The holidays are approaching, and if you have a wine and travel enthusiast in your life, you’re in luck. These are some of the most delightful people to shop for because their passions open up a world of thoughtful, meaningful gift possibilities.

As a travel advisor specializing in wine and culinary journeys, and someone currently on the sommelier certification path (I recently completed my WSET Level 1 in Wines), I’ve spent years discovering what wine and travel lovers actually use, appreciate, and get excited about. These aren’t random picks, they’re gifts I’ve either given, received, used myself, or recommend to clients planning their wine country adventures.

Whether you’re shopping for someone planning their first Napa Valley trip, a serious collector building their cellar, or a couple dreaming of Tuscan vineyards, this guide covers gifts across different budgets. And yes, I’ll be completely transparent about which items I personally own versus which ones come highly recommended.

Wine Education: Gifts That Keep on Giving

The best wine lovers are curious learners, and these educational resources make exceptional gifts.

Wine Folly: Books and Maps

Wine Folly’s “Master Guide” has become the modern wine education standard, breaking down regions, varietals, and tasting techniques with stunning visuals. Their wine region maps are both educational and are now available bundled into one book, perfect for someone planning a wine trip or dreaming about their next vineyard destination (I’ve already pre-ordered the book!). 

Wine Folly also has a great wine aroma chart that will help your wine lover understand the nuanced aromas in their wines. And they’re beautiful!

Where to purchase: Wine Folly website

The Essential Wine Books

Three books belong on every wine lover’s shelf: Kevin Zraly’s “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” for structured, practical wine education; “The World Atlas of Wine” by Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson for encyclopedic reference (the book wine professionals keep); and “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil for engaging storytelling alongside technical knowledge.

Where to purchase: Major bookstores

WSET Courses: The Gift of Formal Wine Education

For someone serious about deepening their wine knowledge, a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) course is extraordinary. WSET Level 1 provides foundational knowledge, Level 2 offers intermediate understanding ($700-900), and Level 3 is advanced study ($1,200-1,500). The structured curriculum, professional instruction, and globally-recognized certification make this a gift that can genuinely change someone’s relationship with wine.

Where to purchase: Find approved providers at wsetglobal.com

Travel Essentials for Wine Country

Briggs & Riley Hard-Sided Luggage

When you’re traveling and bringing bottles home, you need luggage that can handle the weight. Briggs & Riley’s hard-sided cases ($500-700) are virtually indestructible with lifetime guarantees, even for airline damage. This luggage can survive multiple trips carrying wine home from Napa, Tuscany, or Bordeaux.

Where to purchase: Briggs & Riley official website

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

This is my personal everyday travel tote. It’s lightweight, folds flat, holds an incredible amount (perfect for impromptu purchases), and looks elegant anywhere. I’ve carried mine through airports, vineyards, and cities across three continents, and it still looks nearly new after several years. ($145-185).

Where to purchase: Longchamp.com 

Wine Travel Accessories

Portable wine bottle protectors are TSA-approved and invaluable when bringing home special discoveries. For day trips between wineries, insulated wine carriers from Picnic at Ascot or YETI keep bottles at proper temperature while looking elegant in tasting rooms.

Where to purchase: Check your local wine store

For the Fashionable Traveler

Nuuly and Rent the Runway Subscriptions

For wine travelers who want to look elegant at vineyard dinners with lots of clothing options, clothing rental subscriptions are genius. Nuuly offers more lifestyle and casual clothes. Rent the Runway provides more designer, elegant options. Consider gifting 1-3 months, they can rent special outfits, then return them. Travel lighter, look better.

Where to purchase: Nuuly and Rent the Runway

Wine Subscriptions

Wine subscriptions have evolved beyond generic boxes. Look for curated services focusing on natural wines, small-production wineries, or specific regions. Gift strategy: Start with 3 months so they can decide if they want to continue.

If you know their favorite winery, many offer wine club memberships providing exclusive access to limited releases, discounts, and special events, which is particularly valuable for sought-after wines in Napa, Sonoma, and Willamette Valley.

Experience Gifts: Creating Memories

Wine Country Hotel Gift Certificates

Some of the most thoughtful gifts don’t come in boxes—they come as experiences. Hotels like Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Carneros Resort in Napa, and The Allison Inn & Spa in Willamette Valley offer gift certificates applicable to stays, spa treatments, or dining. You’re giving the gift of wine travel memories they’ll treasure forever.

Where to buy: Send me an email and I can arrange this for you!

Gift the Services of a Wine and Food Travel Advisor

Here’s something I genuinely believe: the gift of expertly planned travel is one of the most valuable presents you can give. When you gift travel planning services, you’re giving:

• Custom itineraries designed around their preferences
• Access to private tastings not available to the public
• Insider connections at boutique wineries and renowned estates
• White-glove service throughout their journey
• Someone to handle any issues so they can focus on enjoying themselves

Planning wine country travel takes significant time and expertise. Which wineries should they visit? How do they secure reservations at allocated wineries? Should they rent a car or hire a driver? These questions have nuanced answers that come from experience and industry relationships.

How to gift this: Email me directly to discuss what this looks like for your specific recipient. We can create a custom package appropriate for their travel dreams and your gift budget. From comprehensive planning for a two-week European wine journey to a curated long weekend in Napa, we can create the perfect gift. Contact: kathryn@mistralwindstravel.com

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Start planning: Fill out my inquiry form and we’ll schedule a video chat to discuss your wine travel dreams.

🌐 Visit: mistralwindstravel.com
📧 Email: kathryn@mistralwindstravel.com

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Mistral Winds Travel | Luxury Wine & Culinary Journeys
Where expertise meets adventure, and every glass tells a story

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best gift for someone who loves both wine and travel?

Pair a Wine Folly regional map of their dream destination with wine-specific travel accessories like protective bottle sleeves. For a substantial gift, consider travel planning services with a wine advisor who creates custom vineyard experiences and insider access they couldn’t arrange independently.

What wine gifts do sommeliers actually recommend?

Top sommelier-approved gifts include WSET certification courses, varietal-specific Riedel glassware, Coravin preservation systems, and reference books like Jancis Robinson’s “World Atlas of Wine” or Kevin Zraly’s “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course”—gifts that enhance education and proper storage over decorative items.

Are wine subscriptions worth it as gifts?

Yes, when matched carefully to the recipient. For adventurous wine lovers, curated subscriptions offer exposure to small-production wines they wouldn’t find locally. For loyal collectors, winery-specific clubs provide allocation access to limited releases. Start with a 3-month subscription to let them test the curation style.

What’s a good budget for a wine lover’s gift?

Thoughtful gifts start at $30-50 (Wine Folly books, wine travel sleeves). Mid-range ($100-300) includes Wine Folly maps, Longchamp totes, or 3-month wine subscriptions. Premium ($300-1,000) covers WSET courses, Coravin systems, Briggs & Riley luggage, or private winery experiences. The most meaningful gifts reflect understanding of their interests rather than price tag.