styles, from bold reds to crisp whites and sparkling rosés
- Add a festive touch to the festive season: A wine advent can add a fun and unique element to the festivities.
We think there’s a lot to recommend a wine calendar for someone who really enjoys their wine.
This is not only a thoughtful gift, but you’ll give them a chance to enjoy a new wine long after Christmas is over.
Now, let’s take a look at some wine retailers with great advent calendars.
Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar £89.99
- Why shortlist: Offers a diverse range of red and white wines from around the world, including classic regions and emerging winemaking areas
- Highlights: Popular customer choices make the mix – and Laithwaites also offer a dedicated white wine and a red calendar for connoisseurs.
Virgin Wines Advent Calendar £89.99
- Why shortlist: Offers a curated selection of wines, often with a focus on small, independent producers
- Highlights: Includes wines from lesser-known regions or grape varieties.
The Sunday Times Wine Club Mixed Advent Calendar £89.99
- Why shortlist: The ever-popular mixed wine advent calendar offers an impressive line-up of great wines – there are some unusual wines included
- Highlights: Often includes wines from prestigious wine regions with exclusive member-only releases.
The John Lewis Wine Advent Calendar £100
- Why shortlist: Lovely mix of white, red and rose wines – all are very impressive
- Highlights: This is a very popular wine advent calendar, and it offers great value for money with wines that deliver.
The Brixton Wine Club Advent Calendar £130
- Why shortlist: A different calendar that consists of 24 tins of white, red and rose wines
- Highlights: Not everyone is a fan of canned wine but we say, give this collection a go and be surprised at the quality and range on offer.
Tips when choosing a wine advent
With so many retailers and brands offering wine advents, it’s worth considering the following factors:
Your personal preferences: Do you prefer red, white or rosé wines? Are you interested in exploring different regions or grape varieties?
Price: Wine advent calendars can vary in price, so consider your budget
Quality: Look for calendars that feature wines from reputable producers or that have positive reviews
- Variety: A good advent calendar should offer a variety of wines to keep you interested throughout the month.
From experience, we also think it’s worth checking the bottle sizes. Most calendars will offer a cheeky 187ml glass of wine a day. Some will add a full-size bottle for a Christmas Day treat – for example, the calendars from Virgin Wines and Laithwaites.
However, some advents have 375ml bottles – that’s a half sized bottle of wine – to enjoy.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect wine advent calendar to make the countdown to Christmas even more enjoyable.
What food to pair with wine?
Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas Day lunch or a small gathering with friends and family, selecting the right wine to complement your meal can elevate the overall dining experience.
Here’s a guide to pairing wines with classic Christmas dishes, from hearty meats to light desserts:
Red Wines:
- Hearty meats: Steak, roast beef, lamb, venison
- Strong cheeses: Cheddar, Stilton, blue cheese
- Rich sauces: Gravy, mushroom sauce, cranberry sauce
White Wines:
- Poultry: Turkey, chicken, duck
- Seafood: Salmon, cod,
- Light cheeses: Brie, Camembert, goat’s cheese
- Fruit-based desserts: Apple pie, cranberry sauce
Rosé Wines:
- Grilled meats: Chicken, pork, salmon
- Salads: Mixed greens, Caesar salad
- Light appetisers: Charcuterie board
Sparkling Wines (Champagne, Prosecco):
- Appetisers: Oysters, caviar, canapés
- Light desserts: Fruit tarts, mousse
Specific wine and food pairings
Red wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Steak, lamb, venison, hearty stews
- Pinot Noir: Roast chicken/turkey, salmon, duck, mushroom dishes
- Merlot: Roast beef, pork, pasta dishes with tomato sauce
White wines
- Sauvignon Blanc: Seafood, goat cheese, asparagus
- Chardonnay: Chicken, pork, creamy sauces, brie
- Riesling: Apples, pears, fruit tarts, Asian cuisine
Remember: These are just suggestions. The best way to find your perfect wine and food pairing is to experiment and see what you enjoy.
